THE GRAND PRIX II FAQ

 

UPDATED January 25 1997

 

What is GP2? - GP2 or GRAND PRIX 2 is the sequel to the highly successful Formula 1 game WORLD CIRCUIT. Originally designed for the Amiga computer in 1991 by Geoff Crammond and released by Microprose. GP2 was released in the summer of 1996 after three long years of waiting.

Why is there no weather, such as rain? - Again for the same reason as above. A lack of time. The same reason that there are extra sounds in the Sample.cat file that are not used. There are patches that allow for the "simulation" of rain conditions. Also, snow conditions are available as a patch if your into spring training. ;-)

Why is there no network support? - Here is the story as best I know it. Microprose was in a rush to get the game out. so in order to do so, Geoff Crammond had to "cut" some corners and leave some things out. Least of all was IPX support. Modem and serial link play is supported.

 

Why during modem play does everything slow down? - Just as in the first game, the modem interface sucks! However, there is a little trick you can do to improve frame rate. Go to the graphics menu and select graphics of 18 frames per second (fps) and reduce the amount of fps to 2 frames less than recommended. Or even better turn off all the graphics.

How do I increase graphic detail? - Unless your running a Pentium 500 MMX, you cannot run this game with full graphics detail on. The biggest problem is the sky. Always leave this off. There are ways to improve your graphics detail however:

Also, a utility that used to be known as the UNIVBE driver, now known as SciTech Display Doctor, updates your graphics card to the latest standards so you can be sure programs will work correctly and will run as fast as possible on your system.

How do I run the game without the CD Rom? - There is a utility called "nocdrom" that allows you to run the game without the disc.

Can I customize the game? - The game itself is very customizable. It allows for many player selected options including, graphic detail, driver names, team names, AI options, break downs and more. The game doesn't allow for changing cars, driver helmets, pit lane positions, pit lane speed, sounds and track ads. Enter the GP2 fan! Starting with Trevor Kellaway who cracked the code to the .jam files. Jam files are the files which contain the games' graphics (cars, helmets, track ads). From this initial editor came other editors which allowed just about every other aspect of the game to be edited. The best example is Steve Young's GP2 edit version 1.70. This editor allows you to edit and patch all aspects of the game, including AI, helmets, cars, sounds, ads, etc.

What's the best setup for my car? - There's no such thing as the best setup. Everybody has it's own driving style and the cars have their own characteristics. A set up for a Williams will not work as well on a Tyrrell. It's really hit and miss, but understanding the car needs for a certain track will help. Such as, you need to have less down force in certain track depending on if the track is a technical or a fast track. Look to my Article of the month in February for more information.

How do I get a screen shot? - Use the utility PCX Dump made by Jesper Frandsen. Its available on the GP2 download page.

How do I paint my own cars? - In the upcoming months there will be articles on how to create and edit your own files. This is the first one in the series. It is provided to me by Pat Painter. Who I think makes the best looking cars out there. Click here to go to the article

Are there any other Formula 1 games available? - Four others to be exact.

Psygnosis- Formula 1

We are trying to get the publisher to provide us with a copy. Until then this is just a over view of other reviews and game features.

1996 Season Statistics and '97 Season statistics up to the Spanish Grand Prix.
Very distinct Arcade and Grand Prix mode
Whole game now runs in high resolution (512 x 256)
30 fps (25 fps PAL) frame rate - dynamically allocated to guard against slowdown
2 Player Split Screen mode
8 different viewpoints, including full Cockpit view
All new AI system, with distinct driver personalities
Spectacular crashes, realistic damage, car failures
New engine sound system with different sounds for different cars
Dual commentary, new extended scripts and pit-crew radio
12 brand new music tracks, with a variety of styles
Dynamic weather, with enhanced wet-weather AI
Full Grand Prix car set-up
All-action Arcade mode, with hilarious arcade commentary
Training mode, with race-line assistance and detailed telemetry
Hidden tracks, secrets and cheats

One review said that the 1996 version of this game lacked replayability and would disappoint die-hard fans. I'll let you know when I get a copy.

EDIOS- POWER F1

This one I have. Boy was I disappointed. Graphically it's very nice. But that's where the appeal for me ended. The tracks aren't very accurate and the play was very "Arcade-like". Not a true sim. If you like that type of game, then its good at what it is. Has some nice features and is based on the 1994 season.

UBISOFT- RSF1

This is another game we are trying to get a copy of. look here for a complete review soon. This is what Ubisoft says of the game:

This is as real as Formula 1 gets without actually sitting in the cockpit! And, F1 Racing Simulation features the real drivers, the real cars and true-to-live renderings of all 16 circuits from the 1996 Grand Prix season. A team of Ubi Soft developers closely collaborated with F1 Renault engineers to create a feverishly fast, shockingly real F1 game that will bypass its PC competitors to this year's Pole Position. Your palms will sweat, your heart will pound. In F1 Racing Simulation, you have to keep your nerve and hold the racing line.
Official Formula One license from FOA / FOCA.
F1 Renault engineers closely collaborated with Ubi Soft developers
to create the most realistic F1 racing simulation on the market.
22 F1 drivers from the 1996 F1 World Championship, including Damon
Hill, Michael Schumacher, Jean Alesi, Mika Hakkinen, and more.
All 16 tracks from the 1996 F1 World Championship have been
intricately rendered for a realistic F1 racing experience.
Customize all aspects of your car set up including wing settings and
downforce, brake balance, suspension and even gear ratios.
Real time pit stops and television replays.
Advanced opponent AI for full speed realistic racing.
Split-screen multiplayer racing.
Three levels of difficulty and seven racing modes including Single
Race, Grand Prix, Championship, Training School and Time Trials.

From the the sounds of the game, it could be great. I'll let you know.

 

Finally from the masters of racing sims, Papyrus/Sierra , comes GRAND PRIX LEGENDS. Their first entry into the world of F1. So far only some screenshots and some rumors are available. But so far it looks good. This one I have got to see! Again we are trying to obtain a preview copy. I'll keep you abreast of the situation.

 

Will there be a GP3?- Well here is the latest:

  • there will be support for the new Voodoo 2 chips. Talk between Geoff Crammond and 3DFX have taken place.
  • will have network support.
  • will have weather
  • will have radio chat from the pit ( like Nascar 2 )
  • will be contained on 4 CD's
  • will be based on the 1997 season.
  • will be released Fall 1998
  • buy GP3 and you'll be better looking , thin, win the lottery and everyone will like you!

Bottom line....no one knows. Officially there isn't even a sequel planed. I think no one is saying anything officially because, like with the announcement of GP2 and the delays that followed, came to bear a certain amount of pressure to release the game as soon as possible. Geoff Crammond buckled to the pressure of Microprose and released a very good but incomplete game. I believe he is trying to avoid it this time.

Jim Dunphy

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