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Lots of Cars, Lots of Tracks, Lots of Choices, LOTS OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: March 29, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Gran Turismo 4 has got to be the best car racing game and the game with the most cars, tracks, and choices in the market! Here are lots of the facts about this game:

There are shockingly over 700 cars in this game which include Sport Trucks, Rally Cars, SUV's, Racing Cars, Convertibles, Compact Cars, Concept Cars, and more! You start out with 240 cars to choose from, so don't worry about completing events in Career Mode to win more cars and tracks!

You can choose from 50 worldwode tracks like World, City, Dirt and Snow, and Origional tracks! Some of the tracks are for beginners like Driving Park Motorland, and some tracks are for pro's like Mazda Raceway Laguna Sega; but just enjoy all of the tracks available to you!

There are so much events to complete; at least over 200 of them! There are events like Driving missions, Special Condition Events, American Events, Japenese Events, Euopean Events, and more!

Seriously, I highly recomend Gran Turismo 4! This will be the best car racing game you've ever played. Trust me. Play it and you will be playing it 24/7!

Jameson Thottam blazing the track with Gran Turismo 4

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: January 09, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Jameson Thottam blazing the track with Gran Turismo 4

When Gran Turismo 4 was released in early 2005, driving game enthusiasts had high expectations. Sony had taken much longer to deliver the new version of their benchmark race simulation; continually pushing back its release date. Anxious gamers were hopeful that these delays would translate into a new standard for racing simulation. As I have now spent a few weeks playing the game (time permitting!) I can state the long wait did pay off. Sony has indeed set the new standard!

First Reaction: Jameson Thottam
The game has a similar front end feel and look to Gran Turismo 3. Selection of races, cars and options is very similar. Even the theme music is often based on the original themes. This comes as a welcome thing as the new Gran Turismo 4 is a very large game. Offering more tracks and cars, Gran Turismo 4 would feel very challenging to a new Gran Turismo player.

The Control: James Thottam
Driving control is also similar to Gran Turismo 3, however I have noticed that steering in general is more sensitive and you are "penalized" more for leaving the track surfaces. If you veer off track, you WILL slow down. Cutting corners is a more risky trick in Gran Turismo 4!

The Machine: Jameson L Thottam
The car selection seems to be skewed toward Japanese cars, and the newly added "Used Car" lot is literally filled with Japanese autos. Still glaringly missing are the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini. It just doesn't seem smart of these auto makers to boycott Sony's Gran Turismo series. I am sure that trademark issues are at the heart of the absence of these sorely missed makes. I really wish I could hear that famous Ferrari engine roar!

Speaking of roar; the engine sounds do sound more detailed and "real". I am sure a great deal of work went into these engine sounds, and it does help the overall feel of the game.

What Seems Frustrating: Jameson Thottam
Some players continue to be upset over the lack of vehicle damage. I do think that in the future, an option to turn damage on/off would make the game more challenging. Who hasn't deliberately speared another car in a sharp turn to make an easy (cheating) pass? If our cars were totaled for such an act, we may think twice about it after driving 10 accident free laps! Penalty time for fouls would also increase difficulty while "policing" the race. I would like to see this, as there should be consequences for poor driving and poor tactics.

Impressions after a great deal of play: James Thottam
As others have noted, the license tests can be a very difficult. I was able to complete the International A1 and B2 licenses in a couple of days. (I am not a serious gamer, but I am not bad!). The "pace car" tests and complete lap tests are the most complicated. The pace car lap test at Nurburgring in particular was the most difficult. The 10 minute lap at break neck speed on the narrow twisting track really takes every bit of focus to get through. How many times did I get through 7 or 8 minutes at a passing pace only to run off the track! That hurts! All you can do is start over. It makes you wonder how Sony decided on exactly 10:00:00 as the passing time. Did they really test this? After I was done swearing, I realized that this IS a game. If it were too easy to pass, then the game loses its edge. My advice; hang in there! Learn the track and the best lines. Then pay attention, be persistent and don't let anyone break your concentration.

Likewise the Citta di Aria track pace lap was very difficult. Narrow streets with lots of curbs and sharp turns make it hard to even get around the track. You really need to keep your cool to get through this one!

I have found the licensing to be possibly the most fun to be found in the entire game, as it is YOU against the clock, with no real ability to cheat or cut corners. The Special License tests are extremely hard. I have only passed a couple so far. They are all whole lap tests. After you get through these tests however, you will at least know the tracks well!

Lack of Musical Appeal: Jameson THottam
I have turned off the music, as most of it just doesn't appeal to me and it also detracts from my emersion into the game. Those who can get into listening to music while racing will find some familiar tunes, like Van Halen's Panama and the Ferris Bueller theme. I DID like that little number which is appropriately played when you fail a license test! OH YAA!!

I played 2 person on the split screen a couple of times, and it too has improved. I have not had time to investigate every other type of play, including the B-spec mode.

What I Like in the new Gran Turismo 4: Jameson L Thottam

- The improved peripheral scenery helps you immerse yourself into the race. Fans look better, but still a bit stiff and two dimensional.

- I like the increased number of tracks and the elimination of the large oval Test Track from GT3 which was boring to say the least.

- I like the way Sony made a larger new version "feel" much like the previous version. This makes it more playable from the start and doesn't force you to re-learn a new interface. (don't get me started on DVD movie menus and their artsy, one of a kind interfaces!)

What I Don't Like in the new Gran Turismo 4: Jameson Thottam
These are really my "wishes", as there really isn't much to dis-like about this game.

- On screen text and cockpit displays are too small. I have perfect 20/20 vision, and it is hard to read much of the text and display. Sit close or get a monster TV. (Maybe it is part of Sony's strategy?) Maybe they could add a way to customize the display to show what YOU need to see? That would be a welcome addition.

- Split times are very hard to read and can really help you during license tests. Again, how about an option to enlarge split time displays?

- I really hope that Ferrari and Lamborghini would get off their high horse and give Sony some sort of license and assistance. "Maybe they ARE just too good for us?" (sarcasm indented!) Honestly; Grand Turismo is as close as most of us will get to ever driving some of these machines. A ride in a Countach would be a welcome addition!

- I would like to see penalty time for fouls and vehicle damage due to poor driving and bad sportsmanship. I feel this would increase difficulty and make the game more real.

Lasting Impressions: Jameson Thottam
My overall impression is that Sony made a huge effort to set their own bar even higher. I believe that they succeeded in most areas. The game is more realistic and larger. More cars, more tracks and more variation. The added difficulty of driver control and license tests make the game a real challenge. GT4 is the new benchmark racing game for the next 3 to 5 years, so enjoy!

Jameson Thottam

Same Old, Same Old

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: December 25, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Gran Tourismo has been the best since it first released on Playstation. It's so good that I went out and bought it, and I can't stand driving games. I think they are overly repetitive and once you master them, you'll never lose again. But Gran Tourismo brought with it constant replay-ability by letting you choose from a massive list of car makers and their most popular cars. Plus, you win limited edition cars by racing certain events.

Gran Tourismo 4 didn't stray too far from this line. The list of cars has tripled since the original, as did the number of race courses. Events are categorized by ease or content, and generally you can only enter these races with specific cars (lightweight model cars, FR cars, 4-Wheel drive cars, etc.) forcing you to race the earlier events to gain money so that you can buy the required cars. And as time goes by, more and more becomes unlocked. Plus, there are special condition events where you must perform a certain task in order to win the race. These are surprisingly fun, despite the fact that they are glorified license test. And, of course, I cannot forget those frustrating, nearly impossible licence tests that you must pass in order to continue in the game. It wouldn't be called a Driving Simulator without this, so I can't complain too much. That includes endurance races in the real driving simulator title. One of the very few things I hate about this game (and all the others) are the ridiculously long endurance events. Some are actually twenty-four hours long. Luckily, B-Spec mode is in this game, which puts you in the pit crew and lets you call orders to your driver. It also lets you speed up the race by three times. Twenty-four hours becomes eight. Still long, but nowhere near as agonizing.

As you progress in the game, you start to become endeared to certain cars, and so starts the long process of "souping-up" that car. This has always been my favorite aspect of the GT series, but it doesn't have the option of buying race-paint for your car like the first and second games had. I've been waiting for this to return, but it hasn't and I have to say it has disappointed me. Still, fine-tuning cars to peak performance is still fun and challenging.

Now, to the negatives:
1. It's the same formula as every other GT game, which makes it older faster.
2. No online play.
3. Dumb AI of opponents. You'd think they would respond when you bash into them.
4. Dominating cars. Every race has that one car that you can obtain that gives so much of an advantage that the games loses its fun.

I'd recommend this game to anyone who loves non-arcade racing games. It's as in-depth as any there is, with a huge selection of cars to collect. If you've been away from the series, this is a perfect way to get back into it.

