Play Exhaust Heat II - F1 Driver e no Kiseki Online

Summary

Exhaust Heat II (known overseas as F1 ROC II: Race of Champions) feels like a hidden gem on the SNES, especially once you get past the familiar F1 ROC formula. The handling system is oddly “ice‑like” until you tap the accelerator for a quick boost turn, a mechanic that echoes later F‑ZERO titles and adds a layer of skill to every corner. The career mode isn’t just a single season; you start in modest local events, work your way through Group C and Formula 3000, and finally earn a seat with one of three real‑world teams—Footwork, Larrousse, or Benetton—where points, not just wins, decide the championship.

What really sets the game apart is its custom ST010 DSP chip, which was meant to give computer opponents realistic aggression and precision. While the chip’s code turned out to be simpler than advertised, it still delivered smoother AI than most 16‑bit racers. Critics praised the depth of content and the innovative controls, though they noted the sound effects and car sprites felt a bit dated, leaving the overall impression just above average.