PS2's First Killer App!

Gran Turismo, the very apex of the realistic racing simulation game. Stuff was added, stuff was removed, and the game was given a major makeover in the appearance department. What we have is possibly one of the best racing games to ever come out, just barely edging out GT2.

Lets get down to it, tell me about the graphics!

When we really get down to it, this is what makes GT3 stand out from the other games on the market, racing or not. Bar none, GT3 has the most impressive visual effects in any game to date. The cars are just drop dead gorgeous. They have a HUGE poly count, lack any form of noticeable jagged edges. The tracks are realistic and crisp. Effects, like dust, water spray from wet tracks, heat waves, and even little things like the sparks when hitting something are impressive (though some dirt effects are WAY over done like on the Alpine track). Then, to top it all off, it looks like the game runs at a constant 60 frames per second, no visible slowdowns whatsoever! Yummy!

How realistic is it?

Just as much as its predecessors. You can't just hold down the gas and let it rip like some kart game. Strategy takes precedence over simple speed boosts. You can even go as far as customizing your car down to even the gear ratios. Everything you do has a visible and noticeable difference in how your car works and moves.

Is the simulation mode good?

It sure is, spent around 25 hours in it so far. Race, make money, upgrade your car, buy faster ones. Its fun, and its addictive. Especially for someone like me who really doesn't like racing games all that much.

Any other notable extras?

Yep. First off, there is a nice little contest that you can win car payments for a year. That itself is worth the purchase, even if you don't win, $50 for a chance to win a removal of a huge monthly payment is well worth the time. Second, a new little addition has been added to the playback mode. When you start up the game, you see an impressive music video with racing in it. After a race, you can opt to view your race in the same music video mode. It’s cool to watch. Another extra is the six-player race mode using the i-Link device. Just hook up to the i-Link (I think you need 6 PS2s, 6 TVs, and 6 games though) and race your friends in a mock LAN battle. The two-player mode included is a bit bland. Only you and one opponent are on the track, and most of the time you never see your opponent. They could have added some computer-controlled cars for two player bouts.

So, you said it is realistic, does that mean hard?

It sure does. GT3 is no walk in the park racing game. You mess up somewhere, your opponents are definitely going to be a few feet behind you to take advantage of that. Turn too hard and you will spin out. Stuff like that is a turn off to some people, so might as well report it.

How good is the AI?

The AI is great. Unfortunately, sometimes the computer gets a few advantages. They will hit you to slow you down, but they won't. The computer sometimes seems to be exempt to the laws of physics on tight turns. Just little things like that. It doesn't happen all the time, but it will occasionally. Not enough to kill your chances at a first place finish.

I heard the car count was cut in half, that true?

Pretty much. GT2 had over 400 cars available. GT3 has 180 something. Some may be turned away by this, but not I. Most of the cars in GT2 were doubles or in triplicate in performance of others. Simply a different look to basically the same car. GT3 cut out all the junk, copy cars and left us with the best of the flock. Also, because of the absurd level of detail in all the vehicles, coding another 300 cars would have pushed the release date to this time NEXT year, and I would doubt that we could see that many fit even on a hefty DVD with their level of detail.

Soundtrack good?

Yes, it’s good, but not nearly as good as GT2. During GT2 races, I found I would inadvertently do one of those foot waves while playing. I don't do that with GT3. It’s still a great soundtrack, but not up to the GT2 level.

Bottom Line

Gran Turismo 3 is the very first of the PlayStation 2 killer apps. It actually uses all of the PS2's capabilities, and is long and fun enough to warrant the christening of the PS2 as a good console system. Graphics, physics, and the simulation mode will keep you glued to your television for hours on end.