The Best PS2 Racing Games: Gran Turismo 4 Or Enthusia Professional Racing?

Gran Turismo 4 is a legendary game, it deserves this reputation as it managed to stand the test of time. Even to this day, Polyphony can't leave this game behind them. However, one of the features that often goes ignored is GT4's own force-feedback steering wheel support. Thanks to emulator plugins, I managed to use my Logitech G29 and play Gran Turismo 4 with a steering wheel and pedals. At the same time, another game was released almost at the same time with GT4. This is Enthusia Professional Racing, while it went under the radar at release; it became a cult classic as years went by, regarded by many as the best racing game in the PS2. It also provides wheel support, so what better way to see which one is the king of the PS2 era than testing them with the best setup possible?
#granturismo #granturismo4 #playstation2 #logitechg29

[@dlts6416]

For anyone using a wheel, use ACTIVE STEERING in wheel settings. Gives the car a proper self aligning torque and some sense of weight in the wheel during braking with slip angle feeling, driving is a lot more satisfying and realistic now you can catch slides. Despite numerous guides and reviews telling you to turn it off, don't! It was definitely on for a reason as it makes the wheel react to oversteer just as it would in real life.

[@ScribbleVEVO]

Fun fact, Enthusia is the only game to fully feature the Chevrolet Astro van.

[@YellowbirdYT]

Well said! Enthusia has some bizarre vehicles.

[@medalgearsalad1419]

@@YellowbirdYT Damn right it did! I'm so happy I got to start my career with a minivan. What other game lets you do that!?

[@maspunchnath7487]

@@medalgearsalad1419 a hybrid minivan too lol

[@SgtSnazzerino]

Thats why I bought it. What game can you race Skylines and Supras in a Honda Odyssey (the Odyssey is actually pretty decent tbh)

[@SgtSnazzerino]

@Alex I forgot about that one too. Isn't it only in Japanese?

[@SteveBrandon]

I love the autumn-themed track in Enthusia. Most of the big racing franchises have at least one autumn track but they're usually sunny while Enthusia made the sky in its autumn track overcast, which adds to the melancholy autumn atmosphere.

[@purwantiallan5089]

Steve Brandon, have you watched clips from Enthusia Professional Racing Unseen? These clips are based from 2005 PS2 Racing game, Enthusia Professional Racing. It is in my KZbin channel. One clip featuring Coco Hayashi singing Like it Love it.

[@wendigockel]

Another quirk of Enthusia is the "Driving Revolution" mode, which is basically Enthusias spin on license tests. You have to drive through gates, that are dotted around a track. Not only do you need to drive through these gates in a smooth line, but also with the exact right amount of speed, or you'll never unlock all cars for arcade mode. I never beat the full lap challenge around Löwenseering!

[@YellowbirdYT]

Yes, that mode is really difficult! Reason why I never played around with it much, but I should have for this video.

[@purwantiallan5089]

Fun fact: 86 percent of the cars from both Enthusia Professional Racing and Gran Turismo 4 ALL NOT APPEARED IN GT SPORT AND 7!

[@drunksupportcharacter]

As enthusia had better physics modeling and equipment than GT, Polyphony picked them up and now that is apart of the GT Team we know now still, You can actually feel this dynamic playing GT5 and 6 and going back and forth, Also the PSP game, as Polyphony was trying out quite a few things then, Whilst i dont know for sure i would not be surprised if the team was put to work on GT PSP because its such a different GT game but it does work for the system.

[@purwantiallan5089]

Enthusia Professional Racing still far more underrated than GT6 and 7.

[@YH045JP]

As someone who played both on release, I have to say that both of them are still great games. Gran Turismo 4 was, at least in my opinion, the best Gran Turismo I have played since Gran Turismo 2. Enthusia was definitely different, but like most games of the mid 2000's, it definitely had something that made it stand out. I still can't really get over the lottery system since sometimes, except for maybe ranking and new courses, getting a vehicle you didn't want or getting no vehicles at all felt kind of like a slap to the face. I still emulate both games every once in a while (still have the discs to the games as well) and they are games that I do genuinely enjoy playing.

