Monaco Grand Prix: Racing Simulation 2 | March 11, 1999

 

Monaco Grand Prix: Racing Simulation 2 is known as Monaco Grand Prix or Racing Simulation: Monaco Grand Prix. Developed and published by Ubisoft, it is a Formula One racing game released between 1998 and 1999 for Windows, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and Dreamcast. The sequel, Racing Simulation 3, was released in 2002.

This game is based on the Formula One World Championship but does not use official driver names or vehicles due to licensing issues. Instead, the developers secured a license from the Automobile Club de Monaco and included official sponsors like Shweppes and Castrol to enhance the game's authenticity. It is not related to Sega's Monaco GP series.

As a sequel to the F1 racing simulation, it features 17 real tracks, 11 teams, and 22 drivers. Although the teams do not have official licenses, the game utilizes the Monaco license. Players can choose from 22 camera views, and telemetry is stored and analyzed similarly to Grand Prix 2. The game's physics engine is designed to be realistic.

The game offers eight modes, including a new career mode where players start with a lower-tier team and aim to secure good results to join more competitive teams. There are scenarios that recreate key moments in specific drivers' careers. Returning modes from previous games include time attack, full championship, and a retro mode from the 1950s. Additionally, there is a track editor that allows players to create their own tracks.

The game received "friendly" reviews across all platforms, although the Dreamcast version received "average" reviews according to GameRankings. PC Gamer praised the PC version universally, and PC Accelerator provided positive feedback a few months before its US release. An anonymous reviewer from Next Generation positively rated the N64 version, praising its gameplay, track and vehicle count, graphics, physics engine, and two-player split-screen mode. However, Chris Kalata from the same magazine later assessed the Dreamcast version as solid, mentioning that Ubisoft's title, Speed Devils, was superior.

In Japan, the Dreamcast version was released on March 11, 1999, followed by the PlayStation version on September 30. Famitsu gave the Dreamcast version 31 out of 40 and the PlayStation version 26 points.

Pete Wilton from Official UK PlayStation Magazine rated the PlayStation version 7 out of 10, noting some issues but deemed it better than F1 '98. Computer Games Strategy Plus awarded the PC version 4.5 out of 5, praising its graphics, accurate driving model, and multiplayer options. Edge rated the PC version 7 out of 10 in December 1998, citing some technical issues. Seven issues later, the same magazine criticized the Japanese Dreamcast import version, giving it 6 out of 10 for lacking improvements, but overall gave a positive review.

AllGame rated the Dreamcast, PC, and PlayStation versions 3 out of 5. Brad Cook stated that the Dreamcast version deserved a higher rating than expected, as it would appeal to its target audience. He advised against it for those seeking arcade-style action. Michael L. House mentioned that the PC version "crosses the finish line in pretty good shape," arguing that it shouldn't have to fit into a limited "either/or" category. He drew parallels to how gamers with a narrow mindset about golf simulations might dismiss alternatives in the Formula 1 racing genre. Jonathan Sutyak also provided a positive review for the PlayStation version.

In early reviews, GamePro's Bob Pott described the European PlayStation version as "the slow car on the PlayStation highway." Vicious Sid suggested that simulation fans looking to escape F1 World Grand Prix would gravitate towards Monaco Grand Prix, but noted that the more accessible Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA would be a better choice. Air Hendricks praised the same console version for its impressive collection of 16 tracks and 11 racing teams, remarking that it truly appeals only to dedicated racing fans. Mark Asher called the PC version an excellent racing experience that captures the feeling of Formula 1 cars well. Hendricks also compared the Dreamcast version favorably, stating that Monaco Grand Prix offers more than Flag to Flag when the white flag drops. He noted that it would be worth it for those who enjoy that style, but many gamers might prefer the lighter aspects and strong two-player mode of Flag to Flag. Another review from iBot highlighted that while Monaco is made for true racing enthusiasts, players might find more fun with Sega Sports' Flag to Flag.

Jess Beacom from N64 Magazine rated the N64 version 87%, while Hyper's Cam Shea gave it 83%. Electronic Gaming Monthly provided average reviews for the European version a few months before the US release. Hyper's Jackson Goeßner rated the PC version 79%, and Elliott Fish awarded the Dreamcast version 80 points.

The PC version was nominated for Computer Games Strategy Plus's 1999 "Racing Game of the Year," ultimately losing to Dirt Track Racing. The staff noted the game's graphics and excellent vehicle physics engine as distinguishing features of the series.