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...continued
Graphically,
however, the game is a mixed bag. On the downside,
the sense of a 3D world is unconvincing. Virtually
every off-track object is a 2D bitmap, as are items
such as separated car parts and even the vehicles
themselves when viewed from a distance. In
addition, the game is blemished by clipping and
minor instances where cars seemingly hover above
the pavement. These sins can be forgiven, however,
because, apart from generic car models, GP3 is the
most meticulously detailed F1 sim on the market.
The cockpit is gorgeous, with the still wonderfully
informative Grand Prix steering wheel as a
masterful centerpiece. Outside the car, you'll find
the insanely realistic 16-track environment
absolutely crammed with objects, structures,
sponsor signage, light-sourced automobiles and
impressive pit areas--all rendered in such
ultra-high resolutions that GP2 looks downright
ugly in comparison.
Yet
few of the game's accoutrements are as impressive
as its unprecedented depiction of wet weather
conditions. Rain begins and ends beautifully in
GP3, with a gradual darkening or brightening of the
sky, a smattering of droplets, and the very real
possibility of very dry, moderately damp, and very
wet areas coexisting on the same course. Many of
these effects are nothing short of stunning, as too
are the puddles that form in the low-lying areas
and racing grooves, the reflective sheen that
develops across the entire track when spotty
showers become a downpour, and the mist thrown by
spinning tires. Sadly, your visor does not
accumulate the water and mud being sent its way.
Currently,
the game features only 1998 drivers and cars and
does not support paddle shifters, though a 1999 car
set and steering wheel patch are due within the
next few weeks. It is questionable, though, whether
the lack of Internet play and sometimes-problematic
modem racing will ever be addressed. Thankfully,
LAN multiplayer seems to work just fine.
Comparing
troubles to triumphs, however, Grand Prix 3 does so
much so well that its high rating is fully
deserved. Yes, there are a few areas that could
have been done better, and the game almost teases
players, giving them something so close to
perfection but not quite delivering 100 percent.
That aside, Grand Prix is a must-have game for
racing fans--the flaws will be ultimately lost on
anyone who has played more than a handful of racing
games in their lifetime, and the bells and whistles
will impress fans of the genre. Grand Prix 3, while
not the ultimate F1 racer, is the closest we've
seen in some time.
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