Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Jul 9, 2001
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 492 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 408 out of 492
  2. Mixed: 50 out of 492
  3. Negative: 34 out of 492
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  1. AlejandromartinezA.
    Jun 23, 2005
    9
    Esta bie bergas este juego.
  2. dandalis
    Nov 3, 2016
    9
    A truly revolutionary racing game for its time, all other Gran Turismos that came after didnt do anyhting as close as to what GT3 did. If only one bad thing i can tell bout GT3 then its the bloody grind.
  3. auditbadger
    Sep 26, 2018
    9
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  4. MurphyBrandon
    Sep 19, 2020
    9
    When you play Gran Turismo 3, you start with humble beginnings and work your way up to better cars by winning races and completing time trials. This game's formula was immensely satisfying. The racetracks were diverse, and the music choices were phenomenal. In terms of graphics, it doesn't stand a chance to new racing games, but given the year it was released, it was darn impressive.
  5. Jattaman
    Sep 26, 2022
    9
    Terzo capitolo del gioco di guida simulativa più bello della sua era.
    Su PS2 vanta un salto generazionale importante a livello di grafica.
    Indimenticabile la colonna sonora dei Feeder, con il video introduttivo da brividi.
  6. MarekZalipski
    May 26, 2023
    9
    A phenomenal game for its time, even today it is fun to play it, however by treating the ovals as a content filler and the limited number of tracks and cars due to the PS2 release date does not deserve a 10. For me, A-spec is very close to perfection... well, except maybe Toyota Yaris.
  7. dominatr
    Jul 27, 2023
    9
    One of my least fav gt games. Still is fun though. Didnt really have enough content
  8. PunisherTeam
    Sep 1, 2023
    9
    The best GRAN TURISMO that ever existed. Everything else that follows was garbage.
  9. SashaK.
    Dec 1, 2001
    8
    GT3 kicks ass! What is up with all these formulas and stuff? From GT 1 all the way up the game was based on typical cars racing like the scca. While the graphics in part 3 are amazing I miss the 500 car selection from part 2. Cars that no one cares about have been put in this game for no reason they took out the Eclipse which was in the lineup in both of earlier parts. IN part 2 a certain GT3 kicks ass! What is up with all these formulas and stuff? From GT 1 all the way up the game was based on typical cars racing like the scca. While the graphics in part 3 are amazing I miss the 500 car selection from part 2. Cars that no one cares about have been put in this game for no reason they took out the Eclipse which was in the lineup in both of earlier parts. IN part 2 a certain amount of hp is allowed in every race and that was cool because it kept a challenge in the game. While talks about tougher A.I I?ve had no problem with the game. The soundtrack is terrible there is no real racing music. Rock is NOT racing music Techno and some rap IS racing music. But all an all GT3 could have seen a LOT better but its still a great game.… Expand
  10. DavidS.
    Aug 30, 2001
    8
    Overall, the game is beatiful! Great graphics, sounds, and lighting effects. There aren't as many cars as before, but 150+ is still plenty. On the downside, it takes way too long to acquire enough money for a car that competes. Also, I'm disappointed that the used car lot is gone now. It's a great game, but it feels like the first GT with better graphics. Nothing new here, Overall, the game is beatiful! Great graphics, sounds, and lighting effects. There aren't as many cars as before, but 150+ is still plenty. On the downside, it takes way too long to acquire enough money for a car that competes. Also, I'm disappointed that the used car lot is gone now. It's a great game, but it feels like the first GT with better graphics. Nothing new here, but I'd still recommend it!… Expand
  11. TimO.
    Oct 15, 2001
    8
    Lacking damage..-1 point. Lacking Ferrari?s...-1 point. Could have been a 10, but it's still the best racing game!
  12. RyanM.
    Apr 9, 2003
    8
    I love the variety of cars you can choose from. Fun, great graphics and overall its a good game if your a diehard fan.
  13. JulianH.
    Aug 29, 2001
    8
    Overall, the game is great. The best graphics I've seen on a PS2 game. But there are two reasons why I don't give this game a 10. (1) When I crash into walls or whatever, I didn't see any damage done to my car. Very unrealistic. (2) There should definitely be a bigger car selection, like GT2 had. But otherwise, this game is a really fun game. You should at least rent it.
  14. BobJ.
    Feb 27, 2005
    8
    Pros: excellent gameplay, the most realistic driving game ever, refined graphics, simple controls cons: needs more simple cars like camrys and accords overview: it would have gotten my full recomendations if it had more simple cars, but if your looking for supercars and high performance exotics, this is your best buy.
  15. StephenC.
    Dec 28, 2004
    8
    This game is okay if you want car games, and you can spend as long as you want on a single track. This game is highly improved from previous versions, such as Gran Turismo 2, which I would rate 6. This has been improved on one disc, and has an impressive range of cars, from Class C (City) to Class S (Speed). This game is okay, but the Liscense it too hard to achieve.
  16. Jobadkins
    Aug 19, 2010
    8
    I need to understand why there was so much hype for this game.Why did it get so high reviews?I've played it over and over,like I do all games before I review,and I took in account the year it came out,the innovations it had-everything.I have to tell you that this game does not deserve more than a straight up 8.That is the perfect score but everybody was so oooh and eeeh over thisI need to understand why there was so much hype for this game.Why did it get so high reviews?I've played it over and over,like I do all games before I review,and I took in account the year it came out,the innovations it had-everything.I have to tell you that this game does not deserve more than a straight up 8.That is the perfect score but everybody was so oooh and eeeh over this game.Same with the first one.Gran Turismo 2 is the best of the bunch,because it's game play was tight as can be with over 500 cars in 1999.also there was no competition against Gran turismo 3, at the time,at all.If there would of just been 1 good driving game back in 2001 it would of been a whole different story.Then Sega Gt 2002 came out which had nothing on this game until PGR 2 came out in 2003 and that was finally a driving game that took the crown from Gran Turismo 3-in a heartbeat!I know games and I know that this game in an 8 and who ever is reading this,if your interested in getting a driving game,simulation or not,get any of the 3 forza games or the burnout games,whatever is to your tastes.Don't get this unless you want to play a game for hours and hours and get no enjoyment from it.Like driving around the block for no reason,to go no where,get what I'm saying.… Expand
