Gran Turismo 3: A-spec

PSX Extreme (10 out of 10)

By now your eyes are sore and you're thinking 'when the hell is this review going to end'? Well you can shut your pie hole and quit your whining because it's done, finished, finito, zaconchin, finition, ende, revestimento, eh you get the idea. Gran Turismo 3 is not only the best Playstation 2 game available for the PS2, but it may very well take my "Game of the Year" award. I should also mention that GT3 is the very first Playstation 2 game to earn a perfect ten from me, but which game will steal tens across the board? I shouldn't have to tell you that GT3 will be a must own title, and no PS2 library will be complete without a copy, 1 million Japanese owners sure think so, shouldn't you? If you haven't already, YOU MUST GET GT3! Your life depends on it!

Eurogamer.net (UK) (10 out of 10)

I've been playing Gran Turismo 3 solidly for a week now, doing little else in that time, and I can't honestly say that I've done more than scratch the surface yet. I will probably be playing this game for months, and even then I won't finish it. It's all-encompassing, and like its predecessors before it, teaches the racing genre a thing or two about itself. Developers will be copying it for years, gamers will be playing it for years. It doesn't matter who you are, you should buy GT3. It's not perfect, but it's very, very close.

GamePro (US) (5 out of 5)

The GT series has a huge worldwide fan base, and GT3 measures up to those high expectations with style and depth. If you?re into racing at all, this instant classic is simply a must-own game.

GamersMark (10 out of 10)

All in all (tell me if you saw this one coming) this game roxxors. Not only does it have beautiful graphics, excellent control, more cars than you could ever need (wait...there is no such thing as too much when dealing with cars), and great lasting value, GT3 is certainly here to stay, taking its rightful place in the Gran Turismo series.

Adrenaline Vault, The (AVault) ( )

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is one of those rare offerings that pretty much everyone who has a PS2 should own. Even if you’re not a huge racing fan, you’re not going to find a better showpiece for your system, and the Arcade mode is still accessible enough that anyone can find it an absolute blast. Simulation fans should buckle up, though, because once you leap into the deeper modes of this title, there’s no turning back, since this is some of the most realistic, heart-pounding road action to ever translate to a digital medium. Tight controls, amazing physics and superb track design all make for the ride of your life, while a massive roster of cars and challenges should keep you busy for months on end. On top of all of this, it should be stated that words cannot adequately describe the graphics. We could toss around the phrase “photo-realism” without too much exaggeration, and “live footage” wouldn’t be too far from the mark either.

PSM (10 out of 10)

Between arcade mode (a full game in and of itself) and the full-on Gran Turismo simulation mode, be prepared to invest a substantial chunk of your life (more than 50 hours) on this game. But trust us, if you love cars, you won't regret a minute of it. GT3 is simply the best racing game ever produced.

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (10 out of 10)

The fact of the matter is, GT3 is the best racing game ever made. It may not feature as many cars as Gran Turismo 2, but it more than makes up for this with superior car physics, more upgrades, more events, more tracks, better graphics, more songs and, overall, more replay value. When it comes down to it, this game will take longer to fully complete than any other racing game out there, and because it has such an amazingly realistic engine, you'll enjoy every minute of it.

Cincinnati Enquirer ( )

Racing fans, it just doesn't get better than this. "Gran Turismo 3 A-spec" is exactly what you've been waiting for and more. So strap yourself in for the ride of your life and see what all the hoopla is about.

GamesFirst! ( )

I have no qualms stating that this game live up to its "killer app" status. Everyone who plays video games must play GT3, racing fan or no, if only to see it, to experience it, to know what it is all about. However, due to the lack of innovation in game play since the last title, and the all too familiar tracks and racing behavior, players who have tired of the GT formula should play before they buy. For all those new to GT, you have a truly great gaming experience ahead of you.

IGN (9.8 out of 10)

I don't think many people will be disappointed with this game. Like I said, it's not perfect, but then most things aren't. GT3 offers the finest racing, the best cars and the highest-quality automotive audio-visual feast available on any gaming system anywhere, and as far as I'm concerned, it's an absolutely essential purchase for anyone who loves cars and racing.

