Formula One Manager
Genre: STRATEGY.
Company: CRL.
Reviewed by: Raver.
Graphics: 15%
Sound: 90%
Difficulty: Variable.
Overall: 88%
A well-thought-out, realistic management game. Features ARCADE elements.
F1M is a very interesting game. This game is included in this issue's supplement, and after reading this review, YOU will be able to play it. But if you can't wait, you can explore the game on your own; however, I'll mention three useful keys here:
1) 'P'. Using this key, you can call your car into the PITSTOP to change tires (they must be changed if weather conditions shift).
2) 'S'. If you press this key, after the current race, you will be offered to save the current game to disk.
3) 'G'. If you press this key during the race, then before the next race you will be offered to place bets on the totalizer. Choose which of the drivers to bet on, and remember that the amount of money you can win depends on the explanation that follows the driver's surname. If you see the word 'EVENS' there, the odds are 1 to 1. You can bet on multiple drivers. If the driver you bet on finishes at least in the top three, you win.
Now, more details about the whole game from the very beginning.
Once you've watched the cool intro, you will be able to choose sound effects or music, but remember that music is only available on computers with 128K or more memory.
Once the game itself loads, press 'L' if you want to restore a saved game or any other key to continue. Then choose your joystick. Next, the number of players. When selecting the difficulty level, remember that EXPERT is the most interesting one.
Enter your first name, last name, and patronymic, then choose your team (BRABHAM is recommended).
If you want, you can change some of the drivers' names. Next, choose your sponsors. You also need to buy at least two drivers, but initially, it's recommended to buy only one so that more money remains for car maintenance.
Having performed all these satanic rituals, you must prepare the car for the race. A screen appears: your team's name at the top, then the car number. Below are four graphs:
1) Driver. Shows the driver's skill level. Hovering over this item allows you to buy a new driver.
2) Power. The car's engine power. Here you can improve the existing engine or buy a new one.
3) Car. The car's chassis. You can buy or upgrade it.
4) Crew. The pit crew (who change tires, repair the car in the PITSTOP). You can hire a new crew or train the current one.
Using the cursor keys, you can move the arrow over any of these graphs and then press ENTER. You will be able to choose between buying new (key 'B') or upgrading (key 'I').
Once you have made all the necessary purchases and upgrades, press 'C'.
Now choose tires depending on the weather conditions.
The track grid layout will be shown, followed by the lap count for this track.
When the cars start racing, the top square will show the race standings: position (POS), car number (CAR), and the gap between cars (DIFF). The lower part of the screen will show the leader's name and various messages will appear. If something happens to the car, it will head to the PITSTOP, and you will have to take the joystick into your own hands to change tires or repair the car. The crew's movement speed depends on how much money you spent on them.
At the end of the race, the top six score points. Have fun playing!
INFO
Section: Analysis.
Article: Formula One Manager.
Authors: Raver (DAXY).
Date: 29.07.95.
Editorial address: DAXY, Mālkalnes 27-33, LV-5000, Ogre.
Phones: 8250-23533, ask for Egons;
8250-44058, ask for Rihards.
Fax: 8250-46295.
Share your thoughts about the article