FIM Speedway Grand Prix 3 (PC)

I read what other people had said about this before I bought it, but as it was the only speedway game that I could find that would run on my PC (IT RUNS ON VISTA, NOT JUST XP AS THE AMAZON LISTING STATES), I gave it a go. I haven't played the first 2 versions so cannot comment on how it compares. Overall, I think it was an absolute bargain. I crashed every time to start with, but was completing races after about half an hour of persevering. After a couple of days I can compete at the higher levels, but still have some way to go.The Good points:The graphics: mostly fine, although the dust/shale isn't too impressive. There isn't an enormous sensation of speed.Tracks and riders: There is genuine variation in the tracks and individual riders, just as there is in the real thing. The different track sizes, geometry and surfaces mean you have to adjust your approach to each one.Bike setup: Although it's a bit simplistic, if you have the patience to try different settings in practice you can give yourself a better chance in the races.Rider AI: Unlike some games where other riders/drivers just hit you if you're on the line they want to use, the AI of the computer riders seems pretty good.Load times: Very little delay between races.The bad points:Sound: The (English) commentary is awful, but is easily turned off. The music grates a bit after a while. The bikes sound more like mopeds and you don't get much clue soundwise that another bike is right behind you.Exclusions/crashes: You get excluded most times you collide with another rider. But then again, some refs in real life are a bit dodgy. When you fall off, you always seem to be unconscious, unlike real speedway where you can often remount and carry on.Steering: No real handlebar control - you just steer left if you want the bike to go left. Seemed odd at first, but for a game controlled with the arrow keys, it's probably a reasonable compromise for the sake of gameplay.English language version: Poor translations ('Broken Race') - surely Techland could find an English speaker to sort these out?So overall, a good speedway game that despite what some have said is very playable given a little perseverance, and quite addictive. There are things the developers could easily improve - it's a shame they didn't as most of the annoyances should have been easy and cheap to fix, but maybe GP 4 will sort these out? As another reviewer has stated, net games to join seem few and far between, so I can't comment on how well that works.

Takes a lot of practice to stay on the track, but deviate and the race needs to be re-started. Most of my usage will be online, but I don't think it will be used that much as it is a one trick pony.

Great game! They've really improved from previous versions and so worth the money!

The FIM Speedway Grand Prix 3 (PC) game is fantastic, never new it was out there but since i found it, it is the best thing about my lap top know , as i get to use it as much as i like. The quality is pretty good as well, cant wait to get the next one.

Control of bikes is poor - looks ok lots of GP stadiums and riders and choices - but plays sluggish - dont think i ever finished 4 laps- constantly falling- theres a market for a good speedway game but this is not it.

This DVD is a great success with a 7 year old speedway fan.

good

OK