Formula 1 97

Formula 1 97 is a racing simulation developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Psygnosis, serving as the sequel to the 1996 Formula 1 title and based on the 1997 Formula One World Championship. The game includes all the tracks from the 1997 season, and all drivers except for Jacques Villeneuve, who declined to license his name. The core gameplay is split into two distinct experiences: a Grand Prix mode designed for technical realism, and an Arcade mode aimed at a broader audience with powerslide-heavy handling. Features include car setup options, dynamic weather, fuel depletion, car failures, and a full commentary team of Murray Walker and Martin Brundle. New camera angles include a cockpit view with visor tear-off strips.

PlayStation

Released on September 26, 1997 in Europe and September 30 in North America, Formula 1 97 was a critical and commercial success. Critics praised the controls for their accuracy and realism, and the varied AI that made each race unpredictable and strategic. The detailed graphics and realistic sound effects were also widely applauded, although some reviewers noted a good deal of pop-up as a trade-off for performance. Reviewers described the game as a significant jump from its predecessor, and Official UK PlayStation Magazine noted the engine was faster and more detailed, with fully deformable cars. The biggest complaint was that the Grand Prix mode was not playable with two players. The game was a commercial success, selling over 200,000 units in Germany alone. It is remembered as the title that achieved the best balance between realism and fun, though Bizarre Creations would move on to create the Metropolis Street Racer and Project Gotham Racing series after this.