3D Grand Prix

STORY / GAMEPLAY
This is a racing game so the actual "story" is to win all races with your F1 while other cars will try to overtake or even crash you, making you lose valuable time. The formula's dashboard displays driving indicators including rpm meter, speed-o-meter, temperature gauge and the gear selector in real-time! There are also two fully functional wing mirrors that show the other cars' action behind you, a quite impressive feature for a 1985 game! The 4 gears are switched manually at any time. Apart from driving like hell, you also need to check your engine's temperature gauge as in higher speeds your engine oil will reach higher temperatures than normal. This will cause your acceleration to freeze for a few seconds until the temperature falls back to normal levels. You must also beware every time you enter a bend an slow down in time so as not to lose grip easily (screeching tires will notify you) and your formula will go off the road and will finally stop. Each track has different impact in your driving skills, depending on the weather conditions. For example, dry tracks are the best to control your car, but in stages with low temperatures, snow etc, the handling is even harder. A unique addition in this game is a nighttime stage (!) with low visibility and needs extra attention since you can easily lose grip or even hit on an opponent! 3D Grand Prix is an exclusive Amstrad CPC game and an amazing effort for its time without any major glitches or problems in gameplay or presentation.

GRAPHICS / SOUND
At first glance, the visuals might look basic but for a 1985 CPC game they look and play great! The tracks are well drawn in pseudo-3D with several colors on screen and acceptable enough (for the CPC standards) framerate. The formula's dashboard perspective is wonderful and, as already said, it offers real-time indicators! The game's sprites (the cars actually) are looking good and move pretty fast. Soundwise, during each race there are many sound effects (engine, brakes, bumps etc) that add to the game's racing atmosphere!