Welcome to Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, the definitive PlayStation 2 racing simulation from 2001. This isn't just about crossing the finish line first; it's about mastering every circuit, understanding car dynamics, and meticulously upgrading your rides to achieve true racing perfection. Whether you're a seasoned sim racer or just starting your journey on the track, GT3 offers a deep and rewarding experience.
This guide is your pit crew, designed to help you conquer the game's challenges. We'll break down essential techniques, provide championship-winning car setups, and guide you through mastering every circuit. Get ready to dominate the competition and earn those Gold Medals.
Updates
Explore the updates and patches for Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec. Learn about gameplay changes, new features, and improvements made to the acclaimed PlayStation 2 racing simulator.
This section details the updates and patches released for Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec. While the game itself is a complete experience, understanding its development and any minor revisions can enhance your appreciation of this classic racing simulator.
Key Information:
- Game Title: Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
- Platform: PlayStation 2
- Developer: Polyphony Digital
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release Year: 2001
The game was lauded for its significant graphical advancements over its predecessor, Gran Turismo 2, a feat achieved through extensive work on car models, detailed statistics, and leveraging the new PlayStation 2 hardware. This focus on detail led to a reduced car count compared to GT2, but provided a more polished experience.
Notable Features Introduced/Changed:
- Arcade Mode: Reorganized into stages, requiring completion of tracks on specific difficulties to progress and unlock new cars.
- Simulation Mode: Features a more structured progression of races and challenges, including endurance events and dirt rally races. Car dealerships are organized by country and manufacturer.
- Formula One Cars: Introduced as unlockable content through endurance races and championship events, offering superior performance but with faster tire wear.
- Graphics: Greatly improved visuals due to the PlayStation 2 hardware.
Development Notes:
- Collaboration with Logitech resulted in the GT Force steering wheel with force feedback.
- Demo versions were released prior to launch, showcasing specific cars and tracks with timers.
- A giveaway at release offered merchandise, racing school experiences, or car payment assistance.
While no major post-release
Current Progress:
Track Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec FAQ updates from version 1.0 (August 13, 2001) to version 2.2 (September 6, 2002), including file sizes and content changes.
Version History:
- Version 2.2 (Started: September 6, 2002)
- Updated Layout to match newer FAQs
- Removed email address, use message board instead
- File Size: 310k
- Version 2.1 (Started: April 6, 2002)
- Title: "VERSION 2.1 - THE KRUSTSER VERSION"
- Corrected grammatical errors, specifically up to part of the Tuning School (search for SPELLCHECKED TO HERE *************)
- Changed £ to Euro
- File Size: 309k
- Version 2.0 (Started: February 26, 2002)
- Car Guide: Shelby - Volkswagen Added
- Car Guide: Ford, Honda Updated
- Simulation Races: Amateur, Endurance Updated
- 3 FAQs added
- FAQ 5 Updated
- File Size: 309k
- Version 1.9 (Started: January 02, 2002)
- Layout Updated
- Car Guide: Peugeot - RUF Added
- File Size: 282k
- Version 1.8 (Started: October 21, 2001)
- Car Guide: Panoz Added
- Tuning School: New Board Address added
- File Size: still 276k
- Version 1.7 (Started: October 1, 2001)
- Car Guide: Mitsubishi - Pagani Added
- Car Guide: Honda Mugen S2000 Added
- FAQ Section Added
- 11 FAQs added to FAQ Section
- Simulation Races Completed
- File Size: 276k
- Version 1.6 (Started: September 22, 2001)
- Parts Guide Completed
- Simulation Guide/Walkthrough finished
- All Licences Added
- Car Guide: Chevrolet - Mini Added
- A few mistakes corrected
- File Size: 248k
- Version 1.5 (Started: September 21, 2001)
- Car Guide: Acura, Alfa, Aston, Audi, BMW Added
- Parts Guide: Engine Completed
- Parts Guide: Gearbox, Clutch, Flywheel Added
- File Size: 193K
- Version 1.4 (Started: September 12, 2001)
- Parts Guide: Brakes, Engine Added
- International B Licence Added
- Hints/Tips: 2 Tips Added
- Tuning School Updated
- Driving School Updated
- File Size: 183k
- Version 1.3 (Started: August 16, 2001)
- Glitches Section Added (5 Glitches)
- Hints/Tips Added (1 Tip)
- Simulation Guide Added
- Driving School: Drivetrains, Tyres Added
- Gameshark Codes Added
- Tuning School Updated
- Corrected some small spelling/grammar mistakes
- File Size: 145k
- Version 1.2 (Started: August 15, 2001)
- Car Acquisition: Acura-Volkswagen Added
- Tuning School Added
- A Licence Added
- Simulation Races: Endurance Added
- File Size: 111k
- Version 1.1 (Started: August 15, 2001)
- Simulation Races: Professional Completed
- B Licence Added
- File Size: 54.1k
- Version 1.0 (Started: August 13, 2001)
- Arcade Mode Added
- Simulation Mode Added
- Options Added
- Simulation Races: Beginner, Amateur, Professional Added
- Disclaimer, Email Notice Added
- Outro, Credits Added
- File Size: 43.7k
Contents:
- i) Options (Removed in later versions)
- ii) Arcade Mode
- iii) Simulation Mode
- iv) Licences (B, A, International-B, Interantional-A, Special, Rally)
- v) Simulation Races (Beginner League, Amateur League, Professional League, Endurance League, Rally League)
- vi) Car Acquisition
- vii) Tuning School
- viii) Driving School
- ix) Simualtion Guide
- x) Parts Guide (Brakes, Engine, Gearbox, Clutch, Fly Wheel, Propellor Shaft, Mufflers and Air Cleaners, Weight Reduction, Professional Tune-Up Parts, Full Customising Service, YAW Control System, Suspension, Anti-Roll Bars, Intercooler, Tyres)
- xi) Car Guide
- xii) Glitches
- xiii) Hints/Tips
- xiv) Gameshark Codes
- xv) Frequently-Asked-Questions
- xvi) Outro/Credits
Introduction:
Throughout this FAQ you will see the words "Index Number" and "Search Field". These are to help you locate certain sections of the FAQ, as listed in the index. Use Ctrl + F on most Word Processors and in Internet Explorer to use the Find/Locate command.
