Game Description

The Test Drive series began in 1987 with a game developed by Distinctive Software, Inc. and released for multiple computer platforms (Commodore 64/128, Amiga, and Atari ST). Test Drive III: The Passion continues the driving simulation series' tradition of introducing the player to new prototype vehicles by showcasing the Chevrolet CERV III, Pininfarina Mythos, and the Lamborghini Diablo.

Racing options include head-to-head competition against two computer-controlled drivers and time trials against the clock. The test course (Pacific Ocean to Yosemite) consists of five distinct sections (Scenic Coast, Coast Hills, Valley Farms, Foothills, and Sierra Vista) featuring varied landscapes. Each segment contains alternate routes for reaching the finish line with features ranging from bridges, tunnels and railroads to mountains, water, and hills. Gameplay includes joystick and keyboard support as well as multiple viewpoints and replay options. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Roots & Influences

Car racing has been around since the first automobile came off the assembly line. With the popularization of the home computer, car racing simulations have been among the first types of games developed. In this particular series, Distinctive Software, Inc. was the forerunner in development of Test Drive and The Duel: Test Drive II. Even though development changed hands, Accolade, Inc. has not only kept up the high quality tradition of the title series but has improved and enhanced it. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Review: Enjoyment

If you enjoy being behind the wheel of a sports car or simply envision yourself racing the fastest cars in the world, you won't be disappointed. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Production Credits

Designer: Tom Loughry

Producer: Sam Nelson

Associate Producer: Cyndi Kirkpatrick

Graphics: Roseann Mitchell

3D Modeling: Jeff Rianda, Tom Loughry

3D Landscaping: Tom Loughry, Cyndi Kirkpatrick, Tomi Quintana, Jerry Pape

Music and Sounds: Russell Shiffer

Manual: Rick Barba

Tester: Sam Nelson, Cyndi Kirkpatrick, Jeff Wagner, Pam Levins, Keith Orr ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Review: Overall

The predominant emphasis of any good car racing or test driving simulation should focus mainly on the automobiles themselves. To it's credit, Test Drive III: The Passion delivers handsomely in affording the player a chance to simulate sitting behind the wheel of three super vehicles. First up is the incredible Lamborghini Diablo with it's international high-tech design that features a V-12 engine (48 valves), 485 hp, and top speed of 202 mph. Following that impressive beast is the prototype Pininfarina (Ferrari production) Mythos with a top speed of 180 mph and a Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection engine. The third toy to play with is a Chevy. What? Well, it's a slightly modified Chevrolet, called the CERV III (Corporate Experimental Research Vehicle III), that tops out at a rousing 225 mph with it's innovative six-speed automatic churning out 650 hp. The manual calls it an "exotic cousin" to the revered Corvette. In early 90's dollar values, you could own all three for a little more than three million bucks.

Having met the dream machines, the focus turns to game play. Does Test Drive III: The Passion deliver a simulation worthy of these awesome cars? You bet it does. An innovative course design allows you to energetically put these autos through their amazing paces. You'll zoom through tunnels, past farmland and beaches, rocket over mountains and zip through valleys and maybe even try to outrun that train that's about to reach the railroad crossing ahead! Maybe the scenery isn't the greatest you've ever seen, although the graphics are quite nicely done (VGA 256-color is a must), but who has time to see it anyway when handling what amounts to rockets on wheels. The overall test route begins near the Pacific and ends in the scenic vistas of Yosemite. The route is broken down into five specific test runs, each with more than one highway or road to travel. Additionally, as a well appreciated bonus, each route has an uncharted shortcut that's left for you to find (take at your own risk!). The individual legs of your test drive trip include Paso Robles to Monterey (Scenic Coast), Monterey to San Luis Reservoir (Coast Hills), San Luis Reservoir to Merced (Valley Farms), Merced to Mariposa (Foothills), and Mariposa to Tioga Pass (Sierra Vista). The interface is flexible with both keyboard and joystick options available. Game play is smooth and the game contains many small but thoughtful extras such as readable road signs when going the right way (you only see their backs if going the wrong way) and changeable radio stations. Options include nine skill levels to choose from (the first three with built in automatic shifting), two computer-controlled or three human opponents, and varying conditions such as clear skies, rain, fog, or snow as well as dawn, day, dusk and night driving. Instant replays from various angles or viewpoints from which to watch your most spectacular crashes or crowning achievements add additional flavor to an already tasty simulation. Test drive it -- it's a blast. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Review: Graphics

What the game lacks in detail it more than makes up for in performance. Graphics are a mix of bit-mapped and polygonal visuals and the interior of the cars is digitized. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Review: Sound

Mood inducing music and smart sound effects add luster to the game ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Review: Replay Value

Always room for improvement (cut those seconds off your total time) in driving skills and with the added design feature of multiple roads within each route and shortcuts to challenge you, replay is a must. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Review: Documentation

Innovative instruction manual by the AAA, the Accolade Automotive Association. Covers basics and provides good background on the cars as well as advanced play options. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide