Gran Turismo 3
Gran Turismo 3by Sony Computer Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation2
ESRB Rating: Everyone
ASIN: B0000503MO
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Features:
• Real-time lighting forces your eyes to adjust to changing conditions
• Over 100 car models to race
• Artificial intelligence mimics actions of real racecar drivers
• Air conditions include heat rising off ground and mist
• Gameplay familiar to anyone who's played other Gran Turismo titles
Amazon.com: The PlayStation2 takes the Gran Turismo franchise to new heights in the third edition of the venerable racing series. The graphics are sure to grab you--the cars and tracks are awe inspiring, and there are some incredible lighting effects. This game is much more than eye candy, though.
The gameplay in Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is the same as its predecessors; fans of the previous games will feel right at home, while newcomers will be able to pick things up easily. There are more than 150 cars from which to choose, and plenty of tracks upon which to race them. Arcade mode works well for a quick fix, while simulation mode provides outstanding replay value. The sound effects are impressive--each engine has a unique sound, and tire screeches from different cars sound noticeably different. The soundtrack is a good mix of original compositions and a wide variety of recording artists, including Motley Crue, Raekwon, Jimi Hendrix, and Snoop Dogg.
One minor flaw with the game is its relatively predictable artificial intelligence. Computer-controlled cars follow distinct lines, and you'll be able to pick up the patterns after a few races. Considering how far the graphics have come since the original Gran Turismo, it's disappointing that the AI hasn't progressed similarly. Despite this, GT3 remains an outstanding game. Few games offer its combination of high quality and immense variety. --Raymond M. Padilla
Pros:
Incredible graphics
Excellent physics and controls
Great soundtrack
Cons:
Predictable AI
No Porsche or Ferrari licenses
Amazon.com Product Description: The third title of the Gran Turismo series takes full advantage of the new PlayStation2 game engine, which is capable of rendering about 20 million polygons per second--roughly 10 times the number of total polygons of the series' previous installment, Gran Turismo 2. Real-time lighting forces your eyes to adjust to changing conditions, such as when a car rounds a turn and the sun comes out from behind a building to cause glare on the windshield. This makes the game harder, but more realistic. Heat rises off the ground and mist swirls around vehicles as they make their way across the racetrack.
Gran Turismo 3 also features more than 100 distinct cars, each with different statistics, including the Subaru Impreza Rally, Dodge Viper GTS-R, and Mazda's RX-7 RS. Computer-controlled opponents benefit from enhanced artificial intelligence; they don't act like baby ducks following their mother, but instead respond to other cars, the course, and the conditions in much the same way that real drivers would. Pressure a car, and it will pressure you back; cut one off in the early part of the race, and expect to receive similar treatment down the course. They don't drive perfectly, either; some will spin out and make other mistakes over the course of a race.
GameSpot Review: When the PlayStation2 was announced, the first title Sony officially mentioned for the system was Gran Turismo 3. If you have played Gran Turismo 2, then you already know what to expect from the gameplay, since GT3 is basically an enhanced version of it at this point.
Graphically, Gran Turismo 3 is turning out to be stunning. In the latest playable version, high-resolution textures are starting to be implemented, but some areas still need work (for example, the crowds). The smoke effects caused by skidding now appear to be finished, and they add a nice sense of realism to the game. Lighting in the game is also coming along real nice. Shadows caused by buildings blocking the sunlight (which is a nice effect in itself) allow for a completely different driving experience, compared with Gran Turismo 3. As you move in and out of the sunlight's path as you race by buildings, your eyes are forced to quickly adjust to the lighting - just as in real life driving - making the game more difficult.
The replays in the game are unlike anything ever seen before. It's breathtaking to see the heat rising off the road as a pack of cars comes from the edge of the horizon and zooms past you. As for the physics, what you found in Gran Turismo 2 is basically what you find in Gran Turismo 3. If there is any difference to be mentioned, the cars appear to be a bit more "springy."
Of particular note is that the game will benefit from the Dual Shock 2's analog-sensitive buttons. Take acceleration, for example: The harder you press the gas button, the faster the car will go similar to the way a real gas pedal behaves, or like the shoulder buttons on Namco's neGcon controller. Needless to say, this is extremely cool, especially considering the fact that the buttons don't feel any different to the touch from the buttons on the standard Dual Shock controller.
