Summary
Race through eleven tracks on a grand touring racing adventure to win the championship.
Description
Type: Racing
Platform: Playstation 1
Players: 1 - 2 players
Age: 3 plus
Game Time: About 48hrs
Developer or Designer: Polyphony Digital
Publisher: Sony
Pros
Huge range of customisation
Modes for hardcore and casual gamers
Detailed information about the vehicles
Cons
Finding the best driver settings can take a while
Review
Sixteen years have passed since I last played
Gran Turismo on the Playstation 1. The racing simulator came out in December 1997, and the following summer I was at a holiday play scheme racing it out against other kids. I lost every time. Yep sixteen years have passed, and I am as rubbish at it now, as I was back then.
In general, I much prefer 'crazy' racing, with cartoon characters, probably because in those games it is the norm to go slipping and sliding over the track. With
Gran Turismo, it is just bad driving.
Despite my inadequacy, I can clearly see the brilliance of this game. Anyone who is a fan of motor sports is going to love it. They say the proof is in the pudding, but it is also in the sequels. There have been over ten, which are available right through the Playstation, so which ever console you own, you can get your hands one a version.
To date
Gran Turismo (the original) is the best-selling Playstation game of all time. What makes it stand out from other racing games is the sheer depth, complexity, and detail that goes into it.
Sure, if you are a casual gamer who just wants a quick race, that option is available, but if you are really into cars, then you've got a prime cut of beef to sink your teeth into here.
Gran Turismo features a hundred and forty real life licensed models, from Honda, Nissan, Chevrolet, Toyota, and many more. When it comes to customisation, it isn't just a question of choosing the colour; you get to fiddle with the suspension, change the tyres, and read all the details about how it will alter the performance of the vehicle.
To start off with, you have ten thousand credits to spend on a second hand car. By winning tournaments and completing tasks, you will earn more credits, to buy better cars and equipment. Before entering a tournament, however, you need to earn your license. This will cover things such as breaking, reversing, and more complex manoeuvres.
Of course, when it comes to racing, it is always more fun when playing against a friend. In vs mode, you and another player can race against one another.
If you are only a novice at racing games, then
Gran Turismo may be a bit intimidating at first, but the quick play mode allows newcomers to get started without feeling overwhelmed.
In quick play, you can have a normal race or a time trial, where you try to beat your record lap. There is a ghost car that copies your previous score, so you have an 'opponent' to play against. After the race, you can then save your replays, and watch your glorious moments. Or like me, erase them from history, never to be seen again.
Categories
#Racing
#Playstation
#Playstation 1
#PS1
#2 players
#1 player
#Simulation
#Sony
#Gran Turismo