Formula One may have gained column inches lately for fraternising with despotic Middle Eastern regimes, but behind the controversy, corruption, and huge mountains of cash there’s a sport that enraptures millions all over the globe.
It’s this intrinsic appeal that Formula Micro GP 1 attempts to replicate. Instead of getting itself bogged down in details and complexity, the game adopts a refreshingly straightforward driving style that would make Alain 'The Professor' Prost envious.
Viewed from a top-down perspective, Formula Micro GP 1 apes the classic gameplay of Codemasters’s sublime Micro Machines series. Acceleration is automatic, and turning is done by tapping either the left or right side of the screen.
Working the wheel
The only other command you have to worry about is your KERS boost system, which gives you a slight increase in straight line speed but takes a while to recharge once expended.
Aside from that, all you have to concern yourself with is keeping your expensive race car on the tarmac and making sure your tyres last the distance. Just like in real racing, high-speed turns degrade your rubber and result in less responsive turns, so you’ll need to pit-in during the race to get a fresh set of wheels.
If you're gagging to hit the track then you can take part in a single race and try to set the best lap time. However, the real meat of Formula Micro GP 1 lies in its Career mode, which sees you working your way through several full seasons and trying to get behind the wheel of a car capable of winning the championship.
Pedal to the metalDespite its basic controls and even more basic appearance, Formula Micro GP 1 doesn't really put a wheel on the grass at any point. Although it initially seems a bit difficult, once you've memorised the courses you'll find that it becomes immensely rewarding - especially when you achieve victory with clean driving and perfectly-timed pit stops.
Some form of multiplayer mode would have been welcome, and it's disappointing that the game doesn't boast official Formula One teams, but these are minor issues that will have little impact on your enjoyment.
Fans of wheel-to-wheel racing who crave instant thrills without having to digest an entire instruction manual beforehand will positively 'lap' this up (you're fired - ed).
Android version reviewed.Formula Micro GP 1
Like so many of the cars participating in this year's World Championship, Formula Micro GP 1 can't be described as attractive, but the fast-paced gameplay and tight control shine through regardless
Damien McFerran
Damien's mum hoped he would grow out of playing silly video games and gain respectable employment. Perhaps become a teacher or a scientist, that kind of thing. Needless to say she now weeps openly whenever anyone asks how her son's getting on these days.