Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec

Publisher:
Sony Computer Entertainment

Release Date:
07-09-2001

Genre:
Sports / Sports - Racing

ESRB Rating:
Everyone

Description:
Racing games used to provoke massive arguments between fans. Some hankered for realistic engine noises, authentic handling, and the ability to tune every nut and bolt in their virtual vehicles. Others were more concerned with the relative intelligence of the computer drivers' AI routines, or the quantity and quality of the vehicles on offer. Some just wanted to see stunning graphics, others cared for nothing but the sensation of speed, and many more were simply looking for a decent multiplayer racer. And then Gran Turismo 3 was released, and all the arguments stopped.

If ever a game could be described as being 'all things to all people', it's GT3. Initially mooted as a Japanese launch title for the PlayStation 2, it eventually turned up more than two years late. Many had given up on it ever being released, but one look at the finished product was enough to explain why it arrived so far behind schedule; every inch of the game exudes polished style, of the sort that can only be achieved with years of constant refinement. GT3 describes itself as the 'Real Driving Simulator', and only a fool would argue with that.

What makes it so good? Well, to start with, it has all of the elements that made its PS one ancestors so popular. Foremost among these are the cars; not just the enormous selection of vehicles on offer, but the equally comprehensive array of upgrades and tuning options, allowing you to supercharge anything from a Honda Civic to an Aston Martin far beyond their original capacities. The structure of the game is also similar to the originals, with strict entry requirements for each of the varied and numerous competitions, usually limiting entrants to cars with similar engines, or specific manufacturers and models.

Many of the tracks will also be familiar to Gran Turismo veterans, but when they're as good as the Deep Forest circuit or Laguna Seca, this is not a cause for complaint. The rallying sections from GT2 also make a welcome return, looking better than ever in glorious PS2-o-vision. There are also a couple of brand new tracks this time out, most notably the stunning recreation of the Monaco Formula One circuit - and what other game lets you drive a Mini round Monaco?

It almost goes without saying that GT3's graphics are among the best ever seen in a racing game, setting a standard that others have struggled to match ever since. The reflections on the cars, the numerous lighting effects, the trackside detail and the sensation of speed are as convincing as the way the cars handle or the perfect pitch of their engine noises, and the end result is scarily realistic. Not even the opponent AI can dispel the sensation of being in a real race; the computer drivers react intelligently to your presence on the road, and provide a significant challenge to all but the most skilful drivers.

GT3 excels in so many different areas that you have to feel sorry for the competition. Other racing games may yet produce better graphics, or have a wider variety of cars, better tuning options, or more authentic spot effects, but it's unlikely that they will improve on all of them at once. GT3's longevity is also undeniably impressive, with several gruelling endurance races to complete, and a wide selection of exotic secret vehicles to uncover. And then there's the multiplayer to consider - superb in two-player splitscreen mode, but absolutely devastating when you network PS2s using the iLink port, allowing for simultaneous six player racing heaven. Gran Turismo 3 has set an almost unreachable benchmark for all other racing games, and is an essential part of every racing fan's software collection. Don't miss out.