Game Reviews
Articles
Code Bank
News Flash
Fan SceneWho We Are
The Paper Game Mag
Links
Feedback
Search
Home
|
I've always liked racing games a lot. After playing the demo CD of Gran Turismo a bit, I was craving more. After getting the full version of the game, I was surprised by a game that was a lot more in depth than the demo showed. I'll explain why this is one of the most realistic racers that I've found so far. There are two main modes to choose from. There is an arcade mode, in which you can choose from four tracks and several different cars, all of which are real makes, like Nissan, Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, Dodge, Mitsubishi and more. Each have advantages and disadvantages that actually make some cars better than others. It's not like some other racers where a car may have a low acceleration rate, but a high top speed, or vice versa. Some cars just plain stink in Gran Turismo. There is a two-player split-screen mode in the arcade mode as well, and although I've heard that the frame rate is worse in this mode, I don't really notice myself. It does make it difficult to see, however, as with any two-player split-screen mode in any game. The arcade mode easily rivals arcade racing simulators. Secondly, there is simulation mode. This is what really sets Gran Turismo apart from other games in the genre. In the simulation mode, you start out with $5,000, just enough dough to let you get a used car from one of the several dealers. As you race through different circuits you can earn more money to buy a new car. Once you buy a decent car, you can purchase upgrades, including new engines, tires, suspension, brakes and more. Fortunately, most changes you can make to your racer show your increase in horsepower, allowing us non-car people to know if we're about to make a change to our car that won't do squat. You can purchase many different real cars, at least 100. That's a real plus. Before racing, however, you must earn a license to race. There are three licenses in the game, with eight segments each. Mostly, these tests force you to learn to take turns well, but it's more of a hindrance than a help. You find this out when you try a test a million times and only need to finish a half second sooner. Prior to each test you get a description and set of instructions, but you never really find out what you're doing wrong. It would have been better being an option to learn, rather than a requirement. The graphics? Top notch, especially the replays. There are a few problems with pop-up (as with just about any PlayStation game), but its not all that noticeable. The play control is especially good --- it has to be for all the specific ways you can alter your car. You can tell exactly how your changes effect your car. The music and sound are decent, although there aren't enough tunes. The soundtrack becomes quite repetitive. Overall, Gran Turismo is highly recommended for racing fans. The frustrating license tests in the simulation mode and the lack of music tracks are about its only drawback for me. |
Articles
Code Bank
News Flash
Fan Scene
The Paper Game Mag
Links
Feedback
Search
Home
We want to hear from you! E-mail the Editor of Game Mag at gamemag@kcnet.com.