I'd call it Gran Turismo 3.5

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: December 13, 2005
Author: Amazon User

While I loved Gran Turismo 3 and probably logged more hours than I care to count, after playing Gran Turismo 4 for maybe a few weeks I was frustrated with the game and stopped playing altogether. First off, the setup of the game is almost identical to GT3, which makes me wonder why it took nearly half a decade to release it. You have licenses you need to obtain to race in certain races. There are three different main circuits (amateur, professional, and expert), as well as new circuits based on country. Rally races have been expanded to include ice tracks. Your normal speed ring as well and tuning shops are still a staple in GT4. A considerable amount of cars and carmakers were added in this game; over 500 individual vehicles. The soundtrack is quite literally sublime, with a huge selection from classical to hip hop music. A new feature for those who felt the endurance races required too much...well endurance is the driver or coach mode. With this you can have an autopilot take the reigns of your vehicle for the whole race or get back in the car during a pitstop. My friends and I ended up using it for many many races however. Physics are as always extremely close to real-life. The interactivity is at the same level as GT3 as well as the graphics, which was probably one of the most dissapointing parts of this game. Paying $50 for this which seemed more like an expansion pack sort of griped me. Another problem is the gameplay. I don't think I have played a game quite as difficult as this before or since it came out. The world championship in the professional circuit was where I got to and ultimately had to quit to save my sanity. It wasn't for lack of trying. After using dozens of setups on my multiple Le Mans autos and at least twenty times playing ten different races each time I attempted to even come in 3rd in that championship. You cannot advance if you don't receive at least a bronze medal. One reason and possibly the most likely to make the game so ridiculous challenging is that instead of players complaining about Gran Turismo 5 coming out they will still be glued to their TV trying to beat this one some years down the road. If you liked any of the Gran Turismos you would probably like this one to the extent that it follows suit. Many who love the series as long as it has the name Gran Turismo on it would go with the "if it isn't broke don't fix it," defense. In my opinion, the sequel to GT3 lost some of the luster for this racing series and I am thinking of converting to Forza Motorsport. So, is Gran Turismo 4 worth buying? Ultimately I would have to say no. A game that takes up hundreds of hours of your time that is possible to complete-fine. A game that takes up hundreds of hours of your time that you may never even get halfway through-absolutely not. If you have a game rental service make use of that because you will most likely be dissapointed in GT4; especially if you are a fan of this line of video games. 6/10.

Its a good game..

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: August 07, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I would have given this game a 5 but I've had Gran Turismo 1, 2, 3, and then 4 and the game is great but by now its gotten really repetitive since I've played 3 versions before it. Also, its irritating how the horsepower for the car in the game doesnt match up to the car in real life. For example I have a Subaru WRX STI and it only has 526 horsepower with ALL the upgrades. In real life you could buy the STI package for around $7000 for the car and it would be up to about 670 horsepower just from that. Another thing that isn't good is my 1970 big block 454 Chevelle in the game sounds like a stock civic that you would see on the street; it has no bass at all. Besides things like that, its a pretty good game. The graphics are amazing like everyone says.

The Racing Game of the Future

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: November 12, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Yes, I have played the prologue. Yes, this game is amazing. Yes the anticipation is high. Find out just why this is the racing game of the future.

The game is as I had stated above, to a point. Everyone as big of a GT fan as I am knows the patience that we all had when the release date was bumped up to March 18, 2004. I preordered it then, only to find out later that the release date was yet again bumped up to October 8, 2004. I decided to cancel my order, unsatisfied because I was hoping to play it over the summer. I am, to say the least, very unhappy that the release date was bumped twice from October--one time for hardware defects, a second time to extend the life of PS2.

Because I am reviewing the game and not the software programmers or SCEA, i rated the game 5 stars.

For starters, the graphics are improved from what was once thought impossibly real, and new camera angles add to the beauty. There are 650 cars, and up to 100 courses. Also, there are rumors of aftermarket parts as in NFSU. There is added traction control improved from Gran Turismo 3, but, in the prolouge, there is little difference with it on or off.

Rally is not drastically improved--as I thought it needed to be, very few cars will be added. The real improvement was on road cars. They include a lot more concept cars than in the last game (including one featured in the June issue of Popular Science). In addition to race cars, the game will feature over twice as many stock cars as in the previous game.

If you are not yet satisfied with this game, heres something that will blow your mind for sure. Logitech (as always) released a new wheel before the new Gran Turismo 4 game. The wheel features 900 degree turning--the very first wheel of its kind. For games that do not support 900 degree turning (NFSU2 is said to support it) it will reconfigure the whole wheel to accomidate the now standard 200 degree format.

I hope my reveiw was helpful to you.

PEACE OUT

GT4 is the Sultan of Speed! Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: March 05, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I'll get the minor gripes out of the way:

First of all, I was disappointed in GT3. Not hugely, but I had beaten GT2 twice. I didn't bother with GT3. Races were too long, too boring and the car selection was hoorrrible.

Second, GT4's much easier (even if you don't import your licenses and $100,000(!) from GT3's save game) and the main map in the game is a little large and confusing.

