Gran Turismo for Sony Playstation is an incredibly well rounded racing game. It combines an Arcade style racing game with a more involving Simulation Mode.

The Arcade option gives the player an opportunity to select from a wide variety of cars (you can even change the color). The player decides on the method of drving (standard or drift), whether the transmission is manual or automatic, and then chooses to race on one of 4 different courses.

Simulation mode allows the person to start at the bottom (no license, no car and only 10,000 credits) and work their way up to bigger and more difficult races that offer bigger and better prizes. The challange of simulation mode is passing the various road tests to earn their license (it's harder than you might think) and then earning enough credits by racing to upgrade their cars for faster and better models.

There are 3 different classes of licenses: B Class, A Class and International A Class. You are limited as to which type of race you can enter depending on what type of license you hold. There are several race options to choose from, each with varied types and classes of races. You're given the option of a Test Run which allows you to try the course being offered and run as many laps as you like until you feel comfortable with the terrain. Then you must run a Qualifying Trial which will determine your starting position in the race. You will recieve credits just for being in the race, but the total will be determined by what place you finish at (1st - 6th).

You're given a garage to store your vehicles in. In the beginning chances are you will always trade in your current car to help you pay for a better model, but eventually you will probably have more than one car to switch between races with. You will be able to shop at different dealers, go for Tune Ups, visit the Car Wash, and even fine tune your cars installed parts to your liking.

The control, which is the most important aspect of any racing game, is incredibly good, and almost too real. It takes time to master the steering at such high speeds, and each car handles differently.
The music and sound is good, without being distracting. I personally like the sound track they used for the music.
The graphics of this game are outstanding. The tracks and the cars look incredibly real and when combined with the true-to-life controls make for a great driving experience.

Both the Arcade and Simulation modes create enough of a challenge to give this game long lasting playing potential. The Simulation Mode especially seems designed to create weeks, not hours, of challenging fun.

Trader or Keeper?
This game is definitely a Keeper. This is the kind of game you reach for when you get tired of your newer games and you need something to pass the time with.

Back to

Created using WordPad by ~Marie