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Gran Turismo (series)

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Gran Turismo
File:Gran Turismo.png
Developer(s)Polyphony Digital
Publisher(s)Sony Computer Entertainment
Platform(s)PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3
ReleaseGT (1998)
GT2 (1999)
GT3 (2001)
GT4 (2005)
GT4 Mobile (TBA)
Gran Turismo HD (2007)
Gran Turismo 5 (TBA)
Genre(s)Racing

Gran Turismo (GT) is a series of racing video games produced for the Sony PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable and Playstation 3 gaming systems. All of the games, for their time, exhibited superior detail in simulating the appearance and performance of a large selection of vehicles, nearly all of which are licensed reproductions of real-world automobiles. The original Gran Turismo was the best selling game for the original PlayStation, and successive versions have also been very successful.[citation needed]

Overview

The Gran Turismo series was developed by Polyphony Digital. The producer for all eight games is Kazunori Yamauchi. Gran Turismo is partially responsible for the US introduction of cars once available only in the UK, Japan and other right hand drive markets, such as the Subaru Impreza WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series, and the Nissan Skyline, under Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti as the G35.[citation needed] The game has also increased US awareness of such companies as Aston Martin, Ruf, Venturi, and Alfa Romeo. [citation needed]

The appeal of the Gran Turismo series is due significantly to the graphics, the number of licensed vehicles, the extent and detail of simulation, and the ability to tune performance. Handling is modeled on real-life driving impressions, tuning based on principles of physics, and sound on recordings of real-life vehicles.[citation needed] The game has been a flagship for the PlayStation consoles' graphics capabilities, often used to demonstrate the systems' potential.[citation needed]

Although Gran Turismo has an arcade mode, the majority of gameplay derives from its simulation mode. Players start with a certain number of credits (usually 10,000), which are used to purchase used or new vehicles from a number of manufacturer-specific shops (e.g., one sells only Toyotas, one sells only Mitsubishis, and so on), or from used car dealers, and then can tune their car at the appropriate parts store for best performance on the circuit. Certain events are open only to particular types of vehicles . Also, in order to enter and progress through more difficult races, there is a license-testing system, which guides players through skill development. Players may apply prize money won in events to upgrade their existing car or buy a new one, collecting a garage of carefully tuned cars.

Games

As of August 2006, there have been four full Gran Turismo games released, two on the PlayStation and two on the PlayStation 2. Four comparatively partial versions were released in limited regions between Gran Turismo 3 and 4: three different Concept games, and Gran Turismo 4 Prologue. A number of demo discs relating to specific real-life models have also been released. Three Gran Turismo games are currently in development, two for PlayStation 3 and one for PlayStation Portable. The Playstation3 titles consist of Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo HD. Gran Turismo HD is free to download with all Playstation3 consoles.

Gran Turismo

Main article: Gran Turismo (video game)
File:Gran Turismo PAL.jpg
PlayStation PAL cover

As the best selling PlayStation game ever, and the best-selling car simulator game ever, Gran Turismo is truly a legend throughout both the masses of Car simulation games, and Playstation 1 fans. Naturally, GT is the least sophisticated of the primary game versions. It has 11 courses and 178 cars, and includes arcade and simulation modes.

Gran Turismo 2

Main article: Gran Turismo 2
File:PSX Gran Turismo 2.png
Gran Turismo 2 on the PlayStation (screenshot)

Released in 1999/2000 for the PlayStation, Gran Turismo 2 has 28 courses and some 650 cars, making it one of the biggest games at the time; it was released as a double disc due to its sheer size. It also has dirt tracks, tallies the player's game completion percentage, and has the series' first real life track, Laguna Seca. The first North American release had a severe bug which erased the cars in the garage. This bug was fixed in the second release of the game.

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec

Main article: Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec

The first installament of the Gran Turismo series on the PlayStation 2, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (GT3) featured vastly improved graphics and new gameplay features.

Gran Turismo Concept versions

Gran Turismo Concept: 2001 Tokyo Collection

Released only in Japan in the year 2001 for 3,200 yen. It first appeared in 2001's Tokyo Motor Show

Gran Turismo Concept: 2002 Tokyo-Seoul

Released only in Korea on April 9, 2002, this game featured Korean cars from Hyundai for the very first time. This game was based largely on the Gran Turismo Concept: 2001 Tokyo Collection and served as a launch pad for Sony Computer Entertainment Korea's Playstation 2 launch in Korea.

