Gran Turismo 3, much like it's predecessors, sought out to create the perfect driving emulation. But the developers didn't want to run off people who don't have the same passion for cars that they do. So they provided two game modes one can indulge. The arcade segment is meant to draw in the casual racer. This part was more fun for me because it allows the use of even some of the cool cars from the start. Several different venues open up in just this section alone. The Single Race pits you against several other cars in a simple arcade-style race. Then there is the Time Trial, done either by regulation or freely, where one can test the performance of their vehicle in a timed test. The two player competition enables you to challenge a friend in a split screen race. The option of loading cars built up in the simulation portion to use in the arcade mode is even available. There is also a lot of replay value that can be found here. Placing first on the six opening courses will open up additional courses to race on and finishing those will unlock additional tracks, allowing for plenty of challenge.

While the arcade portion is enjoyable, the core of Gran Turismo 3 is reloves upon the simulation mode, in which you will purchase, build up and race your own customized vehicle. You begin by visiting the Car Dealer, where a car is chosen from various automobile manufacturers that are organized by the countries they belong to. Since buying your initial car will likely take up most of the initial funds granted, acquiring a license should be your next step. The License Center is essentially a teaching tool for the basics and advanced aspects of the game, and in turn allows you to obtain the more required licenses to enter higher level races. Once you feel you have a good understanding of the mechanics and physics of driving, it's off to the races. After selecting a league, a circuit of tracks opens up. The higher you place in these races, the more money yous won. As you collect enough credits, you'll want to take advantage of the host of upgrades and adjustments to customize your car into a souped up racing machine. This is the game's true essence and is by no means a task that will be completed overnight. Building up cars to the point of perfection will likely keep players fixated for months.

When it comes to graphical presentation and flair, Gran Turismo 3 is second to none. No game can match the beauty and detail that went into the dreamscape images of GT3. Some of the effects are so realistic, many might be fooled as to whether what they are watching is real or not. The detail of the cars has been replicated to the n^th degree, including small effects like shimmering heat vapors and the reflections of the surroundings on the cars body which add to their fascinating realism. The lighting effects, especially when racing in the rain, are amazing; if you look close enough, you'll notice spray from the tires can be seen on wet and dirt surfaces. This is where Gran Turismo 3 takes its biggest leap over the first two installments. The graphics aren't entirely perfect though. While the detail on the cars and tracks are top-notch, the little things like the spectators are a little below standard (composed of low-res 2D bitmaps). But when you're driving by at 150 mph, who cares? This is by far the most breathtaking racer I've seen in the graphical sense.

The mechanics of Gran Turismo 3 go pretty much unchanged from the first two games. The simple button configuration is given and not at all difficult to grasp. The only thing one has to get accustomed to is the timing of the controls. Pressing the break too soon or too hard could cause your car to spin out of control. Polyphony Digital has included the most lifelike physics engine I've ever come across. Obviously this is where a majority of the work for GT3 went. Cars will respond differently according to their specifications, varying in acceleration, speed, or brake efficiency. Figuring all this out is one of the challenges presented to the player. For example, loose turning may be ideal for a track with few turns, but could be bad for courses with tight corners. It's up to the player to decide how to handle their cars performance. This was kind of a turn off for me at first. Being too realistic can sometimes be frustrating, but after you realize that it's your performance that is causing you to lose and not the game itself, you'll look at things differently. It then becomes the challenging task of mastering the controls of your car.

Like the other two Gran Turismo titles, GT3: A-Spec sports a killer soundtrack. You can drive to some really good beats and mixes or even to some actual songs. Polyphony Digital did a good job of gathering songs that are perfect for driving (i.e. Motley Crue's "Kickstart my Heart"); it really gives you an adrenaline rush to race to these great songs and makes this game infinitely more enjoyable. Other artists that have lended their musical talents are Jimi Hendrix, Judas Priest, Papa Roach, Powerman 5000, The Cult and even an exclusive GT3 song from Snoop Dogg. Aside from the great music, you get the standard fare of auto sound effects like the humming engine, screeching tires and so on. These effects were handled just as well as the rest of the game, but are often overlooked because a player's focus is either on the race or the music. If only more developers would try to reach the goal of integrating an impressive soundtrack.

While many will claim Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec has everything a racing fan could want, I personally felt there are a few things which should have been offered. For example, the addition of the bigger name car manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and McLaren, in addition to a wider selection of cars would expand the gameplay value greatly; or perhaps an increased budget to get over the dull early stages. Still, there's no other racer that comes close to GT3 in terms of graphics and realism. Although it's a game catered to driving aficionados, Gran Turismo 3 can also be enjoyed by a casual gamer in some aspect. Be it the quick enjoyment of the Arcade races or the time enduring process of building up a car, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec represents the true definition of simulation.

· · · Space Cowboy