Grand Prix Racing Online Game Review
Racing Team Manager Game Played Through the Web Browser Simulated F1
Apr 19, 2009
Almost everyone who has watched F1 Grand Prix racing on the television must have wondered what it would be like to manage a successful F1 team like Ferarri of old, Williams Renault, or the latest sensation : Brawn GP. Now, thanks to a multi-cultural, multi-nationality team that put together Grand Prix Racing Online, everyone can pick up a team, get a driver, and suceed in an F1 competition.
What's more, it is a genuinely fun game, captures a lot of the excitement and technical detail of the real F1 experience, whilst providing an entirely accessible structure that enables rank newbies to get started whilst stretching even the most talented manager. At least, in the absence of every actually having managed a F1 team for real, it casts the illusion of bing as close to the real thing as possible without actually having 30 million dollars in the bank.
F1 Economic Restrictions
This is the starting balance of a Grand Prix Racing Online newbie. In a regular season of races, that 30 million has to cover an awful lot:
- Car enhancements
- Driver and Team salaries
- Bonuses
- Car repair and maintenance
- Training costs
New players quickly realize that the 1 million per race that comes in from the default sponsor (more can be negotiated) will never cover all the expenses. Even with starting capital of 30 million dollars, ending a season with a positive balance is a challenge.
Parts wear out, and must be replaced. In the process, they can be upgraded, which is extremely tempting, and ultimately very expensive. More than one newbie racer has found themselves victim of overspending on car parts in a desperate attempt to do better. Income is generated from race position, qualifying position, and sponsorship. All of which bring in cash.
Of course, the best way to get more money is to win more races. To win more races, the car, driver, and team have to be managed to perfection.
Growing with Grand Prix Racing - Managing Teams Effectively
This is where Grand Prix Racing Online excels. The team management has been broken down so that newbies need not worry about it, but anyone who dreams of progressing through the categories (from Rookie to Pro), and beating the thousands of competitors on the way up, will need to learn how to properly manage every aspect:
- Pit team training
- Research and Development
- Driver selection and training
- Team director choice
- etc.
In fact, for every part of the F1 experience, the developers have implemented a virtual equivalent. All of which are extremely realistic, well implemented, and accessible.
A Great Diversion and Excellent Balance
The end result is a great diversion. The balance between simulation and game is just right for the main part, and while the initial learning curve is a bit steep for those not versed in real world F1 techniques and tactics, it is well worth the time to get to know the system for the sheer fun of entering race after race in search of glory.
Players can get started at the Grand Prix Racing Online web site.
