Gran Turismo: The Real Driving Simulator
Sony Playstation £44.99
Every once in a while a game comes along and the marketing people think it merits extra promotion to let all players know just how good it really is and that if we had any sense at all we would buy it immediately. Gran Turismo is one such game. To gain publicity Virgin even had a midnight launch for the game. But it is a rare occasion when these games live up to their exalted expectations. However there is always the exception to prove the rule and Gran Turismo is that exception. If anything it exceeds its promises and delivers a game worth every penny spent on it.
If you haven't guessed already Gran Turismo is the car-racing game that everybody has been trying to get their hands on for a long time.
But there are a lot of car-racing games in all formats including the Playstation, so what makes Gran Turismo such a big deal?
Perhaps it's because you can choose from hundreds of licensed cars from some of the world's top manufacturers (Aston Martin, Nissan, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mazda and Chrysler). What really sets Gran Turismo apart is its realism. The aim of the game is to start with a low-powered banger and through winning races and collecting money you can either buy new parts or get a spanking new model. You can, of course, look for a bargain in the used car sales which is where you begin. And although there is an arcade mode where you can try the more powerful cars, if you are going to get serious you first have to get a licence.
That's right. Before you can even compete there are certain tests to pass. And while some may find this needless it is aimed at making you better equipped for races. Certain races require certain licences so only by passing all tests will you be able to race in the big league where the rewards are a lot more generous. Such is the attention to detail that you can even have your car washed between races to make it look spic and span.
Needless to say the graphics (particularly in replay mode) are excellent and all the cars handle realistically. If you have the slightest interest in car racing this is the game to have. If not, then this just might change your mind.
Graphics: 96% Sound 90% Gameplay 95%