GameZone (9.8 out of 10)

GT3 is extremely fun to play against others and it even includes i.link support to connect two separate PS2's (with two TV's).

Consoles Plus (98 out of 100)

On a rarement vu un jeu de caisses d'une telle qualité. Incontournable pour celui qui aime tout ce qui roule sur console.

Playstation Illustrated (97 out of 100)

Well, I guess if everything else is as great as it is, I shouldn't harp too much on such a small thing, but sheesh! - it should be an easy thing to do, just put an option in the Options menu.

Armchair Empire, The (9.6 out of 10)

While countless games have fallen horribly short after a barrage of hype, GT3 actually lives up to it. The game looks great, has a little something for most anyone interested in racing games, and plays extremely well. If you have a Playstation 2, this is a very worthy addition to its library.

Game Informer Magazine (9.5 out of 10)

The computer opponents are intelligent and vigorous drivers, and the new environmental effects only add to the formidable task at hand. Whether you’re fighting for visibility behind a dust cloud, or cautiously navigating a damp highway, each track delivers a different challenge. The controls are as true to life as can be, especially when using the Logitech GT Force wheel peripheral. Best of all, the multiplayer experience now includes I-link play.

Gamezone (Germany) (9.5 out of 10)

Wie schon erwähnt, ist das Fahrverhalten unglaublich, auch die Grafik, so ist z.B. das Streckendesign und die Zeichnung der Autos ein wahrer Augenschmaus. Egal ob der Lichteinfall zwischen den Bäumen, die realistischen Spiegelungen auf den Wagen oder der Glanz einer nassen Fahrbahnen, hier sieht alles fast wie echt aus. Auch die Motorengeräusche der vielzahligen Boliden sind perfekt und sehr unterschiedlich. Neben quietschenden Reifen ist sogar der Fahrtwind zu hören.

Power Unlimited (94 out of 100)

Misschien heb ik wel nog net genoeg ruimte om af te sluiten met de mededeling dat Gran Turismo 3 op dit ogenblik al mijn vrije tijd opslokt en terwijl Ed wanhopig aan de lijn hangt om te vragen waar mijn andere teksten blijven, moet ik gewoon mijn rondetijd verbeteren en mijn laatste licentie halen. Ik raak er met het uur meer van overtuigd dat deze game echt die titel is waarvoor mensen speciaal een PlayStation 2 in huis zullen halen. Ik weet in ieder geval dat ik dat zou doen want deze shit is gewoon de bomb.

Gaming Target (9.4 out of 10)

Simply put, Gran Turismo 3 is the first true killer app and AAA game for PlayStation 2. No questions about it. Yes, some people will get turned off by the realism and challenge of making corners, but that realism is what makes Gran Turismo great. If you can't handle the realism, the arcade mode might satisfy for a while, but you're best off sticking to Ridge Racer. The rest of us can know GT3 is the ultimate racing game. Don't take my word for it, just play it and see for yourself.

GameSpot (9.4 out of 10)

Ultimately, there's little more that racing fans can ask for that Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec doesn't have. Its endless tuning options and many racing events will keep you engrossed in the game for many months, and it's accessible enough to be enjoyed by anyone who's the least bit interested in driving an exotic car, and quite frankly, who isn't? Your PlayStation 2 library would be incomplete without this game.

Gamezilla (94 out of 100)

This game rocks, so do yourself a favor and go buy it now. Don’t listen to anyone telling you otherwise. We finally have a Gran Turismo game with beautiful graphics to match the incredible gameplay. Sure they cut some things back but based on what we got, I have no problem with that. One word of caution though; this game will suck away hours of your life. I have been playing on and off for a week and I am only 28% complete with the game. When you hear boasts of over 100 hours of gameplay, I suggest you take them seriously.

