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. PunisherTeam
    Sep 1, 2023
    9
    The best GRAN TURISMO that ever existed. Everything else that follows was garbage.
  2. 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
  3. dominatr
    Jul 27, 2023
    9
    One of my least fav gt games. Still is fun though. Didnt really have enough content
  4. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 22, 2023
    6
    The Gran Turismo games revolutionised the whole racing game genre, ultimately for the worse in my opinion. It's technically amazing, the graphics superb and the attention to detail extremely impressive. It also has a painfully convoluted menu system with horrible accompanying faux coffee table jazz elevator music, tediously bullies you into completing a series of "tests" before it'll letThe Gran Turismo games revolutionised the whole racing game genre, ultimately for the worse in my opinion. It's technically amazing, the graphics superb and the attention to detail extremely impressive. It also has a painfully convoluted menu system with horrible accompanying faux coffee table jazz elevator music, tediously bullies you into completing a series of "tests" before it'll let you play YOUR OWN GAME, and is so joylessly obsessive about "realism" that it's very little fun to play. Give me Burnout 3 every day of the week.… Expand
  5. XboxPro
    Jul 18, 2023
    10
    Very fun game. I've been playing for a while and don't feel much burn out. Cool races, cars, and awesome graphics. it might take a little to get used to, but its a very fun game nonetheless.
  6. Komple
    May 31, 2023
    10
    Perfectly encapsulates the Gran Turismo experience. The only things wrong with this game is its smaller amount of content compared to other games in the series, and an unbalanced length for races in the professional league. Everything else is pure perfection and one of the best racing games of all time. Beautiful graphics and lighting effects for the time. Most intuitive physics in thePerfectly encapsulates the Gran Turismo experience. The only things wrong with this game is its smaller amount of content compared to other games in the series, and an unbalanced length for races in the professional league. Everything else is pure perfection and one of the best racing games of all time. Beautiful graphics and lighting effects for the time. Most intuitive physics in the series in my opinion (although not the most realistic by far). A great career mode and even a progression system in Arcade Mode. It's a must play for racing game fans or anyone looking to get into the genre.… Expand
  7. JamesVariety
    May 30, 2023
    10
    HOW COULD I HAVE FORGOTTEN MY BELOVED!? Even more than Gran Turismo 4, I adore this game - not because it's a better game, but because it was my first. I was so caught up in the #GT4SWEEP, that I forgot how criminally underrated this title was on this list.

    This game is pure, concentrated nostalgia directly injected into my veins. Little did 3 year-old me know it at the time, but this    HOW COULD I HAVE FORGOTTEN MY BELOVED!? Even more than Gran Turismo 4, I adore this game - not because it's a better game, but because it was my first. I was so caught up in the #GT4SWEEP, that I forgot how criminally underrated this title was on this list.

    This game is pure, concentrated nostalgia directly injected into my veins. Little did 3 year-old me know it at the time, but this game would shape my taste in music, my love for cars (specifically, the Supra), and my appreciation for gorgeous skyboxes (Smokey Mountain GOATed).

    It may not be the most car-rich or the best balanced or the most technically impressive (even though it still holds up like a champ to this day), but god...DAMN does this game have class, character, charisma, and charm.

    This will always be my favorite. Not only deserving of a top spot in any racing game ranking, but any game ranking in general.    … Expand
  8. 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.
  9. Kai55
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Stellar game for a release title. Unbelievable. Childhood. Since had a lifetime interest in motoring.
  10. Gt4sweep
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat
  11. mmcfly566
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Criminally underrated, at least it seems like that on this website. Truly a revolutionary game.
  12. 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
  13. Rodrigoalcassas
    May 1, 2023
    10
    A Gran Turismo 2 with better graphics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  14. 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.
  15. Usuario01
    Aug 17, 2022
    10
    Gran Turismo 3 ♡ Gran Turismo 3 ♡ Gran Turismo 3 ♡ Gran Turismo 3 ♡
  16. Weiend
    Jul 20, 2022
    10
    This game goes beyond being one of the greatest racing games ever made. I'd reckon it's one of the greatest games of all time. This game just feels right. The aesthetics, the gameplay, the controls, the great music and sound effects, and over all experience is best of its class. I have very, very fond memories of this game growing up. Little 4 year old me was blown away by this game andThis game goes beyond being one of the greatest racing games ever made. I'd reckon it's one of the greatest games of all time. This game just feels right. The aesthetics, the gameplay, the controls, the great music and sound effects, and over all experience is best of its class. I have very, very fond memories of this game growing up. Little 4 year old me was blown away by this game and have been in love with it ever since. Even without my strong bias, it is worthy of praise.
    All you need to know is that Snoop Dogg made a song for this game. That's how good it is.    … Expand
  17. DaniiChile
    Mar 26, 2022
    10
    Que recuerdos más lindos tengo con gt3. Gráficos hermosos y jugabilidad perfecta.
  18. randrewmccarthy
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    This was the first Playstation 2 game I ever had. I received it as a Christmas gift and play it still to this day in 2022. Gran Turismo 4 was objectively a better game due to the increased content and slightly better graphics, but this will forever be my favorite game of all time. I would give anything to be 11 years old again so I could recreate those same memories.
  19. XabiXroSS
    Feb 8, 2022
    10
    This game is amazing, that's it.

    It was released on 2001. That's 21 years ago. I played it when I was a kid, and I loved it. I am now 20 years old, and can't still understand how a game could look so good in 2001. On the original PS2 it's great, but when I tried it on emulator with some patches to see how it looks, I couldn't believe how good it looks, you can even think it's a    This game is amazing, that's it.

