Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Monaco Grand Prix Racing Simulation on PlayStation

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Jun 1999
Cover image of Monaco Grand Prix Racing Simulation on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 30 Jun 1999
Genre: Racing
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft

Introduction

Welcome to the glitzy realm of Monaco Grand Prix Racing Simulation 2, where the streets are dressed nicer than most of us will ever be, and the only thing racing faster than the cars are the heartbreaks of those who think they can just jump in and drive like a pro. Buckle up, because we're diving into a game that's as challenging as your kid brother on Mario Kart, but with a twist of F1 realism and just enough flair to make you question your own driving skills.

Gameplay

In this simulation, players choose from 22 drivers and 17 realistically recreated tracks, a feat that's impressive until you realize you yourself control the car with all the grace of a toddler on a sugar rush. The challenge lies not just in the speed but in the handling-each car's stats really matter. Shocking, I know! You'll discover that your driving style can screw you over faster than hitting the wrong button in a Street Fighter duel. Speed demons beware: the physics engine here is not so forgiving, so prepare to either tame the beast or feel the sting of defeat. The game presents eight different modes, including a career mode that lets you rise through the ranks of a lower-tier team, which is just like corporate life, but with more tire smoke and fewer passive-aggressive emails. Scenarios recreate key moments from F1 history, making this game a weird kind of educational film. Time Attack mode is where you'll be racing against your own demons (and by demons, I mean your last lap's time). The replay and telemetry system allows you to analyze your flailing attempts to navigate the winding streets and refine your strategy faster than it takes to eat a hot dog at a baseball game. Primarily, you'll spend your time either staring at your screen watching the beautifully captured graphics drift by (or your car sail off the track), or marching your way through the learning curve that rivals a giraffe trying to roller skate. Every tiny bump or missed turn is an invitation for catastrophe, unless you miraculously possess the reflexes of a hawk mixed with a NASCAR pit crew. Seriously, if you find enjoyment in needlessly smashing your car into tight corners and buildings, then congratulations, you're in for a thrill ride!

Graphics

Graphically, the game falls exactly within the warm embrace of late-90s gaming art. You know, the kind of graphics that scream 'we're on the right track, just don't look too closely.' The visuals during races are colorful and vibrant, which might distract you from the impending doom of crashing into a wall. Every car is modeled with a level of detail that screams 'I may not be a licensed Ferrari, but I sure look like I could pretend at a gas station.' The environments are immersive enough for you to almost forget you're stuck in your bedroom while playing this rather than actually racing in Monaco-if only they could add the scent of burnt rubber and overpriced champagne.

Conclusion

Monaco Grand Prix: Racing Simulation 2 is not merely a game; it's a test of patience, precision, and your willingness to admit that maybe racing isn't for everyone. The thrills of making a tight corner just as your rival skids off track will bring joy, but let's be honest; the crashes will mostly serve as a reminder that you're likely better off racing in your driveway. It hits a sweet spot for simulation enthusiasts, while casual racers might find themselves better off hitting the asphalt in more forgiving titles. At the end of the day, strap in, prepare for the wild ride, and just remember: in this game, as in life, sometimes you just end up hitting the wall.

See Prices for Monaco Grand Prix Racing Simulation on PlayStation on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Monaco Grand Prix Racing Simulation on PlayStation on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...