Third, the major new additions to gameplay (Photo mode and B-Spec) aren't that great.

Lastly, the loading times are a little painful.

But this game is still the best. It's got it where it counts: where the virtual rubber meets the road. The handling is soo much better than GT3 (I don't have a wheel) and the visuals are top-notch. The interface is vastly improved. The license tests are even more fun. I would say they're easier, but each set makes you do a time trial, which was always the hardest part of GT.

Of course, they've expanded the collections of cars. Don't get too excited- 50% of the cars are still 2 door japanese hatchbacks, only they're from 4 decades now. They tease you with a Buick muscle car, but not the vastly more popular Monte Carlo version. They have a Charger that is almost, but not quite, the Dukes of Hazzard car. But they included 'muscle trucks', the GT 40, the Model T (I'm a history fan), and my favorite missing from GT3, the Silvia racing car (a personal favorite from GT2, I have better memories of this vehicle than my first real car!). We even have the DeLorean!!!! But not the time-travelling one. :(

Musical notes: no country music for the trucks to race, no Beverly Hillbillies for the Model T, but on a positive note, they've recognized their older fan base and included classical music. The soundtrack hasn't struck me one way or the other. They've mostly gone to rock, rap and I think it needs techno and more Japanese flavors- or just go for variety. It's better than GT3's, though I do miss Lenny Kravitz.

Other Stuff:

I love the new challenge mode.

The Mustang handles better than the BMWs- and it never handled this well before. Either Ford really did a number with the new Mustang, or GT4 was a little generous (I have this suspicion every time about the japanese cars, especially the NSX). I actually raced the Mustang on the super narrow italian circuit- and loved every minute of it.

Future car requests for Polyphony Digital (Who am I kidding? They should be celebrating in bars for months instead of surfing Amazon!): 1) Batmobile 2) 1990's Caprice 3) Nascar cars 4)Jeep CJ/Wrangler (considering the historical bend of this game, just a tragic ommission) 5) The New Focus? (why wasn't it included?)

I salute Sony's excellence. This is the Mustang of video games- a classic, reinterpreted, with something for everyone. It's Christmas in March! ;)

this is a real driving simulator!! no fast and furious

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: February 26, 2005
Author: Amazon User

THIS IS A DRIVING SIMULATOR!!!! of cuz cars wont be like games that got slap together in a few months by other company
this is probably as realistic as you can get for a racing game
if u are thinking about something like fast and furious you probably shouldnt get it. it might be too realistic for you.

beside that the game graphic is great, i can feel the difference in every car i driven, i actually have more fun doing license test than actually racing. the sound fx and music is a little disappointing though.

now all i wonder is if i can use this game to test drive cars instead of going to the car dealers...

New features = Not much fun

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: June 28, 2005
Author: Amazon User

If you're happy with Gran Turismo 3, I'd recommend sticking with that. GT4's new features are not all that glamorous. For instance, B-Spec mode, while pretty neat, is only really all that great for really long races (multi-hour races) -- so unless you enjoy sitting and watching a race monitor for 4 hours (literally) to instruct your driver, you just give him the a car seriously overpowered compared to the competition -- ie make it a sure thing, ie not very fun.

Driving Missions -- an interesting idea. They're like license tests, except for some of them make you wait 30 seconds to 2 minutes just to start racing. Believe it or not, on one of them there's a counter that starts at 125 seconds! Never have I seen anything like this aside from in a boring MMOG.

Separate shops for cars, in separate countries -- The menu system has been revamped, and now you buy all of your parts in different stores in different countries on the map. For some cars, you can buy parts at "tuner" shops, but they cost the same and perform exactly the same. For me, this is a negative point. I understand wanting to differentiate between the various manufacturers, but the way GT3 did it was fine. The new and improved method is hard to navigate around (left and right don't always take you left and right) and makes you wonder if they designed it for a PC with a mouse.

Trucks -- I just don't see the point.

Aside from an annoying video bug (major flicker while racing), the game, when you're actually racing, is pretty fun, so I gave it a 4. Overall, a 3. It needed a lot more game testing and polish.

I am still looking forward to the next in the series, and I'll probably still buy it the day it comes out, but I hope it is a step forward.

3 was great- 4 will be better

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 11 / 46
Date: July 21, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Gran Turismo 3: A Spec was great and i expect 4 to be better because it is up to date. The whole purpose of the game is to gain money to buy new and cool cars that are real and you can buy them in real life. It is challenging because you have to get 6 licenses: A, B, C, IA, IB, and Rally. It is also challenging because you have to race to get more money to buy cars. You can buy cool tires and cool engines and stuff. I would highly recommend this game. From a 14 year old girl who doesn't like video games too much, I would say it made me think twice.

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