Grand Prix 3

"A Game To Last You A Lifetime"

Grand Prix 3 is the third in the series of this epic and accurate simulation of the sport and saga that is Formula 1. We all know that the graphics will improve, but does the game itself step forward?
Grand Prix 3 is a complete simulation, with everything possibly able to be made put onboard. This time round, the 1998 season is under the knife.
16 tracks, with every corner, every advert, every gravel trap and bump in the road included. Each of them has been recreated in its full 3D glory, which makes the experience so much more real than its predecessors.
22 drivers and 11 teams are here this time round, which although is less than GP1 & 2, can’t be helped. Each car is fairly accurately created and drivers have their own speed and characteristics.
A number of options are available, from practising a circuit, to racing a full championship season. You can also change the percentage of the race you’d like to compete in. If you going for the long haul, accurate strategies must be chosen by you to make sure you get around quickly. Also to be chosen is your car set up. Everything you can think of can be modified to make your car easier to drive.
If all the technical stuff isn’t for you, then not to worry, as a rough set up can be given to you at the start of a race to help you through.
Out on the racetrack, little has changed, except the magnificent graphics are beautifully realised. The cars handling is the best of both worlds, as while it is realistic, it does not hamper the fun of the game.
What’s more realistic is the physics of the game. Run over a curb too fast and you’ll either fly or spin depending on what angle you came in from. The physics is put more to the test when one of the biggest new features comes into play – rain.
This time weather can change. It can rain at one end off the circuit, and not at the other, you can have a full downpour or just a couple of light showers. It can completely throw you off the track, or into the pits for a change of tyres. This time damage is more severe and realistic, and you can even roll the car too.
Also included for Grand Prix 3 is multi-player hot seat mode, which allows you to control your car for a short space of time, and then quickly hand it back to the next player, who takes charge for a few corners. The idea and execution is good, but its frustrating to see when your not driving your car, it spin or retire when it wasn’t down to you at all! For the lucky people with fast connections, you can race others on the Internet too.
Grand Prix 3 is a great step forward, and with all the extra features released for it, this game will last you a lifetime. Any formula 1 fan should love and treasure this game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/06/03, Updated 06/30/03