Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gran Turismo 4’s gameplay remains the heart of the series, offering a richly detailed driving simulation that suits both newcomers and veteran racing fans. Players can choose from hundreds of cars, ranging from the humble Model T Ford to Jay Leno’s infamous Tank Car, as well as a stellar lineup of Le Mans legends. Each vehicle exhibits unique handling characteristics, making it essential to adapt your driving style for front-wheel-drive hatchbacks, rear-wheel sports cars, or the gargantuan tank. The depth of car customization and tuning options means every race can be fine-tuned to your personal preference, from suspension tweaks to gearbox ratios.

Gran Turismo 4 introduces the B-Spec mode—a fresh twist that transforms you into a race strategist rather than a hands-on driver. In B-Spec, you issue pit-stop orders, adjust race strategy, and coach an AI driver through grueling endurance events. This mode is indispensable for lengthy races, where managing fatigue, fuel consumption, and tire wear becomes just as critical as outright speed. It adds a layer of strategic depth that compliments the traditional driving experience, offering a welcome break when you’re in the mood to oversee rather than wheel.

The structure of GT4 branches into multiple modes—Arcade, Simulation, Endurance, and license tests—ensuring there’s always a fresh challenge. The license tests are particularly rewarding, requiring precision, discipline, and mastery of driving fundamentals to unlock higher-tier events. Whether you’re battling through tightly packed city circuits or tackling 20-minute GP races, the pacing feels balanced and satisfying. Credit also goes to the game’s intuitive controls: whether using a standard DualShock controller or a high-end racing wheel, the feedback is precise, making each slide, drift, and apex hit feel earned.

Graphics

Gran Turismo 4 set a new visual benchmark on the PlayStation 2, blending detailed car models with faithfully recreated tracks. Each vehicle boasts reflective paint, intricate rims, and illuminated interiors that shimmer under simulated daylight or floodlights. Minor details—like the slight deformation of a tire under cornering load or the gloss of a freshly polished hood—add layers of realism that draw you into every race.

The track selection is equally impressive, featuring brand-new circuits such as the Nordschleife section of the Nürburgring, as well as location-based courses in Paris, the Grand Canyon, and more. These environments aren’t mere backdrops; they pulse with atmospheric effects—dust swirling off the Canyon’s red cliffs, soft Parisian twilight skies, or the looming shadows in Germany’s forest-lined straights. Environmental details help you anticipate braking zones and attack corners with confidence.

Complementing the core visuals, GT4’s Photo mode lets you freeze time and capture stunning in-game images from saved replays or live action. You can tweak camera angles, filters, and lighting before exporting shots to a memory card or USB storage. This tool transforms your best moments into shareable art, underscoring just how beautiful a single frame of Gran Turismo 4 can be.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven racers, Gran Turismo 4 doesn’t weave a traditional storyline with character arcs or dialogue. Instead, its “story” unfolds through player progression: earning licenses, conquering championships, and unlocking rare vehicles. Every victory feels like a chapter conquered in your personal racing saga, and the climb from beginner license tests to the elite circuit is deeply satisfying.

That said, the B-Spec mode injects a subtle narrative of mentorship and challenge, as you guide AI drivers from rookies to seasoned competitors. Watching your protégé improve over endurance stints offers a sense of pride often reserved for story-rich titles. It’s more than pit stops and flag signals—it’s about trusting your instructions and seeing them translate into podium finishes.

Gran Turismo 4’s career mode is like a long drive through a racing education: you start with simple slaloms and end on 24-hour marathons. There’s no cutscene drama, but the evolving complexity of events creates its own momentum. With each race, you feel more invested in your virtual garage, your race engineer’s advice, and the ever-growing trophy cabinet.

Overall Experience

Gran Turismo 4 remains a standout title in the PS2 library and the GT franchise. Its combination of exhaustive car selection, lifelike physics, and a broad palette of race types guarantees countless hours of gameplay. From brief sprints at Daytona to the relentless pace of Nürburgring endurance events, every session feels meticulously crafted to challenge and reward in equal measure.

While the lack of a cinematic storyline may deter players seeking narrative flair, the depth of simulation more than compensates by offering a sandbox of automotive mastery. The Photo mode and B-Spec mode ensure that GT4 offers more than just wheel-to-wheel action—they broaden the racing canvas to include strategy and digital photography. These additions keep the experience feeling fresh even after you’ve memorized every corner of every track.

For potential buyers—especially those with a passion for motorsport—Gran Turismo 4 is a must-own classic. Its blend of gameplay depth, visual polish, and strategic variety delivers a comprehensive racing package that stands the test of time. Strap in, choose your ride, and prepare for a driving journey that’s as vast as it is rewarding.

Retro Replay Score

8.4/10