Return of the King

Gran Turismo 3 is the PlayStation 2’s crown jewel. No other title moved machines like this game. For many, it was GT3 that finally motivated them to buy a PS2, even if it was only for that one game. And for that reason of anticipation alone, Gran Turismo 4 was Sony’s most heavily scrutinized game at this year’s E3.

North American gamers may be the most thirsty for a new Gran Turismo game, as we were deprived of the GT Concept games that were released in Asia and Europe. Those games were like standalone arcade expansion packs that used a slightly upgraded GT3 engine but featured six tracks (one new) and the latest concept vehicles, such as the new Skyline GT-R. When GT4 arrives this winter, it’s quite likely that any grudges against Sony for holding out on us North American gamers will all be water under the bridge.

Breathtaking.

The Mak is back?

FSAA not included

Super Information Speedway

If GT3 was the game that made us all run out and buy a PS2, then GT4 could be the game that will make us grab a Network Adapter. That’s right, online play. You’ll be able to hop online and put your ham-fisted driving technique to the test against up to five other players. While few details were revealed about GT4’s online play, we can probably expect a stat tracking system. Sony’s current flagship online game Socom features a ranking system, so GT4 should have at least that. Whether or not you’ll be able to race against the top players’ ghost cars is still unknown to us, but it’d definitely be a very cool feature. Rumor has it that Sony wants the GT4 Online experience to be more than just racing – a community of car enthusiasts they claim.

The letter 'S'

NSX leads

S2000 lags