Futuregamez.net (94 out of 100)

Gran Turismo 3 is definitely one of the best racing games in history and while I've pretty much lashed out at this game, it was really for a couple of things that hardly deserve a mention. Just driving the cars is a joy and completing the Gran Turismo Mode will definitely take a lot of time. This really is a "must have" game on the Playstation 2.

PlanetPS2 (94 out of 100)

Despite the few flaws, Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec is by far the best racing game available on any platform. The incredible mix of eye-popping visuals and realistic physics make this game the title to own for the PS2. If you enjoy racing games, or simply driving titles in general, then Gran Turismo 3 is for you. If you are not a fan of this type of game, you might want to just rent it for the "wow" factor, as this is a game for the purists –- seemingly infinite in its detail, depth, and realism.

Gamesmania.de (93 out of 100)

GT3 bietet viel mehr als andere Rennspiele, lässt aber auch einige Wünsche offen. Bis zum perfekten "Driving Simulator", der von Projektleiter Kazunori Yamauchi angestrebt wird, ist es jedenfalls noch ein weiter Weg. Doch der Aufwand, der in die nahezu makellose Präsentation des Spiels investiert wurde, hat sich allemal gelohnt. Weit und breit ist kein Kandidat in Sicht, der diesem Rennspiel-Highlight das Wasser reichen kann.

4Players.de (92 out of 100)

Gran Turismo 3 ist mit Sicherheit das erste Spiel, das einen vom Kauf einer PS2 überzeugen könnte. Im Prinzip stimmt einfach alles: Die Grafik ist bis auf sehr wenige Ausnahmen ein Genuss, der Sound -abgesehen von der Mehrheit der Musikstücke- grandios und Steuerung und Fahrphysik sind eine Klasse für sich. Und doch: Irgendwie wird man das Gefühl nicht los, dass GT3 nichts anderes ist als eine grafisch aufgebohrte Fassung des schon exzellenten GT2. Keine großen Überraschungen, aber das dafür in einer hohen Qualität. Andererseits stellt sich natürlich die Frage, welche Veränderungen im Vergleich zum Vorgänger hätten durchgeführt werden können. Ist Gran Turismo 3 jetzt das „beste Rennspiel aller Zeiten“? Vielleicht. Fest steht, dass die Messlatte für Rennspiele jetzt erst mal ein ganzes Stück höher gesetzt wurde.

GameSpy (91 out of 100)

When you come right down to it, what you have is perhaps the most gorgeous PS2 game to date, running what is, alternately, an enhanced and (depending on your point of view) stripped down version of GT2. Those new to the series will almost certainly love this game, while veterans may have mixed emotions. For those veterans who have been holding off on a PS2 purchase to see if GT3 would provide a totally overhauled racing experience, there's likely to be at least some disappointment here. Still, it's the best racer out there, and if it seems similar in many respects to GT2, then that should really be construed as a compliment to just how good GT2 really was, rather than a black mark against GT3.

DarkZero (9.1 out of 10)

Gran Turismo is a truly great game. It is worth the £20 it is out now at Platinum price, and however many bugs you can find, as long as you are a racing sim fan, you will enjoy.

Gaming Age (A-)

GT3 doesn't disappoint. The AI could be better, but everything else kicks too much ass to worry about it.

Gamereactor (Sweden) (9 out of 10)

Gran Turismo 3 är i stora drag ett Gran Turismo 2 i snyggare, mer välstruken kostym. Väntar man sig några stora spelmässiga skillnader blir man besviken. Spelmässiga skillnader är dock inte att tänka på då de föregående spelen fortfarande är det bästa du kan köpa för pengar. Jag har väntat länge på det här och finner mig lika uppslukad som jag blev av det första spelet. På minuskontot hittar jag dock en tragisk avsaknad av realtidsdeformering, en tråkig artificiell intelligens och ett betydligt mindre antal bilar än i det föregående spelet. Detta översköljs dock snabbt av den underbara kvalitet som genomsyrar hela produktionen och Polyphony har än en gång fått mig att fastna framför min TV.

