Highly-Anticipated
PlayStation(R)2 Racing Game, Gran Turismo3
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
Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. today announced the
much-anticipated release of Gran Turismo(TM) 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 powe of PlayStation(R)2 to
deliver the most realistic racing experience
ever.
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(TM)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.
Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine
the entertainment lifestyle with its
PlayStation(R) and PS one(TM) game console and
the PlayStation(R)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.
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