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Hi, you may or may not wish to read this very thought provoking review of a certain fanatastic racing game for the PC. I would have left it in the review place for the game in question, but they would not accomodate my needs.
Enjoy, and.. LEARN!
It's now been over 2 and a half months since Geoff Crammond's Grand Prix 3 was released in the UK, and still it remains at the top of the games charts. So is it any good? Veteran PC owners will remember 'Formula One Grand Prix' from 1992; that game, like its 1994 sequel 'Grand Prix 2' also reached the top of the charts. But is Grand Prix 3 selling on merit or reputation?
Recently, F1's Mr Ecclestone has been handing out F1 licenses to anyone who has the money to pay for them. Recent F1 games include EA Sports' F1 2000, Psygnosis' Formula One '99 and Video Systems' Grand Prix World. All these games are playable, and EA Sports' offering looks amazing, but all fail to give the spark of amazement that Grand Prix 2 (and more importantly programmer Geoff Crammond)was renowned for in terms of realism.
In Grand Prix 3, that spark has returned. The physics and realism are unprecedented; driving feels exactly like driving; crashing - like the recent tragic death of the marshal at Monza - reminds you of the real life risks involved in modern day F1. No game has come anywhere near to being as close to real life as GP3 (not that EA Sports' really tried).
The graphics in GP3 aren't quite as good as F1 2000's; textures are done in a slightly lower resolution, and the odd graphical anomoly appears occasionally. The cockpit, though, is far better than anything before. And, the inclusion of wet weather creates breathtaking reflections of the beautifully rendered circuits.
Car setup is as important as in GP2. Miniscule alterations have realistic effects, and to compete at the top level, diving into car setup is essential if you want to come anywhere ever than last.
The computer AI has also been noticably improved-GP2 remained the best in terms of AI until GP3, and now GP3 has blown that away. The computer cars react as their real life counterparts would, fight like their real life counterparts would, and-like a certain Mr Schumacher-don't rule out the possiblilty of foul play when under pressure.
There are a few minor disappointments however; the safety car feature hasn't been included (though will be in Microprose's November Addon), the pit crew look good but aren't very flexible (only Microsoft's Cart Presicion Racing has had a realistic pit crew so far), and the FIA license is from 1998 (the previously mentioned addon will include 1999 cars, tracks and data).
There is one very, very important element to GP3. One of the reasons GP2 sold for so long (only once GP3 was set for release did it move to the budget classification) was that GP2 devotees had cracked the various file codes and formats in GP2 to allow them to update it completely. Crammond was well aware of this, and encouraged it. And, rather than design new formats and codes for GP3, he kept and updated the old ones. The result? GP3 can now be played with 2000 cars, names, team data, pictures, carshapes, and different cockpits. Perform a net search to find these devotee web sites.
The net result? Grand Prix 3 is the best racing sim ever, and one of the best games ever. And it will be with us for a long, long, time.
But, if you are like me and are generally lazy and prefer not to purchase such amazing games on the PC, then I suggest that we all check out Ferrari F355 out on Friday, and MSR out 2 weeks after that. If you thought that Sony were going to retain the crown for the best racing game in Gran Tursimo (and Gt2) then think again as Microprose have these beast of a game and Sega/Bizarre Creations' two amazing titles will all take the thrown. I am sure.
Enjoy, and.. LEARN!
It's now been over 2 and a half months since Geoff Crammond's Grand Prix 3 was released in the UK, and still it remains at the top of the games charts. So is it any good? Veteran PC owners will remember 'Formula One Grand Prix' from 1992; that game, like its 1994 sequel 'Grand Prix 2' also reached the top of the charts. But is Grand Prix 3 selling on merit or reputation?
Recently, F1's Mr Ecclestone has been handing out F1 licenses to anyone who has the money to pay for them. Recent F1 games include EA Sports' F1 2000, Psygnosis' Formula One '99 and Video Systems' Grand Prix World. All these games are playable, and EA Sports' offering looks amazing, but all fail to give the spark of amazement that Grand Prix 2 (and more importantly programmer Geoff Crammond)was renowned for in terms of realism.
In Grand Prix 3, that spark has returned. The physics and realism are unprecedented; driving feels exactly like driving; crashing - like the recent tragic death of the marshal at Monza - reminds you of the real life risks involved in modern day F1. No game has come anywhere near to being as close to real life as GP3 (not that EA Sports' really tried).
