PGC NEWS

Gran Turismo, the iconic racing simulator, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017 with the release of Gran Turismo Sport on the PlayStation 4. Developed by Polyphony Digital, under the leadership of Kazunori Yamauchi, the series has always prioritized realism and a challenging driving experience, attracting both seasoned racers and newcomers alike. Four years after the successful launch of Gran Turismo 6, expectations were high for Gran Turismo Sport. Would it live up to the legacy of the series, or would it fall short?

A Visual and Auditory Feast

Gran Turismo Sport – Stunning Visuals

Gran Turismo has always been synonymous with stunning visuals, and Gran Turismo Sport continues this tradition. From the cinematic opening sequence to the meticulously detailed cars, the game leverages the power of the PS4 to deliver a visually impressive experience. Every detail, from the steering wheel stitching to the individual bolts, is rendered with remarkable accuracy and realism. The advanced physics engine realistically simulates tire deformation, suspension travel, and even vehicle damage.

Polyphony Digital’s masterful use of lighting, ambient occlusion, and physically-based rendering techniques creates breathtakingly realistic environments. Iconic tracks like Willow Springs, Interlagos, Nürburgring, Brands Hatch, and Suzuka are brought to life with stunning fidelity. Players with HDR-compatible displays will experience an even more vibrant and dynamic presentation.

Gran Turismo Sport – Detailed Car Models

The audio design also marks a significant improvement over previous installments. The game accurately captures the unique sounds of each vehicle, from the engine roar to the screech of tires during cornering, immersing players in the racing experience. The soundtrack, featuring a blend of jazz fusion and funk, complements the on-screen action and adds to the overall excitement.

The Real Driving Simulator

Gran Turismo Sport – Realistic Driving

True to its tagline, “The Real Driving Simulator,” Gran Turismo Sport delivers a demanding yet rewarding driving experience. Forget unrealistic arcade-style racing; this game requires precision, control, and a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics. Players must master every aspect of racing, from throttle control and braking to gear shifting and weight transfer, to succeed on the track.

While the learning curve can be steep, Gran Turismo Sport provides comprehensive tutorials that guide players through the fundamentals of racing. Successfully completing these lessons not only improves driving skills but also unlocks valuable rewards, including new cars. For those seeking a break from the intensity of racing, the “Scape” mode offers a robust photo mode with a wide range of customization options and stunning backdrops from around the world.

Gran Turismo Sport – Scape Mode

Online Competition Takes Center Stage

Gran Turismo Sport – Online Racing

Gran Turismo Sport emphasizes online competition through its partnership with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). Players can participate in two main championships: the “Nations Cup” and the “Manufacturers Cup.” Top performers have the opportunity to compete in real-world finals and be recognized alongside professional racers. This focus on competitive online racing adds a new dimension to the Gran Turismo experience.

In addition to the weekly championships, daily events are available, allowing players to compete against others worldwide in various car classes, ranging from Group N to Group X. The challenge of racing against human opponents is far more engaging than competing against AI, providing endless hours of competitive gameplay.

Always-Online Requirement and Limited Content

Gran Turismo Sport – Limited Single-Player Content

Gran Turismo Sport’s heavy reliance on online connectivity is a significant drawback. Losing internet access severely limits gameplay, restricting players to the offline “Arcade Mode.” Even essential features like saving progress, accessing driving tutorials, using the photo mode, and purchasing new vehicles require an internet connection.

The limited single-player content is also a disappointment. The “Mission Challenge” mode feels underwhelming after the extensive driving tutorials, and the number of available cars (around 160) pales in comparison to the vast selection in Gran Turismo 6. While Polyphony Digital has promised to add more cars through DLC, the current roster feels somewhat lacking.

Gran Turismo Sport – Lack of Weather Effects

The absence of dynamic weather effects further diminishes the realism and challenge. Compared to competitors like DRIVECLUB and Forza Motorsport 7, this is a noticeable omission. The “VR Tour” mode, while showcasing the game’s detailed car interiors and offering 360-degree viewing, falls short of delivering a truly immersive VR racing experience. Limited to single-player races against AI, it feels more like a tech demo than a fully realized game mode.

Conclusion

Gran Turismo Sport delivers a visually stunning and highly realistic driving experience, particularly in its online component. However, its always-online requirement and limited single-player content hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the core driving mechanics are exceptional, the lack of features and content may disappoint some fans of the series.