Without a doubt this is a stupendous game. Like GPL, it richly rewards
generous time input.
10 things that make it a class leader
1. Excellent and believable AI
2. Superb track topography and scenery
3. Wonderful replays (the best ever)
4. Quality of game engine/physics
5. Superb implementation of both D3D and Glide versions
6. No pop-up/unreasonable frame rate issues whatsoever
7. Unparalleled "on-bike realism"
8. Useful circuit guide films with witty guidance by the Eurosport team
9. Excellent interface
10. Good set-up options
No game is perfect however, so here's what I don't like
1. Limited weather options (it's either cloudy or sunny - no rain)
2. One-lap replays only
3. Yet another game without an in-race game save
4. No damage modelling whatsoever
5. Awful bike sounds
6. Default to set-up screen as soon as you enter the pits (yuk!)
7. Collisions with AI opponents sometimes border on the unrealistic
8. A bike/rider skin editing option would have been real winner (doubtless
someone will invent one though)
9. No telemetry screens
10. Being a greedy sort of bloke, I'd have liked the same rear wheel camera
they have on TV
Microprose are one of my very favourite publishers. They tend to be more
patient than most about how long a real sim takes to hone. That's why I
think GP500 will grow in stature - rather than wilt and die in the style of
every F1 sim since they released GP2 (remember how we waited and waited -
but it was worth it).
Thank goodness it is Microprose who is handling GP3. Personally I would have
loved to have seen it before Christmas, but if it turns up in the Spring as
polished as GP500, then I won't be complaining.
Best Wishes
Chris
