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Platform Filters:   All Platforms  Xbox   GameCube   PlayStation 2   PC   Game Boy Advance   Site Sections:   Updates  News   Games   Publishers   Developers   Reviews   Previews   Release Dates   Editorials   Glossary   Contact Us		Review:       27th July 2002: Gran Turismo Concept 2002 Tokyo-Geneva  This quirky spin-off from the GT series could be just the ticket for those who found the original games a bit too bewildering Posted by Marc Hull - PlayStation 2 - UK and Europe You'd think with GT3 being hailed as the best driving game of all time that its developers, Polyphony Digital, would be satisfied that their work is complete and go on a long-deserved holiday. However, it seems that while they managed to pack an incredible number of cars into the game, there were some that just didn't make the final cut, and this obviously nagged them so much that as soon as the title made its way to stores around the world they began working on an update to add these elusive vehicles. Unfortunately, while releasing add-ons for PC games is incredibly easy and often over-used, trying to do the same for the PlayStation 2 is a little tricky without limiting your customers to those who buy the hard-disk add-on (which isn't available yet). So, instead they decided to create a whole new, spin-off game in which they could let their imaginations run wild, and a year since GT3 hit the shops we get to see what they've been working on. While Gran Turismo Concept is based on GT3's excellent game engine, right down to the styling of the menus with video clips playing in the background, it does not contain the 'Gran Turismo Mode' that many considered the meat of the original games. Instead, GT Concept focuses on a more arcade-style experience, with a more linear 'complete certain challenges to gain more cars and tracks' approach, and looks much more like a standard racer than the former titles do. When you first boot-up the game you'll notice that the license tests from previous GT games still remain, although in a slightly different form, but the rest is pretty much traditional arcade-game fare, such as the single race, 2-player and free run modes which almost every driving game has. Progression through GT Concept is done by first gaining licenses for each course, which entails driving a single lap around the relevant track in a set car trying to beat a certain time. As with the other games, you'll only need to improve upon the bronze time to pass the test, but silver and gold ones are there for you to beat for perfection. Having gained a license, the particular track is then unlocked in the other game modes, allowing you to race on it with any type of car available against computer opponents or a friend. However, the main aim of the game is more about unlocking some of the weird and wonderful concept cars that manufacturers show off in various worldwide motorshows but never release for the general public. These, along with other rare cars, are gained by simply progressing through the game, with some pretty neat models becoming available for simply beating a license test for the first time while the more unusual ones are only playable if you complete a track on the Professional difficulty setting. After finishing each major event and unlocking another area of the game, you'll be taken to the Game Status screen which shows you many extra items you've managed to get, as well as giving you a percentage value for how much of the title you've completed in total, so you'll know exactly how much game there is left to play. Despite GT Concept lacking the number of cars, tracks, tuning options and general 'buying and selling' of the game it's based upon, it allows players to get straight into the action, giving them the best cars without having to work up through less desirable ones. This means that the initial buzz of the game is greater than that of its predecessors, and even complete newcomers to the series will be able to get into and complete the game whereas they may have been completely bewildered by the number of options and complexity of GT3. Graphically, as you might expect, the game is pretty impressive. All the tracks are highly detailed and don't suffer from any pop-up or fogging what-so-ever, and the new concept cars show off the engine to its maximum with all manner of unusual curves and shapes. The programmers have even thought to contain neat effects for some of the cars, the most prominent of which being the Toyota Pod which has multicoloured front-mounted lights and the body actually lowers to touch the ground when you apply the hand-brake as if its parked! In terms of sound, the game contains the usual array of licensed rock tracks to accompany the races and replays, as well as a wide range of car noises to make even the most fake-looking concept models sound like they're driving by your house. Length, however, is one area in which GT Concept will fall short for some players. Quite simply, it's in no way as deep as the other GT games, and a lot of the challenges are pretty easy, so an accomplished gamer will most likely unlock everything within a week of purchase. Even so, as mentioned before, this is perfect for beginners, and by the time you've finished the game you'll be much better prepared for the challenge its larger cousins throw at you. Overall, GT Concept has ended up less of an add-on, and more of an introduction. If you're already fond of racing games, or know a lot about cars, you should set out to buy GT3 instead of this, especially since it costs less in many stores. However, if you are new to the whole racing scene, or have already bought GT3 but really want to try out some neat-looking concept cars, then this certainly won't disappoint. Marc Hull             Latest Images:		Review Scores:    Graphics:   Sound:   Gameplay:   Length:   Overall: Click here for our Review Score Guidelines.  Review Summary:  Despite early rumours suggesting that GT Concept would add new concept cars to the existing GT3 game, instead this is really a new, stand-alone arcade racer with none of the buying, selling and tuning that made the GT games so popular. However, it's still fun to race around in some of the weird concept designs and cool real-life cars on offer, and those unfamiliar with traditional Gran Turismo games will find this easier to get to grips with than jumping in at the deep end with GT3.  Related Games:  Gran Turismo Concept 2002 Tokyo-Geneva for PlayStation 2  17  Screenshots  1  Review Click here for All Game Information.
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