Gran Turismo A-Spec is the third installment of Pholophony Digital's ultra-realistic racing series. The franchise itself is one of the best car simulations of all time, but take Gran Turismo A-Spec into account and you have the the greatest racing game ever to grace a console. Period.
      Part of what makes the Gran Turismo games so popular is the insanely deep customization options that include better tires for traction, and better parts that increase top speed, and acceleration, among other things. So it is no suprise that GT3 is the most complete installment of them all, giving the player plenty of parts to tinker with and then some. In fact, the only decrease from the last GT is the total amount of cars available; from about 300 hundred to something like 150. However, take these automobiles onto the track and prepare to be blown away. Somewhere in between minimizing the rides to choose from, the developer has created the most realistic (that's almost an understatement) cars ever to be witnessed by the gaming public. Likewise, the sound of engines roaring is excellent, and, for the most part, the music is good. Sure, the graphics and sound are far over average, but how is the gameplay?
      Thankfully, the gameplay just about reaches the level of greatness that attests to the graphical achievement and sound department. That means that GT3 delivers the most lifelike driving experience around, and it isn't even totally perfect. And that, my friends, is scary. Some of the minor things that detract from the experience are a shortage of camera views (only two), and the AI. For some odd reason, computer racers have the ability to finish a race with the need to pit-stop only once, while I'll need to do so twice. Likewise, these opponents are predictable, and don't do much in the way of fighting for position. But when a game is this good, who cares? Don't rent; buy. If you don't like GT3's realism, at least marvel at the effort that went into the car models simply because this game deserves to be appreciated by all.
      
      Graphic-10.0 The true essence of realism is shown in the car models. The environments, save for some dull trees, look as good as can be.
      Sound-9.5 Excellent sound effects; cars revving up, tires squeaking and more. The soundtrack has it's share of very good songs, and I liked it for the most part.
      Control-9.5 Hard to master, but when steering becomes second-nature, you know it's time to go out and get your license. Yes, it's that lifelike.
      Replay-7.0 Sure, there isn't that much reason to go through the game again, but once you actually complete first place in every race, having another go seems intimidating.
      Overall-9.8 Perfection is but inches away, but it still stands as the greatest racing game of all time, and for good reason.