  17. Harry210
    Sep 21, 2010
    8
    Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is a nice racing simulator game. The games graphics showcase what the PlayStation 2 can do, from the design of the cars (which are identical to their real life counterparts) to the lovely track design. The racing is smooth and the cars handle great. You can also tune them up with turbo's, better suspension and tyres. There are a selection of events to try out in theGran Turismo 3: A-Spec is a nice racing simulator game. The games graphics showcase what the PlayStation 2 can do, from the design of the cars (which are identical to their real life counterparts) to the lovely track design. The racing is smooth and the cars handle great. You can also tune them up with turbo's, better suspension and tyres. There are a selection of events to try out in the Simulation (Career) mode like endurance races, Formula 1 races (Fictional Polyphony designed F1 racers)and Rally stages. Also there is an arcade mode to try out if you want to have some fun or play some multiplayer. There are a nice selection of courses ranging from real life to fictional circuits like Laguna Seca and Deep Forest Raceway. A couple of complains though drag this game down: The endurance events are an eyesore and boring (some endurance events have you racing for 2.5 hours), the Test Course is a boring race track to race around (basically its just a big Oval) and no skill needed to drive round it, there are 150 cars or so to buy (or win) and race, which is considerably lower than the previous installment's 600 cars (Gran Turismo 2) and because there is no damage in the game, you can pretty much smash into other racers or walls and survive. However Gran Turismo 3 is a great racing game and should appeal to fans of car simulator games.… Expand
  18. bestbloodyday
    May 29, 2012
    8
    Amazing third part of the series. As usual, includes more cars, more tracks and more features than previous games. However, GT3 don't have anything new aside from the amazing graphics. They could have implemented some kind of damage system, more night tracks or some weather effects. Still, the best racing game in PS2.
  19. chronoT
    Sep 5, 2012
    8
    This was the only Gran Turismo I owned and I thought it was very good. The graphics at the time were phenomenal and the car selection was deep. I am not a fan of racing games as this was one of the only ones I've ever owned, but it was definitely a title worth having. The only downfall I think was that you had to do some pretty repetitive tasks to accumulate money. The big thing I wantedThis was the only Gran Turismo I owned and I thought it was very good. The graphics at the time were phenomenal and the car selection was deep. I am not a fan of racing games as this was one of the only ones I've ever owned, but it was definitely a title worth having. The only downfall I think was that you had to do some pretty repetitive tasks to accumulate money. The big thing I wanted to see in this game though that wasn't present was damage on the cars, I've been told that this would cost the creators too much?… Expand
  20. Andremax
    Oct 16, 2018
    8
    Graphics are beautiful until nowadays. Shocking thinking that we are talking about a game with almost one fifth of century. GT3 was an initial kick for realistic racing emulators. In its time almost nothing so close to reality were seen, for sure a game in front of its time. But which is good can get better. Unfortunately, with pasting time, without letting behind GT3's importance, betterGraphics are beautiful until nowadays. Shocking thinking that we are talking about a game with almost one fifth of century. GT3 was an initial kick for realistic racing emulators. In its time almost nothing so close to reality were seen, for sure a game in front of its time. But which is good can get better. Unfortunately, with pasting time, without letting behind GT3's importance, better mechanicals and higher graphic power were appearing, obfuscating game's grandiosity and making it became dated and obsolete if comparing with another games in genre.… Expand
  21. homer4president
    Mar 26, 2015
    8
    If you're looking for a realistic racing game, if you're looking for a graphically pleasing game, if you're looking for a game that let's you beef up your cars, then look no further, because Gran Tourismo 3 fits all of the above.
  22. Shadow1
    May 9, 2016
    8
    Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec and NFS Underground are best Racing Games on PS2 . Gran Turismo 3 is one of the best game of 2001 in my opinion . Graphics in this game is very good for 2001 and Many Different real cars . Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec even better than Gran Turismo 4 . 8/10 .
  23. PROJECT_ODIN_
    May 20, 2018
    8
    A really fun game, with nice physics, cool music and amazing graphics, although with much less cars (150 approx.) than its predecessor (Gran Turismo 2; 600 cars approx.) since Polyphony had only a year to optimize the game (including all models and textures) for PlayStation 2. Fortunately, the game doesn't look as weird as Gran Turismo 2000 (a demo to show the power of PS2's hardware,A really fun game, with nice physics, cool music and amazing graphics, although with much less cars (150 approx.) than its predecessor (Gran Turismo 2; 600 cars approx.) since Polyphony had only a year to optimize the game (including all models and textures) for PlayStation 2. Fortunately, the game doesn't look as weird as Gran Turismo 2000 (a demo to show the power of PS2's hardware, which is basically a remastering of Gran Turismo 2 similar to Crash Bandicoot: N-sane Trilogy's), the number of tracks is pretty nice (19 normal + 17 reverse = 36 tracks) so you got a lot of kilometers of asphalt and dirt to race and hundreds of hours of racing to enjoy. Me, I have most Gran Turismo Mode races and the whole Arcade Mode completed!… Expand
  24. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    8
    Atmosphere: 8
    Enjoyment: 8
    Gameplay: 9
    Graphics: 9
    Music: 7
    Story: 6
    Total: 7.83
  25. The_D4RknesS
    May 12, 2023
    8
    I'm not a fan of Gran Turismo but this game here is too good. I liked the gameplay and especially the dust particles that c managed to be more dense and time consuming than many rally games you find out there. For 2001 it managed to have a more realistic dust than Dirt 1/2/3 2007/2009/2011
  26. SuntannedDuck2
    Aug 20, 2023
    8
    Time to review one of my favourite games not nostalgically, but fairly.

