Gran Turismo 3 features cars made up of 2,000 to over 4,000 polygons. The game delivers 10 times the graphic power of Gran Turismo 2. Every car has been designed to spec right down to the unique engine sounds.
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.
-More than 150 authentic vehicles, from the top marques in Japan, the US and Europe
-18 tracks including two new tracks - Cote d'Azur and Tokyo Racing Circuit
-Enhanced Rally Mode allows players to race through gravel tracks, kicking up dirt to impair their opponent's view
-Arcade Racing mode with power slides, burnouts and excessive speed
-Race with up to six people simultaneously by networking PS2s
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