ZX Computing
1st August 1984
Author: Jamie Pullen
Publisher: DK Tronics
Machine: Sinclair ZX81
Published in ZX Computing #14
3D Grand Prix
After two weeks, an impressive-looking tape came through the post. It is saved on both sides in case of any mishaps, although it loaded first time. After a three minute loading time an excellent title page appeared with a racing car on a DK Tronics stand. When you press a key as instructed, it zooms off smoothly and the first page of instructions appear. After you have read the five pages of instructions (very detailed) you wait thirty seconds for it to generate a new track layout.
When you first see the screen you just have to fall back in your chair and admire the graphics. Occupying the bottom of the screen are your instruments, telling you what gear you are in (a total of six gears), how many revs you are doing (15,000 possible), your position in the race, your speed (maximum speed of 180), fuel left (you start with 50 gallons) and finally what lap you are on.
When you start the game, you are in 18th position. On the left of the screen is an overhanging lamp post which tells you when you can go or not. When the light shows red you can't go and, believe it or not, when it shows green you can go. When the other cars have sped away you see the chequered road. Depending how fast you are going it soon disappears and leaves you on a road with a line in the middle.
As you approach a bend, a sign on the right of the road advises you to slow down to the speed indicated. The main disappointment comes when you actually get to the bend. Instead of expecting to see the road curve round and having to go left or right to get round it, it is straight and the only thing that tells you that there is a bend is a couple of funny shaped signs on the right hand side of the road. If you go round a bend too fast you will either crash, spin off or just receive a warning. By the way, you only get one life!Twice during a lap, you are informed of the weather. If there is rain, your braking power is reduced. There are only three kinds of weather: Dry, Light rain or Heavy rain.
You can also make pit stops. To do this, you must come to a halt on the chequered part of the road. When you do this, you will be refuelled and will be told about any faults that you have been cleared. I advise you to make at least one pit stop during the race because on the two occasions I have got to the last lap may braking has failed and my accelerator jammed. The race lasts for five laps and believe me that's enough for anyone.
Another problem you have to face is mastering the keys, as there are ten commands you need to use. At the end of the game you are told the position you were in when you crashed and asked whether you would like to see the instructions, have the same track again, or have a new one generated.
For £5.45 (including postage) it is an excellent game for anyone with a 16K ZX81. I highly recommend it.
