Oct 2017
If the phrase 'Gran Turismo' gets you revved up like a kid on Christmas morning, buckle up, because we're taking a joyride through "Gran Turismo Sport"-a title that swapped the previous mechanics for a shiny new sports-focused online experience, while leaving behind the day-night cycles and weather systems that had you in a panic, gunning for your best lap time all while praying for dry conditions.
Gran Turismo Sport features two primary modes: 'Sport Mode' and 'Arcade Mode.' The 'Sport Mode' is where the internet goes wild, offering competitive online racing, complete with a ranking system that tracks your Driver and Sportsmanship ratings. Essentially, think of it as being graded on your ability to not turn your car into a bumper car. Players can partake in daily races that reset every week-kind of like your favorite reality show but with more horsepower and fewer dramatic confessions. The game comes standard with 168 cars and 29 tracks, and thanks to post-launch updates, as of July 2021, you're looking at 338 cars and 82 track configurations. However, unlike previous entries, dynamic weather systems went into retirement-just how we like it, dry and uncomfortable, while we focus on our breaks and turns. The game introduces seven car categories ranging from Group B rally cars to real-life road cars, with the all-important Porsche joining the fun thanks to expired licensing rights on EA's end. So yes, your dreams of driving a Porsche in a PlayStation game officially can now become a reality, which is good news for all you wannabe James Bonds out there. Unfortunately, the offline mode puts players in something of a corner since it's limited to single arcade races and no saving options unless you venture online, which is kind of like being put in a race car without an engine-you can't go anywhere unless you connect.
Visually, Gran Turismo Sport is stunning. Imagine shiny cars so detailed that you might just forget that you're still sitting in your living room. The environments are equally impressive, showcasing tracks that look straight out of a postcard from your summer road trip-minus the family arguing over directions. Textures are crisp, and the lighting systems give a realistic touch to the whole racing experience. The game's interface is slick and functions smoothly, with everything you need at your fingertips-like a well-organized glove box minus the expired insurance papers. However, some players did bemoan the lack of diverse content compared to earlier GT games, so if you're feeling nostalgic for those hundreds of cars, you may be left wanting.
Gran Turismo Sport represents an ambitious - if somewhat polarizing - entry into the well-established franchise. While it ventures boldly into the realm of competitive online racing, the sacrifices made in the name of esports may leave a few longtime fans trapped in nostalgia. For those looking for a solid sim racing experience that's friendly enough for beginners but deep enough to engage pros, GT Sport hits the mark-just be prepared to spend more of your time online than in your own garage. All in all, a solid choice for competitive racing enthusiasts, with a score reflecting not only its strong points but also the areas needing some serious work.
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