Product Description

In Gran Turismo 4 the characteristics of the cars are realistically designed and calculated so that they handle as per the real-life physics of that particular vehicle, taking into account weight, speed, friction, wind and more. New technology immerses the player in real-life environments such as New York City and the Grand Canyon. Highly detailed vehicles and environment mapping create broadcast-quality graphics, from light and competitor car reflections on the player's automobile to leaves on a tree shaking in the wind.

In offline gameplay, players will have the opportunity to race in enhanced arcade and simulation modes, experiencing more than 500 authentic automobiles from manufacturers around the world, with a range from vintage to modern vehicles. Courses include existing closed racing circuits to specially designed city courses, reaching a total count of up to 100 tracks.

The online mode features a robust system for players to race with up to six other players and interact and chat with others to form an automotive community.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1011 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2005-03-09
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.co.uk Review
Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 4 is one of 2005's biggest releases and, to boot, one of the most important PS2 games yet. What makes it such a significant title?

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

Customer Reviews

4get what you think you know and drive.
First off, i need to tell you that if you are looking for the perfect racing game then this is the one for you. There is no need for Gran Turismo to suddenly turn around with "Gran Turismo Underground" which would have serious speed and urban settings. This series is good enough to carry on like it was without a random overhaul because it thinks it needs to get with the times. Gran Turismo is back and to be honest i could never even imagine for a split second that it could look as good as it does. No matter how much i like PS2 more than the other consoles, its hard not to notice that it is aging and to come out with graphics that look so close to real life is stunning.
Beginning with a beautiful and dramatic sequence we are thrown back into Gran Turismo world, ready to yet again throw our social lives away. Im really suprised at the fact that its been on sale for about 3 days and it has already made every other driving game on the market look old. The general gameplay formula is usual but with many impressive improvements such as taking a photo. The driving test are back and aggrevating as ever but with graphics this good im not complaining. The way each car handles is beautiful and unique. This game could count as your other life its that huge and with so much to do, so many great tunes and the best graphics you can get on the ps2 who wouldnt want it? (apart from people who dispise driving games obviously). This IS the real driving simulator and its about time you get this game if you havent already because it is pure fun. Im really impressed with ps2s graphics lately, what with, Metal Gear Solid 3,Killzone,Mercanaries and now Gran Turismo 4, it seems ps3 is going to be even better than anybody could have imagined. I hope you found this review helpful if you were wondering whether or not to get it, i think you definitely should, if unsure, you can always rent it but i think this is the best in the genre.

Hooooray!
Wow. Bought this last night. Played it last night. Got very little sleep...

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.

Ultimate Driving Game?
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.