GT3: Article #3:
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First Look: Awesome off-road racing and weather effects!
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Look at the Detail of this Rally Track
{The attention being paid to subtle details and effects, such as the textures that separate the track from the roadside, is really going to set GT3 apart from other PS2 racers.}
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We've been talking about the dirt course racing changes and new weather effects planned for Gran Turismo 3 for a while now, and this month we got a hold of the first screens of Polyphony Digital's efforts in action. While the game has been delayed to April from its original February launch in Japan (Sony's not saying how that will affect the U.S. release), it's now looking more certain than ever that gamers will be in for on heck of a treat when the game finallly lands on store shelves.
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Look at this Rally Cars Extreme Detaling
{We don't know if the cars will get dirty, but it'd be in keeping with the detail level.}
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The real standout from this latest round of images would have to be the game's rain effects, which are easily the most realistic looking ever. And when combined with nighttime lighting effects, they make for an almost photo-realistic presentation. You can actually see the water pooling on the uneven raod surface, whch realistically reflects car headlights and tail lights as they pass. Thanks to PS2's powerful particle effect tool, there's a convincing spray of mist kicked up by the cars as well. even street lights are reflected in the water, and the cars' lights emit a soft natural glow. We can only imagine how cool it'll look when the rain's actually coming down during the race.
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Wet 'N' Wild Racing
Here it is: the much talked-about rain effects that's new to GT3. Does it look awesome or what?
{Never before has a wet pavement effect been done so perfectly in a game.}
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We talked about GT3's revamped off-road racing last issue, and now you can see ti for yourself. Just thin: as good as it looks in pictures, it loooks 10 times better moving at an unwavering 60 frames per second. We don't know Polyphony Digital is squeezing so much out of PS2 this early in its lifecycle, but we wish it'd share its secrets with other developers.
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Good Old Replays
{A.During the replays, you'll be able to switch between different car POV's by pressing the left analog stick up and down. B.Even when you get right up to objects (like this roadside railing), they don't fuzz out. Man, those graphics are sweet! }
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This batch of screens also provides the first glimpse of GT3's new Tokyo street course, which just so happens to pass right by the Sony Computer Entertainment building. It actually looks a lot like the courses form Ridge Racer V, but with near second-generation graphics techniques being applied for impressive results. It's amazing when you think that the first games hist PS2 only a few months ago.
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Land of the Racing Sun
GT3's Tokyo Street course looks like something out of Ridge Racer V, only far more realistic. You'll even get to race by the Sony CEI building!
{How they're able to clear the streets of Tokyo for a road race is anyone's guess, but it sure does look promising.}
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Given the current uncertainty about the game's U.S. release date, there's no word on when we'll get our hands on a reivew copy, but we can't wait to take the final version for a spin. We'll have a full review just as soon as possble.
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An Up-Close Look At the Weather Effects
{A.Many courses will have a nighttime variant, complete with different polygonal models (like these buildings with the windows lit up). Plus, the lighting effects are the best ever! B.Even the car's tail lights have a soft glow, the kind you'd get when there's moisture in the air. Now THAT'S detail! C.The road has an incredibly real texture, and looks amazing when wet! The water actually looks like it's gathering in the pits of the road.}
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Written By: Randy Nelson, from April '01 PSM Issue
- The game at this point when this article was written is about 80% complete -
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Gran Turismo 3 Information / GT3: Article #1 / GT3: Article #2 / GT3: Article #3 / GT3 Article #4 / GT3 Article #5 / GT3: The Review