Tim the Wiz
Banned
Finally got my hands on this, and is the legendary cult status justified? Absolutely. Geoff Crammond's physics engine is one of the best I've ever seen in a driving game, the wet weather driving is realistic, the sense of speed can be wonderful and you really feel like you've got your hands on a F1 car. Be warned, it wouldn't be unfair to say that the game needs a bit of modding to show you its best, fortunately though, the modding scene around GP4 is still highly active.
The tension and excitement of leading a race with Kimi Raikkonen on your back setting fastest lap records and closing the distance as the penultimate lap of the race comes up. The occasional fluke crashes that either leap-frog you ahead or leave you trailing behind like David Coulthard that remind you that yes, you are racing. Coming through with pole at qualifying requires great skill and daring, giving me a greater appreciation for the drivers who can fly into a corner and brake at the last possible instant; I'm just risking a crash, they're risking a life. Orders from the pits come through telling you when to lap, etc. There really is a fantastic element of realism here.
This is a straight up simulation, one of the best I've ever played. The learning curve was a bit steep, maybe an hour or so until you get a good handle on how to control the car. I prefer the camera view just above the driver's head, but there are a ton of options. Don't worry, the graphics are more than passable, and at the speed you're going, there's little reason why you'll be paying inordinate amounts of attention to the scenery.
Again, the modding scene for this game is hugely active right here in 2008 for a game that was released back in 2002. A patch is required, and there are a large number of season mods with tracks, drivers, cars and more, from classic seasons like 79, 88 and 91 to the modern 2000-07 seasons, as well as non-F1 series such as CART, Champ Car, DTM 2005 and (Beta) Le Mans.
Downloads Guide:
Official Patch - Needed to fix initial game bugs.
Decrypted GP4.exe for the official 9.6 patch - Needed for most editors/mods of GP4
GPxPatch - Needed for most editors/mods of GP4 and enhances game features
ZaZ Tools, including CSM 1.6 - Needed for user-friendly season mods which contain track, driver, car and more modifications for specific season/championship.
There is a ton more stuff at the highly-updated GP4DB.
Reviews:
Eurogamer - 10
Gamespy - 8.8
GameSpot - 8
Videos:
Youtube - GP4: Michael Schumacher, Chinese GP
Youtube - GP4: Kimi, Hungary (Wet Race)
Youtube - Alonso, Sepang (Solo)
Youtube - Kimi Chasing Alonso's McLaren, Brazil GP
Youtube - Kimi, 2007 Mod (Solo)
Youtube - Katayama, Adelaide GP, 1995 Mod
I hear the game might be a bit hard to get a hold of these days, but it's definitely worth it to any fan of Formula One and motorsport. I might be biased as an Australian, but I now understand why many of the drivers love the Melbourne circuit.