[@YellowbirdYT]

Gran Turismo 2 might be a contender for the best GT game if you ask me, of course it was my first experience with the franchise. But one day I will make my point.

[@YH045JP]

@@YellowbirdYT In my opinion, it's a tie between GT2 and GT4. If I had to choose though... it would be close, but I think GT2 is definitely the better of the two, but mostly for nostalgia (GT2 was also the game that introduced me to the franchise). I still remember the upgrade system and how you can convert certain cars into race cars, and how well some of tracks were designed.

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@YH045JP me too. Tie between GRAN TURISMO 1 to 4 imo. Even Coco Hayashi also choose this as a tie between GT1 to 4. All are equally GOATs.

[@MWRotary]

I've played enthusia on both,original hardware (controller) and emulator (wheel). And I can say thats is very impressive the ffb with a wheel they had back then. It was too strong for me so I dicided to turn it down on the Qemu plugin menu and once turned down a bit and set to max in game it behaved pretty damn good. I can drift and all there with the g923. I was very disappointed on gt4 ffb as well,it feels like literal shit tbh compared to enthusia. I hope this video gets more views, I love seeing enthusia content.

[@YellowbirdYT]

Hah! I can relate, the FFB in Enthusia is quite strong, but it is just force. A stiffer wheel isn't a better wheel, despite what some people might say. GT4 is indeed curious, I found it more enjoyable with controller in the long run, even if at high speeds it can be a bit annoying, specially in the Nurburgring. Thanks! That means a lot to me. I'm doing my best with this channel. I'm glad you enjoyed this video.

[@casefc3s]

I was wondering if I'd be able to setup an emulator to work with a DD wheel specifically for this game... will have to give it a shot sometime, ended up doing my return to the game last year on controller and it was still quite fun but found myself wishing I had more precise inputs to fully enjoy the physics.

[@Eggyteevee]

As the little I know, while in GT the carrer is about pratice and remembering the things, in Enthusia is a more about luck, and pratice as well Enthusia is almost an RPG with the "Health Bar" feature, the way how you upgrade your cars and the level thing. Its a very different way to play a racing game since every playthrough will be different from the last and I think its kinda cool

[@karras6239]

There is no simple answer to say "the best" but one promise to be "the real driving simulator" so taking that into account, the winer is enthusia.... try to do a donut on GT4 with a FR car and you will see you cant and then compare both to a more serious sim like Rfactor or assetto corsa and you will notice that the driving is pretty accurate on it compared to GT4. Regarding the career, the GT4 wins by a lot, even more of what you mention about the AI in enthusia smashing you, and in the late stages of the carreer seding you back many races just for a single contact with an AI that shamelesly smashed into you. Tthe same with the car and tracks just by the sheer amount of them, the best example to hear how good the engine sounds are is the mazda 787B, in GT4 is a vacum cleaner and in enthusia sounds like the real deal. So going back to the original question, GT4 is the best to have a sense of progression and enthusia is the best to have a sense of realism.

[@reedykatwar]

KaidoBattle 3, Just my opinion... but Enthusia lives in my heart!

[@YellowbirdYT]

That's among the best for sure! It has its quirks, but it's excellent as well.

[@xninja166x]

It seems like a requirement of racing games from this era to have progressive career modes. I wonder how this game would have fared if it saw a pc release.

[@YellowbirdYT]

Personally, I think progressive career modes are a great idea. Enthusia isn't exactly progressive, it's very random for my taste. It's like they were afraid of being called a "GT clone" for having a normal economy system and 2nd hand cars. Odds are given how sim-racing has grown, a PC release would make it more accessible for most people nowadays.

[@ThePsychoticWombat]

I love gran turismo 4, to me it's one of if not the best racing games ever made, Enthusia has more Volvos and features Saab though, which warms the cold empty void where this swede should have a heart

[@YellowbirdYT]

I do agree we should see more Volvo and Saab in racing games, it's disappointing how these brands are forgotten.

