Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit
Police pursuits return in this acclaimed 1998 racing game.
In 1998, Electronic Arts published Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit, a racing game for PlayStation and Windows. Developed by EA Canada and EA Seattle, it is the third main game in the series, making police chases a key part of the action. Races take place across varied North American settings, with smarter police AI using different tactics. Critics liked its graphics and customization. A sequel came in 2002, and a reboot in 2010.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- EA Canada (PS); EA Seattle (PC)
- Publisher
- Electronic Arts
- Producer
- Hanno Lemke
- Programmer
- Brad Gour (PS)
- David Lucas (PS)
- Sam Deasy (PC)
- Artist
- Scott Jackson (PS)
- Peter King (PS)
- Stefan Schwartz (PC)
- Steve M. Suhy (PC)
- Writer
- Tony Whitney
- Composer
- Rom Di Prisco
- Saki Kaskas
- Matt Ragan
- Alistair Hirst
- Crispin Hands
- Series
- Need for Speed
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Gameplay in Hot Pursuit is divided into two categories. The first is standard racing, as seen in earlier Need for Speed titles, where the player races against one opponent (including split-screen) or seven others in circuit races, knockouts, or tournaments. Tournaments allow the player to unlock bonus vehicles and a bonus track. The second category, called Hot Pursuit, includes police pursuits; the player selects a standard sports car to race against a single opponent on a track with police vehicles. The PC version adds a role reversal mode where the player drives a police car to stop all six racers before they finish. Completing Hot Pursuit challenges in both roles on every track unlocks additional police sports cars. Two modes were introduced: a two-player split-screen mode and a Knockout mode with seven races of eight racers on randomly chosen tracks, where the last-place finisher is eliminated each race until one remains. A Tournament mode pits the player against eight opponents in a four-lap race on randomly selected tracks. The game supports network play via serial port, modem, IPX, and online through TCP/IP, and allows spawn installations on other machines. Tracks range from desert canyons to countryside villages and snow-capped mountains, most containing secret shortcuts.
Reception
The PlayStation version received favorable reviews, just two points shy of universal acclaim on Metacritic. Next Generation called it an excellent racer for both novice and expert enthusiasts, though noted the two-player mode suffers from a severe drop in frame rate. The magazine praised the PC version's 3D-accelerated graphics, lightning-fast response, weather effects, and valued terrain. James Price of Official UK PlayStation Magazine said that while accomplished, Need for Speed 3 cannot compete in a direct head-to-head with Gran Turismo, calling it one of the most playable racing games of the past year. All four Electronic Gaming Monthly reviewers hailed it as a strong comeback after the disappointments of Need for Speed II, Need for Speed: V-Rally, and the PlayStation/Saturn revision of the original, highlighting the power-sliding and variety of cars and modes. GameSpot called it the first truly outstanding game in the series since the original 3DO release, citing stunning graphical effects and effective customization, and contradicted Next Generation by calling the two-player split-screen mode one of the best seen. GamePro took a middle ground, saying the two-player mode suffers from a little slowdown but is playable, criticized the lack of track variety with some being palette swaps, but lauded the game as one of the best PlayStation racers for its graphics, tight simulation, and thrilling Hot Pursuit mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit available on?
Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit was released for PlayStation and Microsoft Windows.
Who composed the music for Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit?
The music for Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit was composed by Rom Di Prisco, Saki Kaskas, Matt Ragan, Alistair Hirst and Crispin Hands.
More in Electronic Arts Games of the 1990s
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