Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo: The Real Driving Simulator

Gran Turismo, released in 1997 for the PlayStation, is the first game in the highly successful racing simulation series. It set a new standard for racing games at the time with its realistic handling and massive number of licensed cars.

Gameplay and Modes

The game offers two main modes:

• Arcade Mode: This is the more straightforward, pick-up-and-play mode. You can choose from a variety of cars and tracks to race against five computer-controlled opponents. The races are short, consisting of two laps. Winning races earns you money that can be used to unlock new cars and tracks for this mode.
• Simulation Mode: This is the core of the game and a much deeper experience. You start with a small amount of money and must buy a used car. To progress, you’ll need to earn different driver’s licenses by passing a series of challenging tests. This mode features a professional racing career, where you compete in a series of different events and tournaments to earn money and unlock better cars and upgrades.

Cars and Tracks

Even as the first game in the series, Gran Turismo had a huge amount of content. It featured over 140 cars from real-world manufacturers and 11 tracks, some of which were based on real-life courses. This focus on realism and a large selection of cars became a hallmark of the series. The game has a deep tuning system that lets you customize your car’s performance, from the engine to the suspension.

The game also has a two-player split-screen mode for local multiplayer.