Sony has said that Gran Turismo 3 won't just be a graphically improved version of GT2, so it will be interesting to see what the company adds to the game before it's released to make good on that statement.--Dave Toole--Copyright © 2000 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited.
Amazon.com Preview: Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of the Gran Turismo series, told the assembled media at the June 2000 E3 conference that his goal for the game's first two installments was to build a real racing simulator experience, as opposed to just static racing titles, but he lacked the necessary hardware power in the original PlayStation to realize his intentions fully.
With the PlayStation2 hardware, however, his team was able to create a game engine that was capable of rendering 20 million polygons per second. Each car in Gran Turismo 3 is made up of 4,000 polygons--roughly 10 times the number that made up the cars in Gran Turismo 2.
After having gotten a chance to take the game for a test drive, it's apparent that Yamauchi's dream has been realized. Aside from the startling graphics, the cars race around the track realistically, and the game runs at an impressive 60 frames per second.
One example of Gran Turismo 3's advancements is its variable acceleration. The harder you press on the gas with the Dual Shock 2 controller, the faster your car will go--similar to driving an actual car. Also, computer-controlled drivers now are much smarter than in the past two versions. The more pressure you apply on them, the harder it is to pass. If you drive carelessly and cut off your opponents or crowd them, they'll return the favor at some point during the race.
This functionality adds to the overall enjoyment and real-world racing feel of Gran Turismo 3. The control setup on the Dual Shock 2 will be familiar immediately to anyone who has played either Gran Turismo or Gran Turismo 2 for the PlayStation.
The finished game will have over 150 cars from which to choose, including the Toyota MR-S Apex, Audi TT 1.8T Quattro, Nissan Silvia K's, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR (Tommi Makinen edition), and Mazda RX-7 RS, to name but a few. --Todd Mowatt
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful graphics, yet hard and NOT a "crash-&-burn" game!!, December 5, 2002
Reviewer: jdring2002 from Vienna, VA USA
"Grand Turismo: 3" (GT3) has the BEST graphics of ANY racing game in the world, and has the coolest cars since "Supercar Street Challenge"!! :) However, GT3 may get on your nerves sometimes when racing in a season, because of the large chances of spinning-out and the hard-to-oppose AI difficulties...Also, if you're into "crash-&-burn" racing games like the "Burnout" series for PS2, then this game wouldn't be for you.
However, GT3 is STILL the coolest racing [and non-Burnout type] PS2 games I've EVER played!...
I love this game, December 2, 2002
Reviewer: A gamer
I love this game, the same with my friend. When my friend come over, he can't stop playing this game. You race to get money in this game. I got almost enough money to get another car.
Gran Turismo 3 is a must own for any PS2 owner!, December 2, 2002
Reviewer: Jason R Olmstead from MI, US
This is by far the most realistic and complete driving simulator to date. I call it a driving simulator because it's just that - it's more of a simulator than a game really... as the cars are very realistic, and the control, accelleration, braking, etc. on all of them is completely true to life. The programmers of this game over at Polyphony Digital are said to be some of the best physics programmers in the world, and when you play this game for the first time you'll believe it.
The game features hudreds of licenced cars that actually exist in real life. These range from $16K Honda Civics all the way up to multi million dollar LeMans cars. You start out with $20K in your bank and are able to purchase one of only a few cars, and you then are able to work your way up the automotive food chain by winning money in races and race series. With the money you win you can upgrade existing cars, and buy new cars.
The game is great, if you're wanting a quick race before you leave for work, or an entire day to kill on building up your garage and your bank. I bought a PS2 strictly for this game, and wasn't disappointed. The first time I laid eyes on this game I was stunned, that's how good it looks. It's something you have to see to believe. You can check out pics of the still pictures on the internet and be amazed, but the truly amazing show of graphics can only be seen when whitnessing the game in real life. The fact that this game is now only $19.99 because of the "Greatest Hits" campaign is amazing.
