Scott's Notes
After reading over this review it is a negative one, but only because it would take 50 pages to describe the games good points. As you read this, just remember that this is a must have game, but we look at what we don't like about it because it is much easier that way.
It's been a long time since a game has been released with the hype of Gran Turismo 3. A local retail store sold over a hundred copies in just a few hours. The salesperson told me that there were people sneaking around like wild zombies waiting for their shipment to come in. Now that's a big game.
Indeed, with such hype surrounding the game, it's bound to disappoint some. Sadly, it's easy to see why, because while GT3 does have its moments of sheer brilliance, it's still essentially the same game as the first two installments. For many, that's not a problem, but for those looking for the next big thing in racing games, GT3 is a mixed bag.
Gran Turismo veterans will be instantly familiar with the interface of GT3. There are the arcade and simulation modes, which are the main core of the game. Of course, the simulation mode is the one everyone will be playing. In the sim mode, you must get your licenses before most of the races, just like before. Many of the tests are familiar, but with GT3's updated physics model, the licenses are a nice way to get used to the new feel of the game. The tests aren't quite as hard as GT1-I was able to get though all the licenses in a few hours (except for the last Super license, which took about an hour of obsessive practice by itself).
Once you get your licenses, you're off to spend money on a car. This time, you start with 18,000 to make your selection. Since GT3 has done away with used cars, you don't have much of a selection to choose from right away. Once again, this is a downfall of GT3. Just like before, you are forced to take a painfully slow, underpowered car around the tracks to earn a pitiful amount of cash. Racing around at just under 90 mph for the first few hours of the game is not my idea of fun, just like it wasn't in the first two games.
Essentially, everything else in the simulation mode is the same too. You have to race seemingly hundreds of races in all kinds of different cars, including the updated rally races. The main flaw, a flaw that almost cripples GT3, is that the races themselves are merely a means to an end. Since the computer AI is, more often than not, very pathetic, you'll blow away most cars within a lap or two. After that, the races degenerate to a battle of attrition-you're forced to endure the boredom of the race just to get more money to buy a new car or upgrade. Then you repeat the process... over and over again.
Some people love this. I'll admit myself that it is addicting. I mean, I've spent hours into the night just trying to make enough money to buy that new level 4 turbo kit for my new Supra. Installing new parts and tinkering with the new cars becomes most of the fun in GT3. Doesn't anyone else see something wrong with this?
For instance, shouldn't the fun be in the actual racing? This is a racing game, after all... but it just seems as if the racing is secondary in GT3 to the acquisition and collection of cars and car parts. With such pathetic computer opponents, and with some of the races lasting MANY hours, the game sometimes becomes an utter bore to play. Who wants to race a two hour or longer race, lapping opponents more than ten times without any competition? Certainly, this isn't very much fun. To make it fun, you'll have to challenge yourself to push the car to new limits... but you can only do that for so long. For all the talk of the new realistic physics, you'd think they would put some work into the computer AI. Sadly, they haven't, or at least in any way that makes them more competitive.
Just to illustrate, one of the races has you racing the fastest cars in the game around a long oval. I was able to take a Supra RZ, install every engine component available, and absolutely kill all the fastest cars in the race. The problem? The race lasted more than 40 minutes, and there wasn't one moment after the first half lap where my lead was in jeopardy. Games aren't supposed to bore us, especially games the quality of GT3.
Also, while the game does feel incredible with the physics, it still plays almost exactly like the old games. The same old tricks still work; smashing into opposing cars off corners is still a great way to maintain speed, and some shortcuts through grass are still beneficial. While the fun of the game is racing without these tricks, you'd think they would discourage this kind of driving through game design. They haven't, and with the lack of any damage to your cars, it's really hard to call this game a full simulation. Isn't damage a part of racing?
Still, despite these flaws and annoyances, GT3 is still amazing. The graphics, sound, and control combine to create an exhilarating experience that's never been seen before. Close your eyes and try to imagine the most amazing, breathtaking, astounding graphics and sound you can think of for a racing game. Open your eyes, and the chances are that GT3 would come pretty close to your expectations. The game looks and sounds that good, and instead of going into every detail, I'll just say this game must be seen to be appreciated. The feeling of moving at over 200 MPH as the sun sets and the turbo engine roaring down the road as you masterfully tear through a track is amazing.
Still, sadly, while this alone is enough to carry GT3 to near greatness, it's still too flawed to be truly great. The amazing feeling begins to wear off in the sim mode as you find no competition. At times the game feels like a time trial where it seems like you're the only one on the track. It's too bad we can't see what an unbelievable experience GT3 would be if the races were filled with breakneck action and close races. Maybe GT4 will, but GT3 just doesn't cut it in this area.
There are other racing games out there that have better racing. For instance, NASCAR 4 for the PC is a more accurate simulation, and at times a much better racing experience than GT3. Metropolis Street Racer for the Dreamcast requires much more skill, and contains more thrilling races than GT3. Even so, GT3 still provides an addicting experience, and while it's boring at times, the feeling of unlocking that special car you've been waiting for is special. Best racing game ever? No, but if they work on the AI to make the races less of a bore, GT4 probably will be.
-Jerred
Scott's Notes:
So Jerred, what did you think of the AI though? :) I have to agree, I feel as if someone raced around the track and recorded it, then they just play that recording for every car on the track. They seem to perfect and at times I feel that they run into me simply because I am in the way of their recorded path. I never feel like I am racing against other drivers, just drones.
I too was having the same problem with the races being boring, either my car was too powerful for everyone or much too weak. But, that is when you get certain cars for certain races and try to beat the Supras with your fully decked out Miata!
The game can not come even close to perfect for me without some sort of damage model. I understand they can't show damage, but they could still track the damage so that you would have to pay for it at the end of the race. I know that hitting a guard rail at 100mph in my Miata is probably going to cost a few grand to fix, and if I am only winning 1000 credits, I think I am going to stop with my fly by the seat of my pants antics. If you ram into another car you should have to pay for the damage to his car too. For me, this would add a lot to the game and stop me from bullying my way around the track.
The other thing that I have to have is cockpit views. I want to see the inside of the cars ala NFS. I would love to see the insides of some of these great automobiles! I would rather have less cars and have cockpits.
Seems like all we talk about are the negatives, well that is because it is easier that way because there are only a few of them and so many great things. The game is a must own, and has had me sitting 2 feet from my TV with the Logitech GT Force since it was released. The steering wheel is a must with this game
-Scott
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