Gran Turismo

Even without a side-by-side comparison to Mario Kart 64, Gran Turismo 5 just makes kart racing look boring.

Game Description: Are you searching for a driving game that offers more than just breakneck speed? Look no further than Gran Turismo 4. The most recent installment in this amazingly popular racing game brings realistic driving to a whole new level. With loads of new cars and a vastly improved physics engine, you'll be ready to tackle the roads in your favorite cars from the last century.

I always enjoy it when I'm able to learn something about myself when playing a game. It can be something as simple as, "Gee, throwing people through windows sure is fun," or as complex as "in a post-Cold War world, I'm more than a little uncomfortable playing a game where I shoot Russian soldiers." If Gran Turismo 4 taught me one thing, it's that I'd be quite a good driver if it wasn't for all those corners.

It wasnt until after playing Gran Turismo 3 (GT3) for several more weeks did I finally "get it." I finally figured out that whether or not one will enjoy GT3 boils down to essentially one thing: the "feel" of the driving physics. You either accept it or reject it. You either love it or you hate it.

Gran Turismo 3: A-spec (GT3) is arguably the epitome of racing simulators. In it, vehicles can be customized and upgraded; cars mimic the physics of their real-life counterparts (if the term physics is too abstract, perhaps a more suitable term would be feel); and graphics and sound are as lifelike as current technology will allow. Why, you can even take your car for a wash and an oil change!

Game Description: Get ready for the drive of your life in Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, the most impressive racing game around! Race against your friends in two-player mode Shadows and lighting are so realistic they'll amaze you, and the control is absolutely exquisite Viciously fast and exciting racing action awaits you, in Gran Turismo 3!

Game Description: Get all the tire-screeching excitement of real-life racing with Gran Turismo 2. Tear through 20 hair-raising tracks from Seattle to Tahiti in one of more than 500 incredibly detailed, brand name autos. Then customize your car by purchasing parts with your winnings.

I know that the very sight of my mediocre rating for such a highly touted game as Gran Turismo 2 will bring down the wrath of hundreds of fans crying "blasphemy." But before anyone ignites a torch or hurls a stone, please read through my review and try to understand my perspective first.