    First off is the quicker details. The music is memorable in the menus, the licensed tracks are good regardless of regional soundtrack but the menu ones just offer that bit more. I think they suit the time period, the racing & while mostly Rock or DnB in the PAL soundtrack compared to the variety in later entries it    Time to review one of my favourite games not nostalgically, but fairly.

    First off is the quicker details. The music is memorable in the menus, the licensed tracks are good regardless of regional soundtrack but the menu ones just offer that bit more. I think they suit the time period, the racing & while mostly Rock or DnB in the PAL soundtrack compared to the variety in later entries it does enough of the job. Remixed menu songs are present but they feel different enough and offer enough of a different sound/feel to them.

    The driving model is fun and easy to get used to. Not that realistic as GT4 or other racing games of the time. Each car does feel different though so you will need to get used to how each FF, FR, MR, RR or 4WD feels as well as traction on and off (like the license test demos). Auto/manual options are available.

    The menus are big & bold text, flashy banners, a mix of in-game cars/tracks & mixing colours. Some mistakes like Else 5 then 10 or the Grand Valley Endurance test.

    The lighting on track are interesting. You still have a mix of day and some set in the evening or night on a few tracks. Not dynamically though like Grid 2008/Test Drive Le Man. Evening like Grand Valley Reverse, Laguna Seca or Seattle Circuit. With Night SSR5/11 (new layout then GT1), or Wet SSR5.

    No cockpit. Others of the time like TOCA PS2, MotoGP or PC racers did. I can take or leave this. But 1 bumper, 1 chase cam.

    5 opponents again. Others of the time had either 8 (whether kart racers/car racing) TOCA PS2/MotoGP with 22. TOCA PS1 games having around 15. I can take or leave this sometimes it's too crowded/the AI aren't good enough to justify more on the track even if impressive.

    The AI aren't the best in this game (until GT5 they did notice the player then their strict routes or slight nudges). They are either standard routes or challenging due to some pit routes, some cheating (cars in events or tuned) or crowding. Not really any nemesis, keep going or mix of the two like newer racing games or others of the time.

    The car list is very noticeably low though. Some makes have just 1 car, others 2, others around likely 15 (mostly Japanese makes) & needing to scroll to see them all. It has a mix of race, rally, hatch, sedan & more.

    You can store 200 cars in your garage but even with purchases/reward cars you aren't going to fill it up like GT2 if you were doing the one make events in that car & selling them after finishing the events to make space. One make events are now part of the main event lists not dealership like GT2/GT4/GT5P.

