Mar 2022
Welcome to the high-octane world of Gran Turismo 7 where petrolheads around the globe converge virtually to ask, "Was that a 2017 Ford GT?" Truly, it’s an immersive driving experience unlike any other—although it does require you to remember to keep your real-world credit card handy.
Gran Turismo 7 serves up a solid helping of driving goodness drizzled in nostalgia. Returning to the roots with GT Simulation Mode, players can taste the simplicity of the long-lost single-player campaign. The gluttonous grind of unlocking cars has thankfully diminished, but don't get too excited; it’s still harder than finding a good meme in a group chat. Menu Books guide you through the game like an overzealous driving instructor, and there’s a plethora of challenges, from thrilling races to cheeky tuning shops where you can upgrade your vehicle faster than you can say 'let's take this ride to the track!' Did I mention weather and time effects? Yep, it can rain in a race—meaning grip levels can fluctuate right alongside your hopes of winning. An always-online requirement might feel like the game is being ever-so-possessive, but it's needed for saving progress (because who wants to restart after a solid hour of racing?). It's kind of like when you and your buddies decide to do a round of Monopoly—someone had to be the banker and make sure no one 'borrowed' any cash! Just remember, if you dive into Arcade mode, you can avoid the internet's dramas and go full throttle offline!
Every pixel in Gran Turismo 7 shines brighter than your ex's new fling. The graphics take full advantage of the PS5's capabilities with real-time ray tracing, making your car look so good you might just forget to race and instead take selfies as you drive past your virtual pals. The lighting effects are stunning, and the cars look like they've been lovingly polished by a team of passionate and slightly obsessive car enthusiasts. And let’s not forget the sound design—Polyphony Digital mic'd up over 50 cars, ensuring you hear that glorious engine roar like it’s your favorite band blasting in your earbuds before a big test. Even the crunchy tire noise coming from your highly-tuned sports monster brings a tear to your eye (it’s a good tear, promise!).
Gran Turismo 7 is a rollercoaster ride of speed, nostalgia, and occasional disappointment (thanks to grinding and microtransactions). Critics have praised its stunning visuals and thrilling gameplay, but the looming presence of microtransactions raises concern that you might pay a hefty price to unlock your favorite rides. Still, if you are in the mood to rev your engine and hurtle into the virtual world of racing while pretending you’re a pro driver (gloves optional), GT7 is the ideal pit stop. Just keep your wallet close—it's going to be a wild ride!
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