TotalVideoGames (TVG) (9 out of 10)

Gran Turismo 3: A Spec is everything we wanted; the graphics are so realistic itâs actually quite scary. The sound effects and background music push your adrenaline to the max, and youâll find yourself in shock after playing this game. A must have for ALL PlayStation 2 owners.

Gameplanet ( )

Other than the AI (which isn't bad, it just hasn't advanced since the previous games in the series) Gran Turismo 3 is the complete package as far as racing/driving games are concerned. It will become the pinnacle of the racing circuit in which all other future racing games will be compared with, in both terms of graphical content and realism. The fact that the game isn't perfect is actually an exciting prospect, as it means Sony can only improve on what is already a masterpiece. I only hope the next game in the GT series will finally feature at least one HSV Holden (hint, hint).

Peliplaneetta.net (90 out of 100)

GT3 on hyvä peli, eikä kannata uskoa ketään joka väittää muuta. Se vie konsoliautoilua roiman askeleen eteenpäin, tarjoaa hienoja autoja, upeaa ajotuntumaa ja ennen kaikkea vielä enemmän pelattavaa ja haastetta kuin edeltäjänsä. Mutta aivan purematta sitä ei tarvitse niellä. Grafiikan suhteen se lunastaa vain osan lupauksista ja vyöryttää PS2:n tehon todistustaakkaa Metal Gear Solid 2:n niskaan, ja pohjimmiltaan peli on kuitenkin vain päivitys. Mutta erinomainen päivitys erinomaiseen peliin, eikä se ole vähän se.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (9 out of 10)

GT3 simply does too many things right to be consumed by its faults. If you own a PS2, and even sort of like racing games, then you need to check this game out. Especially when you consider it’s now half price on platinum.

ZTGameDomain (9 out of 10)

In the end GT3 is well worth the $50 price tag. If you own a PS2 you should own this game, it is the reason most of you bought a PS2 and it is a great sequel to an already amazing game! GT remains the king of the racing ring, will it ever be de-throned? Only time will tell that story but for now Gran Turismo sits high above the rest as the greatest racing game of all time...this is ZT out!

Game Critics (9 out of 10)

So it is at this point that I cant help but wonder, "what next?" Aside from improving the AI, how could the Gran Turismo series—or any racing simulator for that matter—evolve? As I said earlier, GT3 preserves the Gran Turismo formula fundamentally unchanged, refining rather than creating. In doing so, it has become the most in-depth and complete racer ever. What more could a racing simulator possibly offer? Better graphics? Better physics? More upgrades? More exotic cars? At some point, refinement becomes self-defeating as gamers grow tired of overused concepts. Unfortunately, GT3 simply does not offer anything new or unique. Where will the creative minds of developers take simulators in the future? Despite its strengths, GT3 leaves that question unanswered.

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20)

Le titre à se procurer sur PS2 sans aucun doute puisqu'il exploite véritablement le potentiel de la machine pour le mettre au service d'une simulation réaliste, technique, riche en sensations et surtout belle à en pleurer.

Gamekult (9 out of 10)

N'y allons pas par quatre chemins : Gran Turismo 3 A Spec est LE jeu de simulation automobile du moment, et il sera difficile de le détrôner. Le jeu va en surprendre plus d'un, et s'avère largement à la hauteur de nos attentes. Certes, tout n'est pas parfait (léger clipping, pas de vue cockpit), mais la réalisation globale est d'un niveau tel que ces petits défauts passent inaperçus. Les nombreuses épreuves du jeu lui confèrent une durée de vie impressionnante, augmentée encore par le potentiel de personnalisation des véhicules, sans oublier les modes Rallye et Formule Un. La précision du comportement des véhicules et leur excellente maniabilité hissent Gran Turismo 3 au summum de la simulation sur console... voire même sur tous supports confondus, après tout ! Sans le moindre doute, les fans de la série seront comblés, et les autres bluffés.

