Introduction

Developer: Polyphony Digital
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Gran Turismo 3 official page: http://www.scea.com/games/categories/racing/gt3usa/

The only constant is change

After posting our original review of the Japanese-edition Gran Turismo 3, we received numerous requests for more videos, more screenshots, and even more info about the game. You ask and we'll deliver. It turns out that there are quite a few changes in the US release of Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, some for the better, and some for the worse. Rather than repeat ourselves in a second review, we'll just assume that you've recently read our detailed review of the import version of GT3. If you haven't read or don't remember most of the article, you'll definitely want do that first. Since the consoles aren't something we cover regularly, we'll have a few comments about the PlayStation2 toward the end of the article.

Superficial Considerations

What's a better place to start than the packaging? As we noted in the original review, the North American version of Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec comes in blue, as compared to the red Japanese version. What's interesting is that the $330 PlayStation2/GT3 bundle has a "Limited Edition" cover. How is it different? It's has the red cover from the Japanese version (with a "Not For Resale" overlay).

Japanese vs. US boxart

JP CD, US CD

We're also a bit disappointed to say that the Reference Manual that details driving strategy with the GT Force steering wheel, the benefits of different upgrades, and technical aspects for most of the cars in the game is not included. Fortunately, the US instruction manual includes six pages of text taken directly from the instruction manual at Skip Barber Racing School.

JP Manual

US Manual