    So expect GT3 as more a GT1 or a next gen console 'some parts had to be quick & sacrificed' because they were considering yearly with GT 2000 but put more time in.

    You could easily think some parts are rushed due to the lacking cars, very few new tracks & many short variations not included either with some tracks like Autumn Ring missing but appearing in GT Concept 2001-2002. Fun besides limits.

    The track count is very much the major tracks (no short) & 3 new ones. Tokyo R246, Complex String (I wish it was more than a license test track) & Cote de Azur. All good in their own way (besides the 15 lap pro events), but Cote De Azur & Test Course appear very rarely in the career mode. Others renamed like Smokey Mountain South to Swiss Alps. Tahiti Circuit then Tahiti Dirt Route 3.

    The arcade mode like GT1 & 2 has a progression or time trial/free run. You have 3 difficulties & can do either on any available tracks unlocked. You start with 6, 6 each group. With A to F group & arcade mode ending movie. Forward & reverse layouts, wet SSR5, Test Track & more. Normal/Hard Group unlock cars in C to S class based on difficulty.

    As well as the 10 time trials giving a Pennzoil R34 Race Car as a reward. You have access to C to S (race cars), rally from the start & garage cars.

    2 Player split screen on unlocked tracks. i-Link support (system link like PS1 or Xbox). Clearing status or importing garage. (In GT mode a car trading menu between memory cards).

    The career has a smaller GT1 like map. Tuning, Licenses (Rally but no IC), dealership, speed test, events, GT Auto & garage.

    5 event tiers Begin, Amateur, Pro, Rally & Endurance (1-2hrs, 60-100 laps). 1-3 laps begin, 3-6 laps amateur, 10-15 laps pro, 1-3 laps rally. No 24hr. In Pro events 1 pit & predicting when they will is a tough.

    Amateur/Pro have at least 5-7-10 events & some cheat or some odd cars in events. Some 80s/one makes can have off car choices, or there are too highly tuned (Yaris/Vitz, Elise, TVR, Zonda, TT, etc.) cars in events.

    There is a 4:3/16:9 aspect ratio option, music on/off (each song or all), controls (if want to L1/R1 then the X and Square pressure sensitive buttons), I think stick support if prefer that control scheme. Among other settings. Not many but the basics.

    You can import your GT Concept 2001-2002 save to get credits, and the license tests all bron    … Expand
  27. AnthonyM.
    Oct 3, 2001
    7
    The base engine is as usual great. I-link idea is absolutely astounding! I-link support WELL lets not talk about it. Worth every dime when U figure it out.
  28. GiancarloS.
    Feb 5, 2002
    7
    It's a Grand game, but it's missing the fun of Grand Theft, this game has the best graphics, great sound and a lot of depth....But not that much fun.
  29. AndrewC.
    Feb 20, 2007
    7
    This game should only interest those who love cars. As much as I love the gorgeous visuals and want to love the gameplay, it's just too realistic. When I want to turn left, I have to perfectly slow down, corner, and speed up with absolute precision. When I need to earn a license, I have to constantly retry each challenge over and over. It's eternally frustrating for somebody This game should only interest those who love cars. As much as I love the gorgeous visuals and want to love the gameplay, it's just too realistic. When I want to turn left, I have to perfectly slow down, corner, and speed up with absolute precision. When I need to earn a license, I have to constantly retry each challenge over and over. It's eternally frustrating for somebody like me who is not particularly good at this kind of simulation. I'll take Burnout or Mario Kart any day.… Expand
  30. J.R.
    Apr 4, 2003
    7
    This game is fun and addicting at first, but you get bored faster than you should. It does have depth though. The building up of cars is fun, but to race certain courses you need to get licenses that are hard to get. Plus, you race the same 7 or 8 courses over and over with different cars, and against harder opponents. It gets lame. Fun at first though. Its cheap now, so you really This game is fun and addicting at first, but you get bored faster than you should. It does have depth though. The building up of cars is fun, but to race certain courses you need to get licenses that are hard to get. Plus, you race the same 7 or 8 courses over and over with different cars, and against harder opponents. It gets lame. Fun at first though. Its cheap now, so you really can't go wrong.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS2 Game of 2001
6
#6 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
2
#2 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. XGP Gaming
    97
    GT3 simply is one of the best looking racers to date on any system. In fact, it's one of the best looking games available for the PS2, even being two years past its initial release date.
    Read full review
  2. Armchair Empire
    96
    Better physics, smarter opponents, and a huge leap in its visual presentation make GT3 a racer well worth playing.
    Read full review
  3. Absolute Playstation
    93
    The gameplay is rock solid and the graphical upgrade makes everything feel fresh and new.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »