Dramatic film-like effects are possible when taking photos in Gran Turismo 4, the latest edition of Polyphony Digital's wildly successful video game series

I own the Japanese releases of both GT4 and GT4: Prologue (a sampler released a year earlier in Japan) because I couldn't wait for it to come out in the U.S. I've been playing the GT series since its PlayStation debut in 1997, but waited until I got the Japanese version of GT4 to buy a serious force feedback racing controller

It's a good thing I waited too, because there's never been a better or more realistic wheel available for a gaming console, PC, or even arcade cabinet! Logitech's Driving Force Pro is currently the only controller that turns 2 1/2 times lock-to-lock (like a real car's steering wheel)

Note that I mounted my wheel for stability (the force feedback is really strong) on a fully adjustable synthesizer keyboard stand. The stand can be raised for a more arcade-like experience and/or widened to accomodate TWO wheels. This may not be as sexy as a racing seat mounting frame, but this solution didn't cost me a dime

The first car I decide to "buy" in GT 4's "Gran Turismo Mode" is this used '00 S2000 Type V

I use it to complete the FR and Spider & Roadster events in the Beginner's Hall, some of the Special Condition events, and, of course, as the subject of my first Photo

When I finally can afford an NSX, I buy a used Monza Red Pearl NSX Type S because it looks similar to my real NSX (the Monza red is darker and bluer than my NSX-T's New Formula Red, but GT4 doesn't feature NSX-T's or New Formula Red models with the pop-up headlights)

I immediately take my virtual NSX to Infineon Raceway to find out if my NSXPO 2003 driving school experience translates well into the virtual world

As expected, I'm able to follow the same line I followed through the esses on Infineon's real-world counterpart (looks like I need stronger anti-sway bars)

I even pass by familiar billboard graphics

NSX at Infineon Finish

NSX in Infineon Drama - color

NSX in Infineon Drama - sepia tone

NSX in Infineon Drama - black and white

Just nuts...tweaking aperature, bumping the exposure, reducing shutter speed, shooting black & white...this is just like working with a real-world camera

What is more fun than riding a Ferris Wheel?

Racing an NSX through Paris!

GT 4 also gives me a good look at Honda's HSC concept...

...a potential successor to the NSX

It looks good in Vegas...

...especially from behind

Now, I take a "Photo Drive" around Hong Kong...

...one of my favorite new city circuits in GT 4

The taillights and rear diffuser on the HSC are interesting, but the back is a tad bit blocky for my taste