This game imitates real driving physics very well, specially when using the 900 degree wheel. While "commonsense" made a bit of an issue about "commercialism" in the game, it really isn't, for there's a difference between names of car manufacturers and "get ripped quick pills" ads. The game can be fun for everyone, but the realism of it may not be something kids can handle. There isn't any car damage(crashes), so wreckles driving isn't an "iffy", and it all takes place in closed legal tracks.
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Gran Turismo 4
(2005, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated E, Play it on: PlayStation 2)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Realistic racing experience for the entire family.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Gran Turismo 4 was written by Chris Saunders
Parents need to know that this game provides players with more cars, more racecourses, and more high-speed fun than earlier versions, though gameplay is only slightly different from its predecessor. While the game is a good alternative to Need for Speed Underground games, parents may be concerned about advertising in the game, and the speeds at which cars travel around the racetracks.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about marketing. All of the cars have logos from top automakers prominently displayed. Ask kids: How did you decide which car to drive? Which brands did you notice while you were playing? Why do you think these ads are in the game? What do they do to your opinions of the brands? This might lead to a broader discussion of advertising and the desire for labels. Also, a discussion about safe driving practices is a good idea (especially for kids around the 16-year mark).
More on Gran Turismo 4
What’s the Story?
GRAN TURISMO 4 offers racing fans an authentic gaming experience that features more than 650 automobiles representing more than 80 manufacturers, along with 50 diverse racetracks. There are two main game modes: arcade and Gran Turismo. Arcade mode is ideal for beginners and younger players because they don't need to have mastered the game's intricate control system. Gran Turismo mode is accessed by earning points in arcade mode to unlock more challenging courses.
In Gran Turismo mode, tires slide more easily off of the course, cars move faster, and just keeping the car on the track requires good hand-eye coordination. The most noticeable difference from earlier games: pop-up visual guides that help you control momentum and turns along the racecourse. As with previous versions, players earn points for performance that can be used to purchase vehicle upgrades. New upgrades in this edition include nitrous oxide, bigger engines, tires, braking systems, and heavy-duty suspension packages.
CloseIs It Any Good?
You can feel comfortable purchasing Gran Turismo 4 for just about any member of your family. It's a more family-friendly alternative to the Need for Speed Underground series. Players younger than 6 can give the game a test ride, but probably will be frustrated because keeping the car on the track takes hand-eye coordination and quick thinking.
Commercialism and reckless driving are the downsides of the game. Logos from top car manufacturers are visible everywhere. Also, because cars consistently crack the 100 mph threshold while speeding around sharp corners, a discussion about safe driving is highly recommended.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 02/23/2005, price $45.95, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E
ESRB rating: E
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
An Excellent Driving Game
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
Disappointing but OK
The game is to the limit on image and very weak on substance. The driving experience/controls are about as realistic as Asteroids was comparable to controlling a space craft (actually less so - I think since there was some physics behind the Asteroids game and the control was in some ways more sophisticated). It is hugely disappointing that they cannot do better than this after so many years. I can hardly keep the car on the track at 40 MPH - I'm sure it gets better when you learn how the game wants you to drive. Still.. its kind of fun and the images are cool so at $20 its OK.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
A Realistic Driving and Tuning Experience
This game goes deep into real driving dynamics and requires mastery of the dynamics of driving to get the full experience. Modified cars have a fantastic range of adjustments for the brakes, suspensions, gear ratios, aerodynamic downforce and more. If you are interested in learning not just how a high performance car behaves, but how to tune a car to extract it's true maximum potential, then this game has what you are looking for, big time.
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
Great game for all
There are so many great things about this game! First of all, it does not invole getting out of the cars at all, or any violence whatsoever. You simply, drive, try to win cars and fix cars up. It's great if you have time to devote, because this is not a "I'll beat it by tomorrow" kind of game. The graphics are phenomenal - movie like in certain parts.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Horrible Game in the fun department
This game is probably one of the most boring, stressful games I have ever played. It is absolutely impossible to handle the cars unless you are extremely farimiar with the series. The only reason I still play it is because I like taking pictures of my car. At the same time, the game was not inappropriate at all in my opinion. All of the Ads make it look like a real world.
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