Didnt want to give a 9 but an 8 is too low. Anyway, what this is, is a high rez version of GT minus about 300 cars(gt3 has 200 cars, some hidden, including F1's) and a couple of key GT2 tracks and features. The z axis physics are greatly improved over the psx versions, but of course there isnt any damage physics as the car 'some' of the car manufactures would not allow it so Poly could not implement it at all. But tire wear and oil assistance is implemented. But really, the control is great. Espescially in the Rally courses. Improved 10 fold over GT2. I also like that the pressure sensitive buttons are used to nice effect on the DS2. But, in the sim mode, the A.I is unintelligent and is no better than GT psx. Although the arcade mode ironically enough offers you more difficult A.I. Also, there are no HP restricted races. That was dumb for obvious reasons. GT4 better return to having HP restricted races. Other than that, load times are very short and everything is situated well on the menu screens unlike GT2. The 2 player mode is decent, but nothing special for this type of game. Just head to head racing. Better than nothing though.
The garage options are basically the same as prevoius versions. Very customizable.
The graphics are of course the best I've seen in any car sim to date. Highrez textures and specular lighting highlight most of the courses(some are just bland) and the Wet track is a real eye opener. The rally courses also have impressive dirt/smoke effects .The car models as in previous GT's, are the focus of GT3's graphics. The accuracy that Poly modeled is superb. And the light maps that reflect on the cars are truly pleasant to look at. But whats really impressive is that is does not have one single hint of slowdown. Never. Constant 60fps at all times, even with all 6 cars on screen at once. That suprised me. But, there are only 2 camera views during racing. There needs to be more.
The replays are very nice as usual, with certain filter effects added if you want.
Dont like the music. Maybe half the tracks I listen to, if that. Thankfully GT3 allows you to customize what music you do and dont want to listed to. GT2 destroys GT3 in the music departmemt. Not only that, but there isnt even an option to lower or higher the music/sfx in the game. Completely ridiclous. The sfx though are rather nice. Engines sound good. And the wind effect when driving fast in 1st person mode is also a nice touch.
As many flaws as GT3 may have, the good outweighs the bad. Again, I'd rate this game just under a 9. But there are endless things Poly has to address to make GT4 shine. Dont want to see this series milked like THPS. GT has alot of potential so lets hope with less pressure for timelines, Poly will have a chance to do so. But as for sims go, GT3 is the best on the ps2 and not too far behind as the best in the market. Buy it IF you like sims, other wise it may get boring for you.
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