SNES Game Review: F1 ROC II

 F1 Race of Champions II (Typically just labeled F1 ROC II) is a racing game from the 1990's on the SNES that features forms of open wheel racing and that is including Formula 1.  This game also has the F1 license at that time so when a player gets to Formula 1, they play against the drivers of that time (of which is likely from 1993.)  This is a lot better than Stunt Race FX, the game most previously rated by myself on this blog.  What works well? See below!

Positives

1. The F1 license does wonders for this game and is a huge boost to it for whenever the player makes it to F1.  You get to face off against the real players of Senna, Prost, etc. That adds instant credibility to this game.

2. The road to F1 that this game has for a career mode essentially is also a major step up, same with the progression on how you use your car to upgrade things.  I am doubly impressed with it overall.  That is something that sorely was needed in future games but they didn't do until the recent F1 games.

3. The graphics are pretty good in this game.  It isn't as sophisticated as F-Zero or Super Mario Kart but overall they are pretty decent.

4. The racing overall is competitive.  Going through career mode is a challenge yes, but that's what makes the game enjoyable overall.  

5. Frame rate is pretty good.  Again, doesn't top F-Zero or Super Mario Kart, but not many games will at all.

Negatives

1. The sound is nothing more than below average, which is quite a downer considering how lively the sounds of F1 cars were in the 90's.  

2. The turning is far too slick than it should be.  Multiple times just an easy corner is far too tough to navigate without slowing down and losing a lot of time.

3.  The game is a grind but it's honestly easy when at F1.  Maybe that is the games way of saying congrats but feels a bit too easy at the top level.

Recap/Rating

All ni all, F1 ROC II is a pretty above average game.  It won't shock you, it won't bore you.  It's a solid racing game.  It's cheap typically too so if you are looking for a decent game, then this is a good one for you overall.  I personally enjoyed the racing.  I thought if they tuned the sound and made the turning better, then this could have been a top 150 game.  I feel if they did that plus F1 tougher, then top 100 for the SNES.  On the face though, still a pretty okay game.  I would rate 6.8 out of 10.  Overall rank of 284th on the SNES all-time scale.