• Publisher: EA Sports
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2002
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
81 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. The cars handle superbly well and you'll soon realise there's no better F1 game around than this - even Michael Schumacher would be happy.
  2. The most obvious change from "F1 2001" is that the graphics have been given a major overhaul yet again. It's faster, more detailed and packed with fancy effects. [Sept 2002, p.112]
  3. Yes, this is another installment of a long-running series, but it is by far the best, most enjoyable one of them all.
  4. The result is a game that casual racers can handle, while real F1 geeks can turn all the realism up to full and enjoy one of the most competent F1 sims this side of the PC. [Sept 2002, p.150]
  5. 82
    The joy of F1 2002 is that it can play as realistically or as non-realistically as you like.
  6. A great Formula 1 game...On the other hand, it is another one in EA Sports' long-running F1 franchise, and it doesn't offer a whole lot of reasons for those who bought F1 2001 to pick this one up.
  7. The rain effects are fabulous and the cockpit cam is sweet, even if skips the odd frame or two. [August 2002, p.79]
  8. This team must have crawled directly into the brain trust of Formula One racing to have produced a game this seeping with perfection. [Aug 2002, p.68]
  9. Beyond the fine-tuning in visuals and updated line-up there is little in the way of new experiences on offer compared to the previous EA F1 games. Sure you’ve got the new cars and tracks, but is this really going to make the difference over F1 2001?
  10. 76
    While the visuals need some work and the simulation aspect could be perceived as too difficult, there's plenty to enjoy here.
  11. Its similarity to last year's game could put off players who've seen an done this all before. [Sept 2002, p.31]
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Negative: 3 out of 8
  1. BenN.
    4
    I am confident that it is impossible to get away from the grid start without knocking your front wing off, and the other cars don't slow down for yellow flags when you have to, frustrating, and on easy mode you could be the Jaguar car and beat the Ferrari in the race, The slip streaming idea is brilliant though ! Full Review »
  2. NogaiciB.
    5
    The game has many many nice details, but still causes frustration if you are a real hard core f1 fan. You can´t save after practice or qualify, or in mid race, so if you want to playa full rela race, you ahve to spend about 4 HOURS! straight. You get penalized, but other don´t for yellow flag speeding! and the AI drives really strangely around some corners (too slow) I much rather play the Grand Prix series for PC. Full Review »
  3. PodP.
    6
    There's a lot to do in this game but why do EA insist on imposing a speed limit when the yellow flag comes out? Where in the FIA rulebook is that one listed? Please dont put it on the 2003 game! Full Review »