First Drive: Gran Turismo 4

We got it, we played it, we love it. Polyphony Digital's latest-generation Gran Turismo introduces a toolbox full of new features that'll have you playing for hours, sometimes without even driving a single lap. Ever want to race in the Grand Canyon? On ice? Around New York City, Hong Kong, The Cote D'Azure? How about a drag race down the Las Vegas Strip? Now you can take your pick--all over the world, on any track, on any surface.

While GT3 offered 38 tracks and 150 cars from 38 manufacturers, GT4 offers more than 700 cars from 80 manufacturers and up to 100 tracks along with a variety of race modes. GT Career Simulation Mode and GT Arcade Mode are still available, but also added are GT Director, B-Spec, and GT Photo modes.

GT Director allows players to take the role of race team manager. You provide direction to the driver, while competing in races you view and direct through the standard replay screen, on-board camera, and race monitor screen.

Not in the mood to drive? B-Spec lets the computer take the wheel while you sit back and watch the fun unfold. You can also adjust various car settings to optimize race setup, choose the difficulty level (known as Pace Command), and then give direction on when to overtake the competition and when to pit.

GT Photo gives you a shot at two different types of photography: Photo Drive, where you can photograph your car during a race, and Photo Travel, where you take your favorite vehicle to one of 15 locations around the globe, set up the shot, and take the picture. These photo ops include motion blur, zoom, depth of field, lighting, and a variety of lenses and filters to perfect the shot. Share photos with friends or print out a color copy using a USB printer.

More lifelike execution is one of the major improvements in GT4. An all-new physics and artificial-intelligence engine has upgraded the graphics and feel. Each vehicle's physics is modeled to take into account that vehicle's weight, speed, friction, wind, and more. Gone are the days of gas-and-go racing; this game makes you work for that victory lap.

The pit stop is yet another significantly improved area. In GT3, the pit consisted of the car stopping and then, poof!, new tires. Now, a crew actually comes out to change tires and fuel up the vehicle.

The new game also introduces an improved human element that will express people in a new more detailed way. From the driver in the car, to the pit crew, to the spectators, GT4 promises more realistic human expressions and movements.