F1 2002 is a typically polished and comprehensive EA Sports sim. As their tagline says, "if it's in the game, it's in the game." Their completist approach practically never fails to deliver an authentic experience for fans of whichever sport they turn their attention to. This is very much the case here - Formula 1 fans will absolutely love this game. Every track, team and driver from the 2002 season is painstakingly modelled. Test days, practice days, single races as well as the F1 2002 championship (of course!) are there for you to emulate your heroes, and you even get the bonus eye-candy of pit lane details and impressively proportioned starting grid girls.

The only criticism that could ever really be levelled at EA Sports titles is that the attention to detail sometimes results in a game that is unnecessarily difficult for more casual gamers. While F1 2002 can be a bit daunting on first approach, EA (and the game's writers, Image Space Incorporated) have made a real effort to help newbies into this title, if you're prepared to put the time into the learning curve. It's never really an arcade title though, even at its easiest. Those looking for an arcade racing fix will probably find the game a bit overwhelming and slink quietly back to their Playstations and friendly analogue controllers.

But if you are up for an authentic motorsport challenge, this is about as good as it currently gets. EA are very particular about capturing all the atmosphere and excitement of the real thing in their sports titles. The FIA licence allows F1 2002 to be totally authentic and recreate the race world in all its money-dripping glamour (unless you're the Arrows team of course, in which case money is something you won't know much about!).

Add fabulous graphics and sound, and it's a winning combination. Before each race, there is a movie cut scene showing footage of the city where the race is being held, setting the scene for the epic on-track struggle. On the circuit, the cars look great, with authentic LED dash displays and working wing mirrors. There are variable and changing weather conditions, with the sky darkening and rain sheeting down. The tracks are full of great touches like working trackside big-screen TV displays. The sound is equally good with your team crew chief keeping you advised of what's going on around the track and answering you when you request a pit stop. The engines sound perhaps a little light, but otherwise it's all very impressive.

Racing is as exciting as the real thing - probably more so, because Schumacher doesn't always win. The AI of the other drivers is exceptional (and scalable) and they drive and react realistically, avoiding collisions wherever they can without sacrificing aggressive racing lines.