The original racing simulator has just gotten better!
Unfortunately, because of Playstation 2's limited hardware capabilities, (I never thought I would hear myself say that five years ago!) the game cannot support more than six racers in one race so the game splits up racing events into seperate races so it seems like you are part of a larger amount of racers. Also, your car always starts the race in last place, forcing you to climb to the top every time. This is a bit unrealistic, but time trials would prove to be too much of an annoyance to complete before each race so it makes sense. The game's engine still has the odd bug too. Aside from the fact that most of the fans are card-board cutouts, I did notice that the graphics went fuzzy for a short time every once in a while.
For all the fans of customizing cars out there, beware GT4. There is no exterior customization, and when it comes to engine modifications, it is fairly limited also. I think there should be some thought involved in installing new parts for your car, not just "save up enough and buy everything". I also would like to see different parts offered from different companies, because there was no difference between, say, Nissan's performance company NISMO, and non-make specific HKS. The game focuses on the racing, and obviously wants the player to feel more like a driver than a manager or mechanic.
B-spec adds a refreshing twist to the game but unfortunately encourages players to take the easy way out, and race some high money winning races with an overpowered car, speed up the race and collect the earnings, and discourages them from racing in A-spec, which is considerably more challenging. I plead guilty to the above. The game is also lacking on-line capabilities (I don't mean LAN, I mean real on-line capabilities).
Overall, the game has some hardly noticeable unless your looking poor aspects, but has overwhelmingly great aspects that make the game worth purchase to anyone that is even slightly interested in cars, tuning, racing or anything related. Gameplay: fun and challenging. Graphics: for the most part, amazing. Sound: a good score of music, the ability to turn off the music, what more could one ask for? Value: initially, even just to play it once through, it is worth the purchase especially since it is now a Greatest Hits game. As for replay value: its a racing game! Play it with friends, by yourself, whatever! If your considering buying this game, ponder no more, just do it. You won't regret it!