I've just spent the last two days playing GP3.
Let's ignore all the hype and look at it objectively...
Please do not get your hopes up too high. This game is nothing more than a
3D version of GP2 with wet weather.
If you buy the game with this in mind you will not be disappointed.
Graphics
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The graphics look OK. They're probably about 18 months out of date though.
The game runs fantastic with all detail on and 1280x1024. Unfortunately,
since the engine is just an evolution of the GP2 engine, you still get
massive slowdown at tight corners etc. The cars sometimes float in the air
and you can get massive clipping near the barriers. I would give the
graphics 6/10.
Sound
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The sound is pretty much identical to GP2. No other car sounds is
unforgiveable. No EAX or A3D is a let-down. 3/10
Force Feedback
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The force feedback makes the game unplayable. The latency is too high
causing violent jerking every time you turn the wheel. I've turned it off.
1/10
AI
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The AI is fantastic. The drivers are very aggressive and act naturally.
However, if you watch two computer cars, they take EXACTLY the same line
through corners; and I mean EXACTLY. 8/10
Physics
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I can feel very little difference in the physics of GP3 from GP2. It is
impossible to make minute transitions in the steering and throttle.
Everything is still a little on and off. No real progress made here. You
can ride the kerbs just like in GP2 and the car reacts EXACTLY the same. Oh
yeah, and you can 4 wheel drift, it's just easier in the wet =) 7/10
Weather
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The weather effects of GP3 are it's crowning achievement. They are
absolutely out of this world. 10/10
Overall
-------
It's an enjoyable game and since my pre-order is already in I'm buying it
anyway =) It is not in the same league as GPL but is better than F1 2000.
However, if EA tidy-up the problems in F1 2000 with a patch, it will destroy
GP3. It quite simply does not live up to the hype, but is still worth $40.
I loved GP2 and since this is basically a 3D version, I like this too.
Oh yeah, I just compared the screenshots released today with the screen
shots I made. They are IDENTICAL. The warez version either IS the final
version, or is extremely close to it.
Cheers,
...Colin
Ya! What Colin said. Very well put. I wanted a fun ride and I got
it with this one. GP2 is my game of choice, so an updated 3d, with
weather GP2 fit the bill for me.
**ElfKing**
T'was in a kingdom long ago and far away......
