Reflections on Gran Turismo 3

The first game I got, with my brand new, Christmas present PS2, was GT3. It was amazingly pretty, but it was so boring. It was slow, and I was too young to understand that slow equals fast in a true simulation. So I went out and bought something else instead, Bond's Nightfire I believe, and messed about on that.

Recently, I put GT3 back in my PS2. I do not have a new console, but I do have a new TV, and so i spend my time playing through all the games I missed first time around; Metal Gear Solid and Devil May Cry for example.

Firstly, I want to point out how wrong the younger me was. Perfecting cornering is extremely rewarding. Secondly I want to point something out. GT3 is one if the most beautiful games ever. You may be incredulous at this. This is a game from 2001. Yet, it offers wide-screen support, and is truly breath-taking. This, to be fair, is because it cheats. Just like all the best games should, it is very particular about what it presents to you. There is no damage, no weather, limited ocular customisation and no interior for the cars. Because of this, GT3 allows the player to marvel at the tracks, the heat-waved air, and the cars. GT3 is stunningly pretty.

And this is my gripe. The PS2 was not finished. Looking at the life-cycle of a games console, you can see the comparison between launch titles and games from later on. I personally feel that the older consoles could have been pushed further. But they are not. Why is it in Sony's, or Microsoft's, interest to prolong the life of their console. They want us to buy the new one, and this kills the specialisation of the old. Pro Evo is a case in point, the transfer to a new generation has ruined the game on all formats, and will take years to correct. We don’t need the quick turnaround. Anyone remember the 4mb of RAM expansion for the N64?

I am having great fun, and it has not cost me a penny. I just looked to what I already have and took joy in that. Nonetheless, I still want MGS4, and I still haven't started MGS3 yet.