Example: If you are looking for the section "Licences - B Licence", type 'iv-a' into the Find box. 'iv' is the Index Number and 'a' is the section number. This will take you to the beginning of the section.
Options:
Index Number: i
This section has been removed, as it is absolutely pointless. If you wish to see this section, visit one of the websites which has stolen my FAQ, and you'll get version 1.1 or something close to it.
Warning: The author states: "I will hunt you all down and kill you, either that or get your website removed from the server." regarding FAQ theft.
Arcade Mode:
Index Number: ii
There are four difficulty modes in Arcade:
- Easy - 2 Laps in every race
- Normal - 3 Laps per race
- Hard - 5 Laps per race
- Pro - Unknown, haven't tried it.
Area A
Detailed walkthrough for Area A in Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec. Learn about gameplay modes, car dealerships, and unlockable Formula One cars to dominate the competition.
This guide covers the Area A section of Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, focusing on gameplay mechanics, available cars, and progression through the game's modes.
- 1Understand the two primary game modes: Arcade Mode and Simulation Mode.
- 2In Arcade Mode, progress through stages by completing tracks on Easy difficulty or higher. Higher difficulties unlock additional cars.
- 3In Simulation Mode, experience a more structured progression with varied races, including endurance and dirt rally events.
- 4Navigate car dealerships organized by country and manufacturer.
- 5Note the reduced car count (191) compared to Gran Turismo 2, attributed to enhanced graphics and early PS2 lifespan development.
- 6Discover that Formula One cars are unlockable through endurance races and specific championship events, not purchasable.
- 7Be aware of the differences in F1 car availability between PAL (2 cars: Polyphony001, Polyphony002) and NTSC (6 cars: F094/H, F094/S, F686/M, F687/S, F090/S, F688/S) versions.
- 8Understand that F1 cars have superior performance but wear tires faster, with no harder tire compounds available.
- 9Note the omission of Racing Modifications, suspension damage, and power limits on race events compared to Gran Turismo 2.
- Collaborate with Logitech for the GT Force steering wheel, designed for GT3 with force feedback.
- Experience early gameplay via demo copies, such as the one shown at the 2000 PlayStation Festival, featuring a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR '98 on the Seattle Circuit for 120 seconds.
- Be aware of giveaway prizes at release, including Gran Turismo merchandise, clothing, a day at the Skip Barber Racing School, or car payments in North America.
- Play pre-release demos which often featured expiring timers and shortened race BGM.
- Achieve critical acclaim with an aggregated score of 94.54% on GameRankings and 95/100 on Metacritic.
- Recognize the game's sales success, with 1 million copies sold in the first three days and over 14.89 million copies worldwide.
- Note the soundtrack variations between game regions.
Area B
Unlock the secrets of Area B in Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec. Learn about its gameplay, development, and critical reception to enhance your racing experience.
This section details the gameplay mechanics, development, and reception of Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, with a focus on elements relevant to understanding the game's structure and progression, often referred to as 'Area B' in broader contexts.
Gameplay:
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec features two primary modes: Arcade and Simulation. Arcade Mode is structured into stages, each containing several tracks. Completing all tracks in a stage on Easy difficulty or higher unlocks the next stage, while higher difficulties unlock additional cars. Simulation Mode offers a more progressive experience with varied races, from short beginner events to long endurance races and dirt rally challenges. Car dealerships are organized by country and manufacturer. The game includes 191 cars, a reduction from Gran Turismo 2, attributed to enhanced graphics and early PlayStation 2 development. Formula One cars are obtainable by winning specific races and endurance events, but have faster tire wear and limited tire compound options. Notably, the ability to perform Racing Modifications on production cars and the removal of suspension damage and power limits on race events were omitted.
Development:
Polyphony Digital collaborated with Logitech to create the GT Force steering wheel with force feedback. A demo version was showcased at the 2000 PlayStation Festival, featuring a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR '98 on the Seattle Circuit for 120 seconds. Graphics were significantly improved over Gran Turismo 2 due to the PlayStation 2 hardware, but the car count decreased due to the extensive work on graphics, car modeling, and statistics. A launch giveaway included Gran Turismo merchandise and prizes like a day at the Skip Barber Racing School or car payments in North America. Several pre-release demos with expiring timers were also released.
Reception and Criticism:
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec received critical acclaim, with an aggregated score of 94.54% on GameRankings and 95/100 on Metacritic, ranking it among the top PlayStation 2 titles. IGN praised its deep gameplay for core followers. The game sold 1 million copies in its first three days and 3.8 million by July 2006 in the US, earning $120 million. It received a
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