| Sony's Gran Turismo series has returned with a vengeance in "Gran Turismo 4," the acclaimed "real driving simulator." This new Gran Turismo installment features a physics engine, Artificial Intelligence engine and a completely overhauled design.
Gran Turismo 4 features more than 700 vehicles, including my favorites the 2005 Mustang and Chrysler 300c, from every manufacturer you can think of and then some you've most likely never heard of. While burning rubber at more than 50 courses you can also jam to your favorite songs from popular artists like Jet, The Donnas, Papa Roach, Jimmy Eat World, Less than Jake, Will.I.Am and many others.
The game consists of four modes, two of which are brand new in this installment. The modes are B-spec (Director mode), Photo mode, Gran Turismo mode and Gran Turismo Arcade mode. The B-spec (Director mode) offers an entirely new aspect to the game. You take the role as a race team manager and provide direction to the driver. This mode is very interesting and gives you the opportunity to learn how to properly adjust the car settings. The Photo mode is divided into two formats. You can photograph your car during a race or with the second format you can conduct photo shoots with your car in exotic locations around the world at a variety of angles. You can then save the images to a memory card and print them. With the GT mode you start at the bottom and work your way up through the ranks. You must race to earn money and unlock new cars and courses. The GT Arcade mode is somewhat like the GT mode, but allows for you to race without all the stipulations. There are many cars and courses available from the beginning in the Arcade mode, however you can open up even more by getting further in the GT mode.
The graphics in this game are nothing less than spectacular. With the all-new AI (artificial intelligence) engine the crowds that appear alongside the racetrack are realistic looking and have human-like reactions and emotions. The new physics engine brings real-life characteristics to the vehicles taking into account the weight, speed, friction, wind, and more. These two elements combined make the game come to life and make you feel as if you are really in the drivers seat.
If you'd like to further enhance the game and truly be in the driver's seat then I highly recommend the Gran Turismo-branded Logitech Driving Force Pro Wheel. The wheel provides a shifter for manual transmissions, 900 degrees of steering rotation and force feedback. Just make sure that you remember the next you are driving on the freeway that you aren't the race car driver you play in the game.
Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with Gran Turismo 4. It is the best racing game that I have played on Playstation 2 and will likely stand unchallenged for quite some time. With nearly 40 million units sold in the Gran Turismo series obviously I am not the only fan of this extraordinary game.
- Chad Kennedy, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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