The graphics in GP3 aren't quite as good as F1 2000's; textures are done in a slightly lower resolution, and the odd graphical anomoly appears occasionally. The cockpit, though, is far better than anything before. And, the inclusion of wet weather creates breathtaking reflections of the beautifully rendered circuits.
Car setup is as important as in GP2. Miniscule alterations have realistic effects, and to compete at the top level, diving into car setup is essential if you want to come anywhere ever than last.
The computer AI has also been noticably improved-GP2 remained the best in terms of AI until GP3, and now GP3 has blown that away. The computer cars react as their real life counterparts would, fight like their real life counterparts would, and-like a certain Mr Schumacher-don't rule out the possiblilty of foul play when under pressure.
There are a few minor disappointments however; the safety car feature hasn't been included (though will be in Microprose's November Addon), the pit crew look good but aren't very flexible (only Microsoft's Cart Presicion Racing has had a realistic pit crew so far), and the FIA license is from 1998 (the previously mentioned addon will include 1999 cars, tracks and data).
There is one very, very important element to GP3. One of the reasons GP2 sold for so long (only once GP3 was set for release did it move to the budget classification) was that GP2 devotees had cracked the various file codes and formats in GP2 to allow them to update it completely. Crammond was well aware of this, and encouraged it. And, rather than design new formats and codes for GP3, he kept and updated the old ones. The result? GP3 can now be played with 2000 cars, names, team data, pictures, carshapes, and different cockpits. Perform a net search to find these devotee web sites.
The net result? Grand Prix 3 is the best racing sim ever, and one of the best games ever. And it will be with us for a long, long, time.
But, if you are like me and are generally lazy and prefer not to purchase such amazing games on the PC, then I suggest that we all check out Ferrari F355 out on Friday, and MSR out 2 weeks after that. If you thought that Sony were going to retain the crown for the best racing game in Gran Tursimo (and Gt2) then think again as Microprose have these beast of a game and Sega/Bizarre Creations' two amazing titles will all take the thrown. I am sure.
What?
Hi, you may or may not wish to read this very thought provoking review of a certain fanatastic racing game for the PC. I would have left it in the review place for the game in question, but they would not accomodate my needs.
Enjoy, and.. LEARN!
It's now been over 2 and a half months since Geoff Crammond's Grand Prix 3 was released in the UK, and still it remains at the top of the games charts. So is it any good? Veteran PC owners will remember 'Formula One Grand Prix' from 1992; that game, like its 1994 sequel 'Grand Prix 2' also reached the top of the charts. But is Grand Prix 3 selling on merit or reputation?
Recently, F1's Mr Ecclestone has been handing out F1 licenses to anyone who has the money to pay for them. Recent F1 games include EA Sports' F1 2000, Psygnosis' Formula One '99 and Video Systems' Grand Prix World. All these games are playable, and EA Sports' offering looks amazing, but all fail to give the spark of amazement that Grand Prix 2 (and more importantly programmer Geoff Crammond)was renowned for in terms of realism.
In Grand Prix 3, that spark has returned. The physics and realism are unprecedented; driving feels exactly like driving; crashing - like the recent tragic death of the marshal at Monza - reminds you of the real life risks involved in modern day F1. No game has come anywhere near to being as close to real life as GP3 (not that EA Sports' really tried).
The graphics in GP3 aren't quite as good as F1 2000's; textures are done in a slightly lower resolution, and the odd graphical anomoly appears occasionally. The cockpit, though, is far better than anything before. And, the inclusion of wet weather creates breathtaking reflections of the beautifully rendered circuits.
Car setup is as important as in GP2. Miniscule alterations have realistic effects, and to compete at the top level, diving into car setup is essential if you want to come anywhere ever than last.
The computer AI has also been noticably improved-GP2 remained the best in terms of AI until GP3, and now GP3 has blown that away. The computer cars react as their real life counterparts would, fight like their real life counterparts would, and-like a certain Mr Schumacher-don't rule out the possiblilty of foul play when under pressure.
