The 20 most important games of the decade – text edition

First released in: 2001
Developed by: Polyphony Digital
Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment

It’s notable for: Being not just one of the most popular racing games of all time, but one of the most popular games of all time. Gran Turismo 3 was huge and deep, but remained accessible, and ushered in the PS2 with the kind of graphical prowess that everyone was hoping for.

It inspired: Utter awe. GT3 made us more excited than ever for the future of game visuals. Here’s an unmodified screen-grab fromIGN’s review, written only nine years ago, to illustrate:

Blah blah blah: “I can’t drive, I don’t know what makes cars work, I don’t know a Corsa from a Chevrolet, but I still love this game.” -George Walter, Editor-in-Chief (UK)

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