[@ThePsychoticWombat]

@@YellowbirdYT Enthusia is also the only game I know of to feature a 9-5, and I go to forza for my 9-3 fix

[@astreakaito5625]

I've been playing Enthusia finally. I like it a lot more than any other GT games I've played. Also, you're wrong about the Enthusia campaign, I'm playing with a controller with all assists disabled and it's still if anything too easy, you can get to the last race extremely quickly by sticking with a tuned C rank car through most of the game, the AI is really slow in corners so if you're good at all there's no struggle in this game, use a worse can and compete in hardest event, you get a tons of points this way. I really like the no bloat campaign, sometimes playing GT it feels like I spend more time on the GT menu trying to find the correct cars and races.

[@the_rustydoornob1164]

Well ofc ur wheel feels weird, I’ve played a lot of gt4 on an old driving force pro a wheel literally built for this games release and I have to say the force feedback is ridiculously heavy, it’s the only time I’ll ever recommend the “power steering assist” option which in many other games including gt games just makes the ffb rlly weird and inconsistent but with this game you NEED it, but it legit feels cool still, I recommend it if u have all the equipment and og hardware, u can find the wheel and pedal set for under 100 usd, and many times it’ll come with a wheel stand too which I heavily recommend as unless u clamp it to a heavy ass desk your gonna flip ur table lol, anyway game with wheel very good but it has to be done the way it was meant to be, oh and also as far as ik the driving force gt won’t work for gt4

[@fernfernacelli]

Great video. I feel like I may have commented at some point in the past on this, but can't recall. Nonetheless... for anyone attempting Enthusia with a steering wheel, you're in for a TREAT. I'm a "Day 1" Gran Turismo fan, but love many racing games, and Enthusia is right near the top of my list for drivers in this era of driving/racing games. My humble opinion: it still holds up to this day. Cheers, all! \m/, (*o*) ,\m/

[@YellowbirdYT]

To be honest, I should remake this video!

[@fernfernacelli]

@@YellowbirdYT That’d be awesome!

[@radiomatrix]

Enthusia Best game ever..great physic

[@Domi39]

I've driven most of the endurance races in GT4 with my wheel in my 200 a-spec run using the old wheel plugin for PCSX2 when it still used plugins. It absolutely gives lots of information and let's you drive closer to the limit. You may not have set something up properly. I have a video of one on my channel. Driving at the limit you will be countersteering plenty, and the wheel does a good job of communicating when the rear is stepping out.

[@adamlach6572]

Love them both (and i prefer GT3 over GT4), but my vote has to go to Enthusia. For 6th gen it goes like this - the best Enthusia, then GT3, then Forza Motorsport, then GT 4. That being said all these are 10/10 games for me. My gripe with GT4 is horrible chase cam (which can be fixed on pc), and also mediocre (in this comparison, not overall) feeling of suspension. But as i said these games are 10/10 games for me still without a doubt, and i play them all on daily basis. My favourite game is Gran Turismo 2, and within the series i also prefer GT3 and GT5 and GT1 is overall really close for me to GT4 for different reasons. And i have a feeling GT4 was made for logitech wheel, it's not perfect but it elevates the gameplay. But i tend to prefer playing on gamepad when it comes to simcades games, and i like to use wheel in games like Project Cars 2 and above (in terms of level of simulation).

[@williamlee2251]

You deserve more subs mate Epic video and keep it up!!❤

[@YellowbirdYT]

Well thank you! There's always something on the works here, either with games or cars as a whole.

[@n1ch0l4st8]

First of all, Enthusia has better car sounds

[@YellowbirdYT]

Enthusia sounds are really good, indeed.

[@Eggyteevee]

honestly you're very underrated, at least for now

[@YellowbirdYT]

We'll see what the future holds, I do aim to improve as time goes. I appreciate it!

[@Eggyteevee]

@@YellowbirdYT you're growing fast pal, very soon you'll have 1000 subs

[@unlimitedquickworks7387]

You telling me there was a REAL DRIVING SIMULATOR for PS2 I've never heard of? Seriously, after playing GTPSP which runs a toned down gt5 engine i decided to try gt4 and it's easy to notice how this game just wasn't an accurate simulator at all. Enthusia seems to have what it takes to be the real simulator and with the benefits of a Dualshock it seems like a cool experience.

