When the Playstation 2 launched last year, EA Sports hit it big with Madden 2001 and SSX. Then, something odd started to happen. The remaining franchises in the EA Sports line-up had good looks in screen shots but when they finally arrived the glitz was not to evident in the shadow of poor gameplay. F1 2000 did not necessarily play badly, it played fine but the visuals contained a lot of the feared jaggies and framerates were inconsistent. Many in the media believed that EA Sports could not tap into the PS2 properly. Well the EA Sports faithful have nothing to worry about. The development teams have spent a lot more intimate time with Sony's year old tower of power in order to tap the right amount of visual flare and solid gameplay. F1 2001 arrived not too long after Sony's 989 Studios released their Formula One title. Which is the definitive PS2 F1 title this season?

The developers have done an admirable job by cleaning up last year's jaggy problem that plagued its F1 and NASCAR titles. Track detail has been enhanced in order to show a lot more action and excitement on and around each course. A major focus this year was how the weather system reacts to the visual and gameplay experience. You are witness to a number of adverse weather conditions brought alive thanks to the PS2's ability to handle lighting and other visual effects. Clouds slowly roll in and pit crews prepare by getting their umbrellas ready. Rain causes opponents to spin off the track, crash into barriers and rush to the pits to change tires. The car models have also been tightened and now appear more smooth and fluid. The game moves along at blazing speeds which convincingly portrays the sense of speed F1 drivers experience. Naturally, the framerate is solid and smooth clocking in at a constant 60 frames per second refresh rate. The framerate does not falter even when there are 10 or more cars on the track at once. The soundtrack, sound effects and voice work are above average, although more commentary variation during races would have added more realism to the presentation. Speaking of presentation, EA Sports has done a nice job in conveying a broadcast approach. At the conclusion of each race, you have the opportunity to relive the defining moments as key events are edited to provide a tight highlight package. You can also control the various camera options during this replay to in effect become the director. The visual package is rounded off with a completely interactive pit crew which looks stunning.

As mentioned already, gameplay was not really a problem last year. Nevertheless, EA Sports has gone back and revamped the A.I. in the game. The A.I. is good and reacts appropriately depending upon the status of the race. It is not like the cheating A.I. found in GT3. Every driver on the track will battle and react to maintain position, while constantly looking for the next opportunity to overtake. This results in creating a very viable and intense racing experience. Control of the cars has also been tweaked and players have an extensive range of options in setting up their car. Variables such as aerodynamics, suspension, brakes and gearbox can all be adjusted to suit your individual needs. These adjustable variables can be set to automatic for those less simulation oriented. In addition, the pit-stops are now fully interactive which challenge the gamer to complete a series of tasks in order to improve pit time.

The game is set up in three main modes: Challenge, Grand Prix and Mulitplayer options. The Challenge Mode will keep you the busiest. Here you must prove your skill and learn your trade in different race related challenges including basics, weather, pit stops, race craft and track experience. By clearing each challenge you will in effect increase the depth of the game by unlocking new modes and learn how to use your car to its full potential. This will also give you the opportunity to master each track in the circuit challenge. In the Grand Prix mode, you have 5 sub-options which allow you to race in a single GP weekend, a full season or multiple seasons. The multiplayer options round out a very nice package. Four options are available here including time challenges, tag team competition and advantage competition whereby you must win as many individual laps as possible against your opponent.

EA Sports has done a fantastic job in addressing most of last year's issues. F1 2001 is the choice Formula One racing title for the Playstation 2 this season. Fans of the genre will be more than satisfied with its simulation elements while casual gamers will find the pick up and play arcade features not too overwhelming.