Gran Turismo is without a doubt the best racing game ever made for any console. Graphics, Sound, Playability– the game has it all. For those of us who love racing games but want to involve ourselves more than the typical games do (i.e. Need For Speed series, NASCAR, Cart, etc.) by really having our ‘own’ cars, this is the game to beat.

The biggest asset of this game is that it really is the most customizable racing simulator available. Whether you want to race an old CRX or a brand spanking new Viper you can do it. You add accessories to your car such as exhaust systems, computer chips, and suspension. This is the where the game really takes off, the enjoyability of having something that is truly your creation is what sets this game apart from every other racing game on the market.

Even after you have added every thing to your car that’s available, you still have to tweak it to your racing style, you need to lower the car to increase the stability, tweak the gear ratios to get fast acceleration without losing top speed, lower or increase your turbo levels (if you have a turbo charged car) to suit the shortness of the track, etc… So even if you and your friend have picked the same car (of the 166 available, a few of which you have to win since they aren’t available to purchase) and put the same modifications on it, your setups will most likely be different if you’ve spent any amount of time on it. I finished the game and have roughly 25 cars, all of which perform differently, so this game will take some time to master even though I’ve finished all the circuits. Truly an engrossing game, don’t buy it if you still want to have time for a social life or to do your homework; this will be the biggest distraction you’ll have.

As for GT 2, I think that the creators should build on what makes this game so engrossing, the amount of depth in the game. I’d like to see a few German manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes, maybe Audi, and of course Ford and Plymouth (the Prowler baby!). And a minor point for those of us in the Western Hemisphere, name the cars what they are named in the US. The Toyota Soarer is actually a Lexus, the Eunos Roadster is actually a Miata, and the Toyota Chaser is actually a Acura Legend. But aside from the names this game is pretty flawless– I even appreciate the licensing process (it makes you work harder to get all the rewards). All in all, as close to perfect as racing games have come. Oh yeah, and link it baby!!! Some of us do have a link you know!

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