AMAZING GAME (Gran Turismo 3 (PS2))

Member Name: D1A1

Product:	Gran Turismo 3 (PS2)
Date:	08/09/01 (198 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superb gaming.

Disadvantages: None.

Sold my PlayStation 2, saw GT3, bought a PlayStation 2 and GT3. Enough said. No wait, you want more than a sentence…
Ok, if you’ve been side tracked for a few years, with the last memory of a racing game in your mind being Sega Rally in the arcades, then hearing, yet alone seeing or even playing, GT3 will give you a rather nice surprise.

I’ve never purchase a games console solely for one game before, but the time had to happen, and Sony, I am sure are thankful for my purchase – I certainly am! The game is nothing short of spectacular, and I didn’t really want to admit that after raving about the Bizarre Creations game Metropolis Street Racer, but as close as it comes, I have to say Polyphony Digital take the chequered flag, and now lead the race for the best driving game, of all time.

Many people have said ‘been there, bought that, got the A international licence’, but I never did that, I was only able to scratch the surface of the prequels, but now I have the latest masterpiece in virtual racing – MS err what now? Sony don’t only demand respect, they actually deserve it and if I could recommend any one game to you this year then it would have to be Gran Turismo 3. This game is one of the most well known throughout the industry, so make sure you know what it’s about.

Racing is just the forefront of it: this game will have you enwrapped in a world of mufflers, lowered suspensions and other BHP enhancing customisations – if you don’t want to get all greasy and oily being a mechanic, buy GT3 – you don’t even have to be 17 to drive the cars! My TVR Tuscan handles like a barge, but still, it’s the most accurate graphical representation in video game land. You have to admire the people responsible for the shininess.

Graphics: amazing, the visuals are so much better than anything else I have played although I would say MSR, F355 come close. Bu
t this is what you know you bought your PlayStation 2 for, the cars look almost real – but don’t worry, you won’t damage them, as unfortunately, and somewhat lazily, there is no crash damage. But then, the other two games mentioned also refrain from allowing you to morph your car into mashed up heap. Respect.

Don’t be put off with the immediate lack of speed as you take on the likes of a Daihatsu in your lovely Volkswagen Beetle, progression is key in the game, and you won’t have to put up with any “PENALTY” warning signs as in another certain racing title. You’ll soon be rolling in the money form the Sunday Cup and be ready to take on the world in whatever you wish to spruce up and help you acquire that sense of smugness that we all get from beating irritating AI cars…Honda NSX anyone?

There are too many manufacturers to mention, but most cars are officially licensed, all look very realistic and accurate, and even have individual engine noise…I mean music! Talking of music, I don’t want to talk about the in game music, it’s just not right, I have no idea what was going on that night, we should be listening to Paul Oakenfold, and other quality artists, perhaps even the odd clip of Layla during an endurance race, anything but that noise!

The lighting effects are, yep, you guessed it – unrivalled. The PlayStation 2 is finally using it’s potential to the fullest and you will not be disappointed with your acquisition. There’s more to just racing though, as you have licenses to complete, cars to do up to the max and new cars to unlock – progress further, spend more time and you’ll be treated to some absolute caning beastie cars – namely the Viper GTS…

The presentation may not be as exciting as before, but it’s a lot easier, for someone who’s not used to the GT layout, it’s perfect. If you ever manage to
pull yourself away from the single player experience, then you may find out that there’s a rather fantastic arcade mode, for two of you or more (tournaments) to battle it out on. GT3 rules, it is the king of racing, and I’d recommend it to anyone. 10/10

Thanks

Dan

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