Χ-Play (2003)

Racing reviews of Gran Turismo 4, Nascar Sim Racing and Top Gear RPM Tuning! (3x32)

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On tonight's episode of X-Play, we review Gran Turismo 4. Gran Turismo was one of the first examples of a crossover hit, spurring a whole new crowd--namely car fanatics--to buy PlayStations and become gamers. It helped make video games cool, rather than something that shy, awkward teenagers do on lonely Saturday nights. Since then the series has taken a strict "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach, focusing more on delivering the ultimate car freak's dream instead of upgrading the basic gameplay. Until now, that is. While Electronic Arts has had a measure of console success with the now-exclusive NASCAR license, the company has found PC players much more difficult to please. Recent releases have been consistently overshadowed by the persistence of Papyrus, whose aging franchise remained in players' hearts. With Papyrus now quiet, EA has lured some of that team over to its side of the pit. But the outbreak of NASCAR popularity means that EA has to satisfy not only the classic Sim fans, but the growing legions of casual players. Now, with a totally redesigned chassis, can NASCAR Sim Racing power through the line between arcade and Sim to satisfy both camps? To the dismay of tastemakers and American auto enthusiasts, import street racing continues to thrive. And since few of us have the cash necessary to properly pimp that little import hatchback, it's up to the game space to manufacture the illusion that everyone can have their own collection of aftermarket plastic. Kemco's Top Gear is a series that's been around for years, originally debuting on the Super Nintendo, and even then upgrades and performance tuning were part of the package. That experience seems to weigh lightly on Top Gear RPM Tuning, however, which falters even as it leaves the starting line. Plus, don't miss out on our Polyphony and The Long Road to GT4 features. Tune in tonight!