Highly-Anticipated PlayStation®2 Racing Game, Gran Turismo™3 A-spec, Races Onto Store Shelves Today
Latest Edition of Best-Selling Racing Series Available as a Standalone Software Title or Bundled With the PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment System
PRNewswire
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
07/10/2001
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. today announced the much-anticipated release of Gran Turismo™ 3 A-spec, the latest installment of the greatest racing series in history. More than two years in the making, the much-anticipated Gran Turismo 3 A-spec harnesses the power of PlayStation®2 to deliver the most realistic racing experience ever.
(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a )
In addition to the standalone software release, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. will introduce the GT3 Racing Pack, which will include a copy of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec bundled with the best-selling new console of all time -- the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Demonstrating the company's commitment to providing the consumer with the most compelling entertainment experience coupled with a great value proposition, the GT3 Racing Pack will be available today for a suggested retail price of $329. Consumers who purchase the GT3 Racing Pack will receive a $350 value for $329, while the game itself will be available for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
"We are thrilled to bring the Gran Turismo franchise to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "Gran Turismo 3 A-spec truly revolutionizes the racing category, bringing a new dimension in physics, graphics and special effects that blur the line between game and reality. It will appeal to a much broader audience and will drive the formation of the PlayStation 2 platform."
Gran Turismo 3 A-spec immerses players into the most true-to-life environments ever realized, including special effects like blinding sun glare, shimmering heat rays rising off the tarmac and real-time reflections on the cars, adding to the overall experience. Improved opponent A.I. (artificial intelligence) further adds to the realism, allowing players to experience a true sense of emotion emanating from the opposing cars. In addition, the power of PlayStation 2 allows for each car's characteristics to be accurately designed and calculated to handle according to the "real life" physics of that particular vehicle, taking into account weight, speed, friction, wind and more.
The most realistic interactive racing experience to date, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec delivers speed that players can actually feel. The game takes full advantage of the DUALSHOCK™2 analog controller, so that the harder the driver pushes on the touch-sensitive controller, the faster the car goes, simulating the gas pedal of a real car. Drivers can "feel" the speed as they maneuver through curves and shoot down straight-aways while racing fellow competitors.
Continuing to set the standards for racing games Gran Turismo 3 A-spec will incorporate many enhanced features including:
-- Natural weather conditions, including enhanced fogging effects and
mist, enhance realism and add challenge to the racing experience.
-- Enhanced Rally Mode allows players to race through gravel tracks,
kicking up dirt to impair their opponent's view
-- More than 150 authentic vehicles, including 30 new car models, will be
available to the player, including a variety of models from Japanese,
European and American car manufacturers.
-- 18 tracks including two new tracks -- Monte Carlo and Tokyo Racing
Circuit
-- Arcade Racing mode with power slides, burnouts and excessive speed
-- In-depth simulation mode where money is earned to buy and sell vehicles
and upgrade parts
-- Enhanced sound effects in Gran Turismo 3 A-spec including tire, motor
and ambient sounds
-- License tests and racing championship rounds
-- Fully customizable vehicles
-- Refined Replay mode
-- One-to-six player racing using the i-Link cable
-- Blistering soundtrack includes tracks by Lenny Kravitz, Snoop Dogg,
Raekwon, Powerman 5000 and Papa Roach.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Gran Turismo 3 A-spec "E" for Everyone. For more information about the ESRB visit http://www.esrb.org/.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PS one game console and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-aAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 212-782-2840
SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Contact: Charlotte Panther, 650-655-3542, or
charlotte_panther@playstation.sony.com, or Ryan Bowling, 650-655-3657, or
ryan_bowling@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment America
Inc.
Website: http://www.esrb.org/
Website: http://www.playstation.com/