    It was released on 2001. That's 21 years ago. I played it when I was a kid, and I loved it.

    I am now 20 years old, and can't still understand how a game could look so good in 2001.

    On the original PS2 it's great, but when I tried it on emulator with some patches to see how it looks, I couldn't believe how good it looks, you can even think it's a last generation racing game with the visual upgrades.

    Also, the car selection is fantastic, it might not be as extended as the GT2 one, but it's still really good.

    And the tracks, all of them are memorable, and really satisfying to drive on them.

    At last, the career mode is really good too, you'll have lots of championships to race on, as well as a very challenging license tests mode.

    The best Gran Turismo on the franchise on my opinion.    … Expand
  20. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    8
    Atmosphere: 8
    Enjoyment: 8
    Gameplay: 9
    Graphics: 9
    Music: 7
    Story: 6
    Total: 7.83
  21. Dareix
    Jun 9, 2021
    5
    sinceramente non capisco poiché molti lo valutano positivamente, si salva solo la grafica che è da ammettere che è stupenda, ma per il resto poco e niente, pochissime auto e tracciati, molto difficile e molti bug
  22. Jack5switch
    Nov 27, 2020
    10
    Gran Turismo 3 is a timeless masterpiece. First of all, the game doesn't care how you drive. If you're n the middle of a race and about to lose, you are able to use shortcuts and other techniques to best the AI players, and it is these oversights that make the racing more engaging than normal. Gran Turismo 3 also has the best simulation mode of the entire franchise, where all of the racesGran Turismo 3 is a timeless masterpiece. First of all, the game doesn't care how you drive. If you're n the middle of a race and about to lose, you are able to use shortcuts and other techniques to best the AI players, and it is these oversights that make the racing more engaging than normal. Gran Turismo 3 also has the best simulation mode of the entire franchise, where all of the races have clearly identifiable names and pictures, and there is no overly complicated map to navigate. Some events even repeat difficulties, which makes it really easy to tell what kind of car you need to bring and which ones you'll be going up against. Finally, Gran Turismo 3 has the best arcade mode. Not only can you use the overpowered cars you own in simulation mode, but the game tracks which single-player races you win, and for every six tracks you beat, you earn six more. Getting every light on the bonus items screen to turn on is a true endurance test. Let's not forget that the menu and in-game interfaces are distinct and striking to the eye with its orange text, and the music arranged for this game is clear against the noises of the car engines. Gran Turismo 3 is feature-rich, it is engaging, it is a marvel of its era, it is timeless, it is my childhood and I am ashamed that barely anyone else got to experience this hidden gem of a racing game. It is a grand old time.… Expand
  23. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 19, 2020
    10
    OVERALL - 95%

    Gameplay - 9/10 Graphics (for time) - 10/10 Story - 5/10 Game Length - 9/10 Characters - 4/10 Level/Area Design - 8/10 Atmosphere - 8/10 Sound Effects - 10/10 Soundtrack - 10/10 Replay Value - 7/10 I'm utterly useless as driving games, so when a game like this comes along and completely captivates me it must be incredible. Loved the variety and the soundtrack    OVERALL - 95%

    Gameplay - 9/10
    Graphics (for time) - 10/10
    Story - 5/10
    Game Length - 9/10
    Characters - 4/10
    Level/Area Design - 8/10
    Atmosphere - 8/10
    Sound Effects - 10/10
    Soundtrack - 10/10
    Replay Value - 7/10

    I'm utterly useless as driving games, so when a game like this comes along and completely captivates me it must be incredible. Loved the variety and the soundtrack is one of the coolest until date. I still sucked though.    … Expand
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. AKthaBeast
    May 7, 2018
    10
    One of the best looking PS2 games and almost on par with some low budget PS3 games. It is a challenge because the mindset when playing a racing video game is expecting it to react like an arcade racer and not a simulation racer but once you get used to it, it gets addicting because you can actually see and feel your skills get better the more you play the game
  29. nestoryavith
    Jun 22, 2017
    10
    This game brought my passion for racing to life and the feeder music is just amazing. I got the disc and played non stop for like half a year and just couldn't get enough. The graphics are awesome, the car mechanics are insane that you might actually think you're driving at some point. Gran Tourismo 3 A-spec is the best and I mean the best racing simulator period.
  30. Broyax
    Apr 9, 2017
    4
    Graphiquement décevant (le célèbre scintillement et l'aliasing de fou, spécialités de la PS3) un contenu bien chétif -pour ne pas dire sabré- par rapport à GT2 et un comportement routier qui stagne, des sons qui n'évoluent pas...

    Certes, toujours pas de concurrence digne de ce nom à l'horizon (et à son époque) mais ce n'est pas une raison pour se reposer sur ses lauriers comme ça !    Graphiquement décevant (le célèbre scintillement et l'aliasing de fou, spécialités de la PS3) un contenu bien chétif -pour ne pas dire sabré- par rapport à GT2 et un comportement routier qui stagne, des sons qui n'évoluent pas...

    Certes, toujours pas de concurrence digne de ce nom à l'horizon (et à son époque) mais ce n'est pas une raison pour se reposer sur ses lauriers comme ça ! Créateur du genre, Polyphony délivre une suite qui se laisse jouer mais qui ne convainc plus vraiment au fil des heures : une douche froide incompréhensible.    … 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 »