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Title: Gran Turismo
Genre: Racing Number of players: 1 or 2 Memory space: 5-15 blocks
Release date: 5/12/98 Publisher: Sony Developer: Polyphony digital
Compatible peripherals: Analog, Vibration, Standard, Steering wheel

GRAPHICS: A+ (10)

I’m convinced that Gran Turismo has the best graphics that will ever be seen on the PlayStation.  The only thing that sets this game’s graphics apart from watching TV is a few jagged edges, which you will forget all about once you play the game.  There are about 180 cars in the game, each which is modeled after a real car, and to top it off, each looks exactly like its real life counter part.  The developers have put every detail into the look of the cars, from the brand name to logos to mirrors, everything.  I have sat and stared at the cars while watching someone else play to try to find some kind of inconsistency, but there are none.  The cars are perfect. 

There are a few imperfections within the game’s graphics engine.  First off, some parts of the cars, tracks, and backgrounds look slightly pixilated, but it is not bad at all.  Second, I have noticed one or two instances of pop up within the seemingly endless hours that I’ve played Gran Turismo.

Despite these few irrelevant graphical weaknesses, the graphics are perfect.  Replays further illustrate how perfectly the cars were modeled; they look realistic from every different camera angle.  Gran Turismo is as close to graphical perfection as the PlayStation will ever come.

Despite these few irrelevant graphical weaknesses, the graphics are perfect.

SOUND:  B- (8.1)

Sound is nothing revolutionary, but is good.  Music is the real disappointment.  Bands do the music, and it is of first-rate quality, however, the amount of different music tracks is a let down.  Just as the graphics are, when you listen to the music you would think that you were listening to your car radio, but the groups did not put much effort into their songs, which is the only part of this game that is less than perfect.

Sounds are nicely done.  Cars roar by you, each with a different engine sound.  Skids sounds are just as perfect as graphics are, as are breaking noises.  Every sound that a car makes has been put into Gran Turismo. 

GAMEPLAY:  A+ (10)

Again, Gran Turismo provides a perfect experience.  This is the most realistic gameplay in any racer ever.  Each car behaves differently, and with approximately 180 cars to choose from, you will find seemingly endless depth.  You begin the game with $10,000 dollars to buy a car, but buying a car right off the bat is not what you should do.  There are tests you must take to earn licenses, which allow you to go into different racing circuits.  There are three different license tests, each one allowing you more options.  The only problem with the gameplay is that it can be difficult at the beginning, but the day that I wake up and hear people criticizing games for being too good is the day that Clinton starts telling the truth!

Gran Turismo is incredibly challenging.

CHALLENGE: A+ (10)

Gran Turismo is incredibly challenging.  It does have the one vital flaw that all challenging games have, a learning curve, but the license tests do almost do away with the problem entirely.  They literally teach you how to go around a curve at top speed, when to use your brakes versus when to accelerate, and everything else you will need to know to be successful.  Each race you go into becomes progressively more difficult, satisfying even the most avid challenge seeker. 

FUN AND REPLAY VALUE: A+ (10)

Both fun and replay value are endless.  Even if Gran Turismo only sported its arcade mode, it would be an excellent game, but its true greatness lies in the simulation mode.  Even watching the replays after a race is fun!  It has a great 2 player mode, in which you can try out all the different cars the game has to offer, to see which one best suits your needs.  Gran Turismo is the most fun racing game that I have ever played.  Replay value may be Gran Turismo’s best feature.  With eleven different tracks and 180 different cars, you will be playing forever.

WORTH BUYING: YES

If you have ever even considered getting a racing game, this is the one to get.  There is no reason, except lack of money, which should prevent you from getting this game today.

OVERALL:  9.7

Gran Turismo defines the racing genre.  It has everything a racer should have and more.  If it weren’t for the lacking music, this game would be perfect.  However, this is one of the best games available for the PlayStation, or any system for that matter.  Whether you own an N64, a PlayStation, a Saturn, or a PC, I can’t recommend any racer more than this one.

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