KAR120C's Full Review: Gran Turismo 4 for PlayStation 2
Before I render my epinion and reactions to Gran Turismo 4, I wanted to preface by commenting on the generally high quality of reviews I have read regarding Gran Turismo 4 here at Epinions. As there are several very detailed and well written reviews here, and as my listing the many new game enhancements would merely be a re-statement of previous reviews, I will try to restrict my review to game play and overall reaction to the game.
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:
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.
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 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.
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:
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!
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:
- 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:
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.
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!
UPDATE:4/5/06
Just a quick tip, most users may be familiar with: Make sure to do an oil change when you first receive a new car. It will boost your HP several percent. This only works when you first get the car.
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