Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit

Copyright: KBkids.com

If you have an older computer, but still want some high speed racing, this is a perfect game for you. While perhaps not the most complete driving package, it is visually very good, and runs on very minimal system requirements. If you like this one, be sure to check out Need for Speed 4: High Stakes.

Need for Speed finds you racing in some wonderful cars. There are many classic cars to choose from, and more to download from the Internet. The graphics on this game are wonderful, considering the system requirements. You will need an accelerated PC, but this one will run on a system as low as 133 MHz!

There are four different race modes to choose from, Single Race, Tournament, Hot Pursuit (where you are being chased by the law,) and Knockout. In Knockout there are eight cars, and the last one to the finish lines is out of the race. The racetracks don't have quite enough variety for diehard racing fans, but are still pretty decent. This is a good program for those wanting to break into the racing genre without being completely overwhelmed.

The game controls are a bit clumsy and simplistic. Some times the races aren't very realistic. You can do some pretty wild things with your car and walk away with a warning.... and still walk away! You will definitely want a steering wheel or joystick for this one. Testers managed with a keyboard just to try it out, but it wasn't nearly as fun.

There is nothing really innovative about the storyline here. You simply go as fast as you can for the most part, thus the name "Need for Speed." One nice feature is the multiplayer mode. You can play over the Internet, or a network, but you can also play two player on one keyboard. This is a feature not seen too often that some families will really appreciate.

Bottom Line: A good racing game for the novice racer especially. Great for those with older systems who still want good graphics!

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 3

BrainGain: 1/2

FunFactor: 3

EasePlease: 3 1/2

Buy Need For Speed 3: Hot Pursuit at Amazon!