If your TV has component inputs, I STRONGLY suggest picking up a SONY component video cable for your PS2 if buying this game. Component video will make it look 100 times better than normal composite video or SVideo. It's not really a requirement, but it ads to the extreme level of realism you'll encounter when playing this game.
Anyone who owns a PS2 and doesn't own this game should really have their head checked. :)
GT3 packs awesome collection of cars, November 30, 2002
Reviewer: A gamer from New York , USA
A very fun game that becomes frustrating as you progress to the professional level. Still a 4-star rating for graphics and the selection of cars available to buy and race.
THE GAME IS SO SO SO GREAT, November 28, 2002
Reviewer: stephen from PHILIPPINES
THE GAME IS SO GREAT BECAUSE OF THE GRAPHICS AND THE CARS.AND I HAVE AN EXPERIENCE IN RACING CARS IN REAL LIFE.AND THIS GAME IS LIKE A REAL THING TO KNOW WHAT THE REAL RACING IS.THANKS TO THE CREATOR OF THIS GAME AND TO THIS SITE.
Keeps getting better., November 27, 2002
Reviewer: Sandi from Ontario Canada
This is a fun game. If you've been following the Gran Turismo series you'll be impressed with this new version. The cars are amazing and the graphic details is brilliant. The soundtrack could use a little work but it's not too bad. This game is great for all ages.
Too Realistic!?!, November 12, 2002
Reviewer: jojo3301 from Chicago, IL
This game is a big ol heap o fun. It was the first game I got for PS2. It is still one of my favorites. It was well done right up to the last detail. It is EXTREMELY realistic. I don't even have a licence yet, but when I turn 16, I won't have much trouble driving. That's how real it feels. Each car is based on its real life counterpart. For example, Corvettes in this game handle much like a real Corvette. And this is the case for every car in the game. Plus it is a real steal at only [money]bucks!!!
BEST GAME EVER, November 11, 2002
Reviewer: Game Master from United States
Gran Turismo 3 A-spec is the best racing game I have ever played, it is a lot better than Gran Turismo 2. There are 37 of the following manufacturers:Acura,Alfa Romeo,Aston Martin,Audi,BMW,Chevrolet,Chrysler,Citroen,Daihatsu,Dodge,Fiat,Ford,Gillet,Honda,Jaguar,Lancia,Lister,Lotus,Mazda,Mercedes-Benz,Mini,Mitsubishi,Nissan,Opel,Pagani,Panoz,Peugeot,Renault,RUF,Shelby,Subaru,Suzuki,Tickford,Tommykaira,Toyota,TVR and Volkswagen. The 2nd best car is the Dodge Viper. TO buy a Viper : Buy a Toyota Sprinter and race the "Sunday Cup" for easy money . And then buy a Chevrolet Corvette and race for the Viper. When you get the Viper and race in the Amateur League at Gran Turismo All Stars. You will win $25,000 per race. Over all this is the best racing game ever.
Best Racing Game to Date, November 10, 2002
Reviewer: Travis Newman
Gran Turismo 3 simply the most complete, longest lasting racing game that is on the market. There many different tracks and a nearly endless amount of different races that are eventually available to the player. There are not as many cars as GT2, but the cars that were eliminated were the cars that no body cared about anyways. There is something in this game for any person interested at all in any type of racing game. From rally racing, to endurance events, along with the constant upgrading of your cars, it is a game that you will be playing for a very long time.
The only mild disappointment is that GT3 still has not gotten the permission to use names like Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborgini. There is such an array of cars to select from that once you start modifying your cars, that you forget all about them anyways.
Gran Turismo 3 is very challenging, much more so than its predecessors and it offers hours of addicting game play for even the most modest of race fans. This is the only racing game I have given the time of day, and I suggest you do the same if you are looking for the champion in a genre full of losers.
Great racing game, November 5, 2002
Reviewer: Expedient Being from Frisco, TX United States
if you are a racing game and car fan, but casual gamers may find this game a tad boring after a while. It's just wham bam thank you mam. You can unlock different fancy racing cars along the way but the races get repetitive after a while. This game should have more rally tracks and cars, coz rally rocks.
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