PGC NEWS

Gran Turismo, a long-standing and arguably Sony’s most “wallet-draining” franchise, has a history of releasing pricey demo versions (labeled “Prologue”) that cost almost as much as full games. Both Gran Turismo 4 and 5 followed this pattern, leaving many wondering about the value proposition. Surprisingly, this simulation racing series has sold over 60 million copies (excluding Gran Turismo 6 and Prologue versions), making it Sony’s best-selling franchise. Globally, its sales are second only to Nintendo’s Mario series. Despite the arrival of the PS4, Gran Turismo 6 remained a PS3 title, fulfilling Sony’s promise to fans of two Gran Turismo versions per PlayStation generation.

Gran Turismo 6 Gameplay

A Collector’s Dream: The Extensive Car List

Boasting over 1,500 cars, Gran Turismo 6 features a massive collection of vehicles from popular manufacturers and renowned tuning houses like AMG, Nismo, and Motosport GHM. This begs the question: why does Gran Turismo outsell visually appealing and accessible games like Forza by such a large margin? The answer lies within its unparalleled car list. This extensive collection caters to car enthusiasts of all ages, allowing them to experience their dream cars, not just visually, but also through realistic driving simulations.

Various Car Models in Gran Turismo 6

Car Customization in Gran Turismo 6

Close-up of a Car in Gran Turismo 6

For many, especially in car-centric cultures like the US and Japan, cars hold a special place, similar to motorcycles in Vietnam. Gran Turismo allows players to fulfill their automotive fantasies, even if virtually. While starting with everyday cars like the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, or Ford Focus, players can eventually progress to owning supercars from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, and Bugatti. Some might be surprised to find older, less flashy models, but these often represent iconic vehicles from different eras, holding significant value for enthusiasts.

Racing Gameplay in Gran Turismo 6

Mastering the Track: License Tests and Progression System

Since the PlayStation 1 era, Gran Turismo has been known for its unique license test mode. Gran Turismo 6 retains this feature, providing players with valuable knowledge about simulation racing and even real-world driving techniques. These tests require essential skills for newcomers to the genre and offer crucial lessons for those used to arcade-style racers like Need for Speed or Burnout.

License Test in Gran Turismo 6

The license tests in Gran Turismo 6 serve as a comprehensive guide to various racing scenarios, proving beneficial for anyone interested in competitive driving. Mastering these challenges can significantly improve a player’s performance in other racing games. Beyond the license tests, Gran Turismo 6 incorporates RPG elements, allowing players to earn stars to unlock new challenges and earn money for car purchases, upgrades, maintenance, and even car washes. The game also features a “photo” mode for capturing and sharing images of personalized cars in stunning locations.

In-game Menu in Gran Turismo 6

Garage View in Gran Turismo 6

Room for Improvement: Graphics and Soundtrack

Despite its strengths, Gran Turismo 6 has its shortcomings. Graphically, the game stagnates compared to its predecessor and even falls short of earlier Forza titles like Forza 4 and Forza Horizon. While the player’s chosen car boasts detailed visuals, AI-controlled vehicles appear in lower detail. The 3D crowds from previous games are replaced with 2D backdrops. Tracks like Grand Valley and Deep Forest exhibit visuals reminiscent of Gran Turismo 3 and 4 on the PS2.

Racing Track in Gran Turismo 6

Another View of a Racing Track in Gran Turismo 6

The soundtrack also disappoints. While never a strong point of the series, Gran Turismo 6’s music feels underwhelming. The repetitive tunes and generic guitar solos evoke a bygone era of gaming.

Car in Motion on Track in Gran Turismo 6

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag for Racing Enthusiasts

Gran Turismo 6 offers an unparalleled car collection and a rewarding progression system, appealing to hardcore car enthusiasts. However, its outdated graphics and lackluster soundtrack detract from the overall experience. While the game delivers on its core simulation elements, it falls short in other areas, leaving room for improvement in future installments.