Gran Turismo 4 (PS2)

First up, Gran Turismo 4 is bigger and better than previous games in the record-breaking series. Much bigger, in fact: there are some 500 cars to drive, and around 100 courses on which to take those motors for a spin. Every single car is a perfectly modelled replica of its real-life equivalent, containing much more detail than the car models found in Gran Turismo 3. And it shows: thanks to this increased level of detail, GT4 edges the series ever closer to photorealism.

By far the biggest of Gran Turismo 4's many attractions is its online play. Over the Internet or using a local area network of PS2 consoles, it will be possible for six people to meet and race, each with their own cars. The prospect of an online Gran Turismo community is certainly something to look forward to.

As Gran Turismo continues to evolve, Polyphony Digital ups the ante by making each new instalment more comprehensive than the last. Gran Turismo 4 follows that admirable trend: its driver AI is more lifelike, its physics engine is more complex, its engine noises sound closer to the turbines mimicked... and there's more of everything. To top it all, GT4 boasts improved handling over GT3. All this work should achieve the desired result: Gran Turismo fans will be kept happy and new converts will be made. --Jonti Davies

Firstly, there is just so much to it. More tracks than ever before. More cars ditto, including some real oddballs, not just the overwhealming Japan-orientated theme from GT3. Fancy driving something from before WW1? Gullwing Merc? Certainly Sir/Maam
Secondly, it looks so gooood... No really. Photo real is nearly a reality. And the detailing is fantastic. All the way round the Nordschliefer (and it is the full circuit!) the details are spot on, the graffiti, armco, the lot. You can even "aim for the tallest tree" going in to The Carousel, full on Fangio moments.
Thirdly, the cars drive very realistically. Don't confuse this with being easy. The cars will slide a lot more - with fishtailing, tankslappers, under and oversteer - than in many other racing/driving games. But then this isn't a game (according to the people who made it anyway), this is a simulation...

Other options I have not had a chance to check out properly... but I have a feeling that will take a lot of time so don't expect an update any time in the near future.

Buy this and lose your life.


The Real Driving Simulator   May 7, 2006
 18 out of 21 found this review helpful

Since the first GT game blasted its way onto consoles, the series has excelled in every respect. Gran Turismo 4 continues this trend and expands on everything that the previous games had.
There are now nearly 700 different cars to play with from entry level saloons like the Volvo C70, to full blown race cars like the Nissan RC90, from ancient models like the Daimler Motorcarraige to modern muscle like the Dodge Viper. Every need and style is encapsulated.
One of the most important factors is that, whilst GT3 didn't really put the right cars on the right tracks, GT4 excels in this respect. The tracks really are superb with series classics like Trial Mountain, alongside real tracks such as the superb Suzuka, and the solid Laguna Seca with that infamous corkscrew chicane. Of course the most important new addition is the fantastically well realised Nurburgring Nordshcliefe, all 13 miles beautifully rendered. However it is not alone on the new additions, the spectacular El Capitan making its twisty, bumpy, and exhilirating way into the top tracks list.
The driving is perhaps the best thing about the game. An excellently well designed grip model makes even the most basic cars fun to drive, whilst the tuned powerhouses are immense fun to use. The exhlirating feeling of blasting through tight corners at 100mph is something that will not be forgotten. In addition, where the previous games' off road rallying was something to be avoided, here it is truly immense fun when mastered as you slide round endless corners.
It really feels as if all the bad things from GT3 have been addressed. For example the long endurance races are still there, but now they can be comfortably tackled in B-spec mode where the AI does the driving and you can just dip in and out whenever you want. The licence tests remain, but they are no longer as difficult as they used to be.
There are small gripes, the AI is good but the opposing drivers stick to their lines precisely, making overtaking slightly uninteresting. Also there is no car damage so you often get a little gung ho because you know that there will be no lasting damage.
Overall this is an excellent game, and whilst not being as exhilirating as the Burnout games, it will last you much longer and is much more involving with so many races to win and so many cars to tune. Make no mistake you will be coming back to this for ages, constantly trying to shave those last few tenths off your lap times. And that alone makes this easily worth the cash.


Ultimate Driving Game?   January 30, 2006
 12 out of 14 found this review helpful

Not quite. Finally we get to read actual reviews of the game and not the 100 or so pre-release speculations.

GT4 is of the usual high quality you expect from the series. You can feel the different handling characteristics of each car and there is a good selection of racing tracks to test your skill. GT4 retains the tyre wear feature and this really affects the handling. In long races, you need to consider pit stops as part of your strategy just like a grand prix. Of the cars, there is a large model range from your every day cars to extreme racing ones. Unlike some games, these are based on real cars not made up ones. The cars also have the usual options for improvements when you can afford it.

Difficulty ranges from easy to very hard which means the game is accessible to all skill levels. Sure you can 'cheat' at the beginning by putting in the effort to get a powerful car but you won't be able to do this later in the game where driving skill counts.

Realistic handling, wide range of cars and circuits, and progressive difficulty levels - this game will take some time to finish.


This one's a biggen!   April 4, 2005
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Ok Ok, so many people say Gran Turismo 4 is a 4star game because of the fact it doesn't have car damage. Or at least an option to turn it on. I agree it would add to the game. But I've played games where there is car damage (Formula 1 e.c.t) and after you get over the gimeck of it. Most poeple turn of the damage option and get on with bashing their opponents out of the way on the corners.

With the the damage issue over and done with.... this game is good, it loooks good, sounds good and play good. In that I mean you can definatly tell the difference between a front wheel drive car and a rear wheel. You can feel the effects of the weight on the car even more so than ever.

The game sprawls out into a sea of never ending races and competitions. The licenses are more detailed and have 'coffee breaks' which are fun little side games to bring humour back to such a mentally challenging game.

Now by mentally challenging your probbably thinking, yeh right, this reviewer must be a dumb ass. Maybe so, but the game definatly requires you to concentrate on playing well, and always thinking a few corner ahead. The 'racing line' has never meant so much to this game. If you follow it then your onto a winner.

There are so many options on this game, sooo many competitions to win and the rewards are great. There are some amazing cars which you can win. Most notably the DMC De'Lorean. The car its self is poor, but as a general icon of the motoring world its a legend. And Gran Turismo 4 has plenty of car icons to win.

So what it doesn't have damage. The fun is forcing your way up to the front, driving your car as fast at it will let you through the highpin and right angle bends. The feel of satisfaction as you lean you way on our opponent through to victory is irreplacable.

Buy the game