I’ve seen this game being played by cheering hordes for a long time now. Down at the local game store they gather round the table once a month cheering or cursing their luck. I’d always thought that grand prix racing was an odd subject for a board game and dismissed the crowd as slightly off-center.
That was until we got a copy of the latest edition here at HammerSmith central and sat down to see what all the hoopla was about.
What a great game! The latest edition comes with a double-sided board – one side is the grand prix track, the other is a twisted path through a large city. There are two sets of just the coolest little cars… formula one racers and street cars, and enough for ten people to play.
The rules are very short, but still well illustrated and clearly laid out. We had our beginner’s game going within ten minutes of opening the box. After a couple of one-lap races, we were ready to try the advanced rules.
I like the fact that there was no core difference between the beginner’s and advanced rules. The advanced rules simply added more detail to what you’ve already learned in the beginner’s rules.
Formula De is a surprisingly tactical experience. It uses a very clever mechanic to simulate what gear you’re in, and the little gear shifter in the player’s card is just awesome. From beginning to end, this game simulates the feel of formula one racing. Whether deciding when to shift, or deciding whether your brakes can handle coming into that corner a little too hot, Formula De is a real racing experience.