[@YellowbirdYT]

Despite some of its bizarre design choices (career mode, and the tracks aren't as fun) Enthusia is brilliant. Physics still hold to this day! With a controller is a bit tricky, I have to say. Mostly because a lot of throttle modulation is required to drive anything RWD/Mid-Engine. And the fact the buttons aren't pressure sensitive as GT4, at least from my experience. With a wheel + pedals, however it is a lot more manageable, although there will be moments where you won't be able to recover the car. In any case, I'm glad I helped you discover something new!

[@ZX3000GT1]

@@YellowbirdYT I'll argue that some tracks on Enthusia are much more fun than GT4. Lowenseering in particular. It's a fast, flowing track. Absolutely awesome to drive with high-downforce cars. Some parts of Marco Strada reminds me of the often forgotten GT's SSR1, especially 2 90° turns towards the end reminding me of SSR11's death chicane. Mirage Crossing is an interesting semi-randomized dakar styled track that's rarely in most sims.

[@budaroddy]

Awesome review!

[@the_rustydoornob1164]

Yea dude u GOT to use the power assist, it REALLLLY helps with the awful bumps, if u want a comparison go down mulsane with and without it in a prototype, it’ll be night and day

[@purwantiallan5089]

Nana Daiba also ever played Enthusia Professional Racing. Her favourite car is Opel Astra DTM V8 24hr.

[@Rockport1911]

I play both games with some mods and texture upgrades on PCSX2. GT4 is the Goat but Enthusia is its own challenging game. I wish it had more real courses tho...

[@YellowbirdYT]

Same, as nice as they are, I can't get along with Enthusia's tracks most of the time.

[@not_kjb]

0:33 omg... It's that car from asphalt 2

[@CLOYO]

Since GT4 came out earlier, it's from GT4 yes.

[@not_kjb]

I thought asphalt came out in 2005... Oh wait, that's the Nokia version, nevermind.

[@lawrenceinsley4114]

You can't feel weight transfer in the wheel...I guess not when you're trying to take a corner at over 100mph. Weight is felt in the grip of the tires , when that is absent what's to feel? I'm able to recognize/feel it in a wheel and controller, so, maybe it's your settings or the wheel itself.

[@DynamiteNunchucks]

GT4 had a straight bangin soundtrack🔥 🎶

[@YellowbirdYT]

Good old nostalgia.

[@gustavofreitas5163]

Anyone knows the name of the song playing after 06:10?

[@YellowbirdYT]

Sure! Enthusia Professional Racing OST - Standard Elimination

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

Max Verstappen The Flying Dutchman!!!!!

[@xr.spedtech]

Your Emulator sucks... It's showing the headlight glare not being occluded by the cars in front of it ... I have not played GT4 in depth as didn't like it... It was easier than GT3 ...

[@shakerx4117]

I like your accent

[@YellowbirdYT]

Well thank you, I always worry it's rather unbearable.

[@LeeJPryer]

Enthusia is better then gta4 in my opinion, for example you can feel the weight of the cars, ai is better

[@not_kjb]

You said enthusua twice in the title

[@YellowbirdYT]

Oh god I am blind. Fixed. Thanks!

[@not_kjb]

No, thank YOU for the video :)

[@tobiasrenner3498]

This guy: Enthusia is impossible to complete so play it witg a 100% save file. Me who played the game on ps2 reaching 100% completion with a controller and no helps: BRUH Shortcut is not the solution my boy, patience and practice is the key, and if you can't endure the game challenging physics and progression than you shouldn't tell people to shortcut and cheat their way into a game, i don't wanna brag about myself, but shortcut isn't the solution, practice and patience is always the answer

[@YellowbirdYT]

> "I don't want to brag" > Starts their comment by bragging. Case Closed.

