Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

100 or More Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Masterpiece"

My actual score: 9.1/10 "Outstanding"

Electronic Arts has presented us with yet again, another fine Need For Speed release to the series, and while this may be the third in total, it sure beats the last game and it even surpasses the original.

So, here we are with one of the most successful Need For Speed games in history, and in my opinion, the second best in the series. This game goes beyond simplistic simulation and brings about TWO modes of play which adds on arcade while the simulation modes have been made even better with a special advanced tool providing you with an option tool to fine tune your cars before the race, something the pc version wouldn't let you do on either knockout or tournament mode. But since the pc version doesn't have simulation mode, it puts this version at an advantage based on whats a real driving simulator, and just pure arcade-like racing.

So, I was highly disappointed with the second game, not only due to the absence of Police but it seemed like a sloppy presented release as the graphics were a killer but the un-realistic visuals would send your car flying and flopping side and forth hundreds of times - But for Need For Speed 3: Hot Pursuit, those missing cops are back in force, but in a much better form than on the first game.

- They are now very challenging and have highly equiped models
- They'll shout loudly to the speeder to grab their attention
- The fun rises when road blocks and spike strips get involved
- The fun is at it's best

So, from the hours of fun from highly realistic pursuit challenges that I still receive, the hot pursuit mode on this game is a winner, and no doubt my favorite aspect of this game, although the other race modes are damn well superb.


Going into depth, there are five gameplay modes - Practice (self-explanatory), Single Race (a lot of fun with those gorgeous Al) , Hot Pursuit (best mode), Tournament (unlock and earn) and Knockout (get rid of Terror!! lol). All modes have their own unique specialty, and with the exception of Practice mode, I forever obtain hours of enjoyement from all modes.

This game contains 9 exclusive models which consist of two Ferrari's, two Lamborgini's, one Italdesign (I noticed the one on the pc version is different), one Chevrolet, one Mercedes-Benz model, one Jaguar which happens to be my best car, and the Elnino. All seem to drive very well, which was very impressive - and while I'm near on subject, I move onto the 9 totalled tracks offered -

Ok, I can admit at first, I was a little disappointed with the lack of track variety since Country Woods, Lost Canyons, Aquatica and The Summit are complete reformations of the first four tracks corresponding with a certain course. However, with Empire City included, I've grown to love every one of them but one. I dislike Lost Canyons, I don't know why but the track is almost the exact same as it's Redrock Ridge counterpart except being set in the evening. In general, the tracks beat the hell out of the nfs1 and 2's. I'll never forget tracks such as: Hometown, Atlantica and Rocky Pass which make my top three. Not only that, but for the first time ever - I was able to race with weather conditions, night driving, reverse directions and even a mirror mode, Need For Speed 3 has to so much to offer, the fun is simply outstanding.


One thing I'll always praise Electronic Arts for in regards to the design of nfs3 is how far they brought the sense of sheer speed and realism to the formula - the ability to add as much traffic as you so desire, the showcase room presenting you with additional information relating to a particular car, track information and how much of a challenge this game can be if you take it up to an 'expert' difficulty. If you do that, then the Al become extremely serious, especially Bullit and Terror - They'll shoot your eyes out if you're not careful. At least Bullit is awesome, while Terror and Ice are sore loosers, but that's just my opinion.
The Police Al are considerably greater than the PC version's creating a more challenging experience.



Gameplay:



Welcome to nfs3, the most realistic arcade/simulation game I've ever played. Gameplay is what makes nfs3 such a proving gracious experience as the car's control like they really mean what you'd call; business.
The options mode is what provides 50% of the gameplay and the options allow you to change the controls in any which way you like, but I'm slightly disappointed with the absence of vibration or analog shock since that makes the experience more realistic, but I can't fail to admire the true realism already presented.
Compared to the PC version, this is a dyme. The cars crash and it doesn't become highly frustrating when you do, while the handling engine feels so realistic and amazing, especially while using handbrake on arcade mode. Simulation can be tough to get used to, but once you master toggling the settings, you're gold.
All around, the gameplay is almost perfect, it just needed analog vibration and maybe a few other add-ons.

9.5/10


Graphics:



I can admit there were huge disadvantages at first glance because I was so used to the more improved graphics of High Stakes and Hot Pursuit 2. I''m not gonna lie, I was really turned off when I first saw the graphics and almost went back to the PC version, but once I got used to them it became clear that I already grew to love this version more than the PC edition.
The graphics were really noticiable on Hometown, Lost Canyons and Rocky Pass making the looks looking a bit rough but you would eventually get used to it. I also encountered problems with some designs of the Police vehicles such as those awful looking jeeps used on both Rocky Pass and The Summit - horrible, but luckily there is a cheat code to replace those with Ford Crown Victoria's.
All in all, when it comes to experiencing the sluggish graphics of 1998, racing in the rain wasn't that bad. This is just one of those titles that requires you to play and get used to the graphics. For 1998, these graphics are quite decent.

7.8/10


Sound:


Need For Speed 3: Hot Pursuit features a mixture of techno and rock music and a particular song is played on a specified track. The soundtrack all in all was very great with the song playing at a certain part based on where you are on the track. It was really quite impressive, but one flaw was the lack to toggle between ambient sounds and sound effects since the engine, sound effects and the ambient noises were all jumbled into sound effects. I like to hear higher ambient sounds and have engine sounds low. Oh well, not a big issue I'll admit.
All in all, the music, specifically the techno is awesome, especially the main menu featured songs like 'Monster' and 'Sirius 909'. Sound effects such as crashing noises present fine stability in my opinion.

8.9/10


Value:



If you're someone like me and you enjoy the thrill of getting hunted down and chased by the cops, knocked out of a knockout competition and love realistic arcade titles, then Need For Speed 3: Hot Pursuit is for you. The only main flaw I have are the graphics, but you must look past that and enjoy what appears to be a 'masterpiece'.


9.3/10


Overall:


All in all, Need For Speed 3 is a winner. I love this game to death and it currently stands in second place for 'best NFS game ever', with Need For Speed 4: High Stakes (PS1) in the lead. This game brings out the best in EA's good days and totally thrashes all those titles from Underground onwards. Buy this, like I did, and you won't regret the purchase.


9.1/10 "Outstanding"