There are a few minor disappointments however; the safety car feature hasn't been included (though will be in Microprose's November Addon), the pit crew look good but aren't very flexible (only Microsoft's Cart Presicion Racing has had a realistic pit crew so far), and the FIA license is from 1998 (the previously mentioned addon will include 1999 cars, tracks and data).
There is one very, very important element to GP3. One of the reasons GP2 sold for so long (only once GP3 was set for release did it move to the budget classification) was that GP2 devotees had cracked the various file codes and formats in GP2 to allow them to update it completely. Crammond was well aware of this, and encouraged it. And, rather than design new formats and codes for GP3, he kept and updated the old ones. The result? GP3 can now be played with 2000 cars, names, team data, pictures, carshapes, and different cockpits. Perform a net search to find these devotee web sites.
The net result? Grand Prix 3 is the best racing sim ever, and one of the best games ever. And it will be with us for a long, long, time.
But, if you are like me and are generally lazy and prefer not to purchase such amazing games on the PC, then I suggest that we all check out Ferrari F355 out on Friday, and MSR out 2 weeks after that. If you thought that Sony were going to retain the crown for the best racing game in Gran Tursimo (and Gt2) then think again as Microprose have these beast of a game and Sega/Bizarre Creations' two amazing titles will all take the thrown. I am sure.
Enjoy, and.. LEARN!
It's now been over 2 and a half months since Geoff Crammond's Grand Prix 3 was released in the UK, and still it remains at the top of the games charts. So is it any good? Veteran PC owners will remember 'Formula One Grand Prix' from 1992; that game, like its 1994 sequel 'Grand Prix 2' also reached the top of the charts. But is Grand Prix 3 selling on merit or reputation?
Recently, F1's Mr Ecclestone has been handing out F1 licenses to anyone who has the money to pay for them. Recent F1 games include EA Sports' F1 2000, Psygnosis' Formula One '99 and Video Systems' Grand Prix World. All these games are playable, and EA Sports' offering looks amazing, but all fail to give the spark of amazement that Grand Prix 2 (and more importantly programmer Geoff Crammond)was renowned for in terms of realism.
In Grand Prix 3, that spark has returned. The physics and realism are unprecedented; driving feels exactly like driving; crashing - like the recent tragic death of the marshal at Monza - reminds you of the real life risks involved in modern day F1. No game has come anywhere near to being as close to real life as GP3 (not that EA Sports' really tried).
The graphics in GP3 aren't quite as good as F1 2000's; textures are done in a slightly lower resolution, and the odd graphical anomoly appears occasionally. The cockpit, though, is far better than anything before. And, the inclusion of wet weather creates breathtaking reflections of the beautifully rendered circuits.
Car setup is as important as in GP2. Miniscule alterations have realistic effects, and to compete at the top level, diving into car setup is essential if you want to come anywhere ever than last.
The computer AI has also been noticably improved-GP2 remained the best in terms of AI until GP3, and now GP3 has blown that away. The computer cars react as their real life counterparts would, fight like their real life counterparts would, and-like a certain Mr Schumacher-don't rule out the possiblilty of foul play when under pressure.
There are a few minor disappointments however; the safety car feature hasn't been included (though will be in Microprose's November Addon), the pit crew look good but aren't very flexible (only Microsoft's Cart Presicion Racing has had a realistic pit crew so far), and the FIA license is from 1998 (the previously mentioned addon will include 1999 cars, tracks and data).
There is one very, very important element to GP3. One of the reasons GP2 sold for so long (only once GP3 was set for release did it move to the budget classification) was that GP2 devotees had cracked the various file codes and formats in GP2 to allow them to update it completely. Crammond was well aware of this, and encouraged it. And, rather than design new formats and codes for GP3, he kept and updated the old ones. The result? GP3 can now be played with 2000 cars, names, team data, pictures, carshapes, and different cockpits. Perform a net search to find these devotee web sites.
The net result? Grand Prix 3 is the best racing sim ever, and one of the best games ever. And it will be with us for a long, long, time.
But, if you are like me and are generally lazy and prefer not to purchase such amazing games on the PC, then I suggest that we all check out Ferrari F355 out on Friday, and MSR out 2 weeks after that. If you thought that Sony were going to retain the crown for the best racing game in Gran Tursimo (and Gt2) then think again as Microprose have these beast of a game and Sega/Bizarre Creations' two amazing titles will all take the thrown. I am sure.