Grand Prix 4 | |
Developer: | Simergy[1] Infogrames Chippenham[2] |
Publisher: | Infogrames |
Designer: | Geoff Crammond |
Composer: | James Hannigan |
Series: | Grand Prix |
Genre: | Racing simulation |
Modes: | Single-player, multiplayer |
Platforms: | Windows |
Grand Prix 4, commonly known as GP4 is a Formula One racing simulator game co-developed by Geoff Crammond's development studio Simergy and Infogrames' Chippenham development studio, and published by Infogrames. Released for the PC on June 21, 2002, it is the last entry in Crammond's Grand Prix series, and the last entry released under the MicroProse label. Based on the 2001 Formula One season, GP4 is a graphical and physics update from the previous version, Grand Prix 3, which was released in 2000.
Grand Prix 4 featured a heavily revised graphics engine and updated physics, including wet weather driving:
Although the game could be considered a relatively modest commercial success, the chances of a further entry to the series could be considered slim to none because MicroProse's parent company Infogrames dissolved the developer shortly after the game's release. In addition, the Sony Computer Entertainment brand's exclusive licensing deal for Formula One games rules out an update with official stats. An Xbox port of the title was planned for release in late 2002, before being cancelled in October that same year.[3]
Grand Prix 4 received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.
The game won the award in the Sports category at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards in 2002.[4] It was also nominated for Computer Gaming Worlds 2002 "Sports Game of the Year" award, which ultimately went to Madden NFL 2003. The editors called Grand Prix 4 "one of the better racing games in years past".[5] It was also a runner-up for GameSpots annual "Best Driving Game on PC" award, losing to Rally Trophy.[6]