[@tobiasrenner3498]

@@YellowbirdYT says the one who doesn't have the patience with a game and cheats he's way to complete it lol

[@ZX3000GT1]

When you say 100%, do you mean Driving Revolution or Enthusia Life? Driving Revolution isn't too hard. Enthusia Life on the other hand...my god. I crown you king of patience if you managed to 100% Enthusia Life. The car roulette bit sucks.

[@tobiasrenner3498]

@@ZX3000GT1 i completed both, it took me too much time but after so much practice with a controller and learning how to tune properly a car i managed to get used to it and complete enthusia life and get rank level 1 and level up almost all 211 cars to level 10

[@ZX3000GT1]

@@tobiasrenner3498 The biggest issue is not the races themselves, but getting all the cars from the stupid raffle. I’ll check my save file later, but right now I don’t think I have more than 100 cars. The rest is 100% though, Free Race and Driving Revolution. Enthusia Life's car raffle is just too tiring to play with, especially repeating the same races over and over again to get all the cars.

[@homurayurisquad1423]

tokyo xtreme racer drift 2>enthusia/gt4.

[@YellowbirdYT]

TXRD2 is one of the best racing games for the PS2, I agree. Maybe one day I try to make my G29 work with it, we will see!

[@homurayurisquad1423]

@@YellowbirdYT pblem with g29 is that it only has buttons on the wheel which makes it hard to ebrake. i still run a g25 which i thankfully have a spare shifter for. since my shifter just went down. btw i should figure out how to use pcsx2, since i feel like playing again after watching vids. no experience there. g25 and 27 seem way over priced now and i dont know if shifters would be compatible with newer wheels. grp also made a fun circuit racer called racing battle c1gp, which is unfortunately jp only, and felt like a step back compared to txrd2 physics and ffb. it had c1 loop, nikko circuit, as well as regulars from other games like tsukaba, and txr rivals.

[@ZX3000GT1]

If you're more of a fan of grip/high downforce cars the opposite is true.

[@homurayurisquad1423]

@@ZX3000GT1 you can make cars handle like f1 cars in txrd2 if you wanted to go full downforce, lvl5 race or sport tires for gravel, etc. and you pbly dont drift much on ai, or time attacks enthusia on the other hand forces you to drive cars that oversteer easier than rl on turns, but you cant torque/break oversteer at all on straights. its kind of a weird thing. all 3 games had really bad ai, and no online mode, so weren't really that good for racing humans.

[@ZX3000GT1]

@@homurayurisquad1423 I don’t remember the tracks being all that fun if you use grip/high downforce cars though. Certainly nothing like Lowenseering or Tokyo R246/Midfield, great med-fast flowing track.

[@moes95]

Tokyo xtreme racer (drift) begs to differ as best ps2 racing game

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

only 33 subs wtf

[@YellowbirdYT]

Haha, just starting off. Just a few videos in. There should be a new one in the next few days!

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

@@YellowbirdYT awesome bruv luv tha channel (:

[@unkn0wn735]

@@YellowbirdYT The Birth of a Legend

[@YellowbirdYT]

@@unkn0wn735 I mean. I do have ideas! Will they take me to a real CTR Yellowbird? Only time will tell. I do, however, appreciate your words!

[@nik-zu3cv]

👍👍👍

[@dspencer8827]

I loved gt 4

[@kooshana9741]

Joli

[@nattila7713]

due to poor emulation and stretched aspect ratio, your video is plain unwatchable.

[@Eatinbritches]

I've always heard Enthusia plays well with a wheel. Unfortunately, the controls are *horrendous* with the dual shock. While the tire modelling is better, you'll never know if you don't have a wheel. The next problem is track selection: GT4 has a much better selection of far nicer track designs. Enthusia's tracks are kind of... dull. Derivative, even. Finally: the game progression is *really* gimmicky, instead of being able to upgrade your car realistically, it's all sort of arcadey and weird. I've tried a few times to get into it, but no access to a wheel means GT4 for me by far and away gets the nod. Enthusia feels like a "coulda, shoulda, woulda" game. If only.

[@Eatinbritches]

@duncanmacleod7287 It's unfortunate because if the controls were as tight as GT4, it would be fun enough to look past some of the other oddities. Lots of potential here.