Super Play (Sweden) (9 out of 10)

Det är snyggt och är tekniskt bättre än föregångarna, men det är ingenting annat än ett snyggare Gran Turismo 2. Om jag kisar lite när jag spelar kan jag inte avgöra om det är tvåan eller trean jag spelar. Det hänger bara på grafiken. Det bästa med trea när den nya ratten och det fabulösa rallyåkandet. Annars är det bara mer av samma.

Game Informer Magazine (9 out of 10)

It's been quite an endurance race for Sony in getting Gran Turismo 3 out, but cruise one lap around and you’ll be instantly thankful for the time well spent. Of course, you can't compare the two PlayStation systems, so the question is whether GT 3 is just a PS2 buff n' shine job, or an actual leap forward. I believe Gran Turismo 3 is the first true GT realization of mastermind Kazunori Yamauchi's vision of depth, playability, and visual splendor. There are areas to be worked on, but Gran Turismo's reign really starts here.

Computer Bild Spiele (1.64 out of 6)

Leider haben es die Entwickler verpasst, den computergesteuerten Fahrern eine glaubwürdige Intelligenz zu verpassen, und das schlägt sich auch im Testergebnis nieder. Die Gegner ziehen stur und immer fehlerfrei ihre Ideallinie auf dem Kurs. Nicht einmal heftige Rammattacken Ihrerseits können andere Fahrzeuge aus dem Rennen werfen. Da ist alles so geblieben wie bei den Vorgängern. Ansonsten wurde hier ganze Arbeit geleistet – der Traum des Programmierers Kazunori Yamauchi ist mit Gran Turismo 3 zu einem großen Teil Wirklichkeit geworden. Und „gut“.

Game Revolution (B+)

A few features that were on the wish list of GT gamers everywhere continue to remain missing in action. There is no place to drag race and you still can't damage your car no matter how hard you try. And contrary to the advertised "fully customizable" cars, you cannot modify the exterior of your car beyond the wheels. So all you customization freaks out there are just plain out of luck. No fat GReddy tip, no ground effects from C-West, no spoilers - nothing. Surprisingly, you can't even change the color of the car once it's selected. If you win the pink car, it shall remain pink forever. At least you can still sell it.

Game Chronicles (8.2 out of 10)

There are two types of racing games and two types of people who play them. The diehard simulation guys like to tweak spoilers, modify gear ratios, and study the analyzer graphs to achieve peak peformance. These people are probably going to find Gran Turismo 3 just a bit too "arcade" for their tastes. With no damage model and no penalties for poor driving, not to mention a lack of a dash-view, this game can hardly be considered a simulation.

Bordersdown (8 out of 10)

While GT3 shows what the PS2 is capable of and sets the new standard in graphical power for future games, it does have its faults, which affect the game play and the way you play it. I for one will hope that GT4 will iron these faults and bring in real time damage to car models to give us the most realistic driving game ever.

Silicon-Fusion.com ( )

There are some video game moments that will live with me forever. Docking my first ship in Elite, busting out of the city, and into a whole new world in Final Fantasy VII. Saving the Princess in Zelda, and buying my first car in Gran Turismo.

Edge (8 out of 10)

True, there are better racing games out there. The PlayStation’s TOCA WTC, with its excellent AI routines, and Le Mans on DC come to mind as superior all-out racing affairs. But the essence of the GT world has always been to take a car and its driver to the limit of their ability, rather than racing alone. And in this respect, GT3 truly refines this experience.

Game Critics (7.5 out of 10)

The production values of the graphics, sound, and gameplay content in GT3 are clearly high-caliber and worthy of being dubbed "next-generation." But I'm not so sure that the priorities were where they should be for a racing game. GT3 is still much more about the quantity of collecting authentically licensed cars and the simulated experience of what it's like to drive them rather than the quality of the actual racing competition. Until a better balanced is achieved, I only recommend this title to those who can tolerate or enjoy the "feel" of the questionably realistic diving model.

The Video Game Critic (B-)

Gran Turismo 3 has its flaws, but both racing purists and arcade nuts will appreciate GT3's smooth action and attention to detail.