Gran Turismo Concept: 2002 Tokyo-Geneva

Released in Europe and Asia (Asian version DVD-9 was not released in Japan) in July 2002, this the most complete "Concept" version, giving all cars from others two previous versions adding a total of 65 new cars. The Asian version has a Tokyo Motor Show documentary.

Gran Turismo 4 Prologue

Gran Turismo 4 Prologue was released December 2003, originally intended as a teaser for GT4. GT4P has a driving model improved from GT3, and included the new GT4 HUD, however, continued development meant that GT4P ended up less than representative of the driving experience in GT4. Additionally, GT4P had only a few cars and a small number of tracks, and instead of the familiar simulation mode or multiplayer features, it had a series of events similar to licence tests, few of which include other cars. Despite this lack, GT4P was sold on store shelves in Japan and other parts of Asia. It includes a DVD with behind-the-scenes footage and driving advice, and was eventually released in other countries after GT4's production cycle was lengthened. GT4P also had a special event requiring completing a track in a Toyota Prius under a certain time and level of fuel consumption, modelling the functionality of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, foreshadowing the Toyota Prius demo disc (below).

Demo discs

Toyota Prius demo disc

In the summer of 2004, Toyota sent a demo disc of GT4 along with a marketing brochure for its 2004 Prius hybrid car by way of customer request from their web site. The demo was also given out at a presentation of the Toyota MTRC at the New York International Auto Show. The demo disc featured only two cars, namely the Prius and the Toyota MTRC concept car. Two tracks were included, Fuji Speedway 90's and Grand Canyon, but each was limited to two minutes of play time. Toyota stopped offering the demo discs when the requests for the marketing brochure became disproportional to the real interest in their cars. The disc became a collectible item for Prius owners and is still sometimes available via auction at eBay.

This Toyota edition was also available in European (PAL) territory and it is named Gran Turismo Special Edition 2004 Geneva Version (SCED-52455). It comes in a regular card sleeve with an illustration of the CD.

BMW 1-series demo disc

Features four models of the 1-series (118i, 120i, 118d, and 120d), and three Gran Turismo 4 tracks – including the Nürburgring (driving around this circuit was limited to three minutes). BMW customers in the United Kingdom who ordered a 1-series before its official release date were invited to a private event at the Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northamptonshire. On departure from the event, all guests were given a pack containing the demo disc.

Nissan Micra demo disc

With the release of Nissan Micra Roma, Nissan distributed a press kit for each concessionaire in several countries in Europe to promote the car. This press kit included several photographs, a press information booklet and three discs. One of the discs included in this kit is an official Gran Turismo demo named Nissan Micra Edition.

Nissan 350Z demo disc

Similar to the Nissan Micra Edition, this CD also comes in one of the many press kits available for the Nissan 350Z in the United States. There is no confirmation that an European version exists. The press kit containing the game demo comes with two other discs inside a silver folder. An additional booklet with information and pictures of the Nissan 350Z is also included.

Gran Turismo 4

Main article: Gran Turismo 4
File:TruenoDrift.JPG
Toyota AE86 drifting in Photo Mode

Gran Turismo 4 (GT4) was released in 2004/2005 with 720 cars and 50+ racetracks (including the Nürburgring Nordschleife), and the notable additions of installable spoilers (different from "racing modification" in earlier versions), nitrous oxide, a photo mode, an auto-drive feature dubbed "B-spec", and HD capability. An online component, originally intended, was not included.

Gran Turismo 4 Mobile

Main article: Gran Turismo 4 Mobile

Gran Turismo 4 Mobile is the same basic Gran Turismo 4 game, except modified for PlayStation Portable.

SONY has stated that GT4 Mobile is not in development and that it will not be developed, at least until after Gran Turismo 5 is released. GT4 Mobile may never be released.[citation needed]

Gran Turismo HD Concept

Main article: Gran Turismo HD

Gran Turismo HD Concept Demo was released on December 24, 2006 in Japan and December 23, 2006 in North America for free download on the Playstation Store for PS3. It was originally set for a retail release but Polyphony decided to scrap the retail release and instead work on Gran Turismo 5. The free demo includes 10 cars, including a 2006 Ferrari model and one track which is unlocked in reverse once all time trials have been completed. The demo offers time trial and drift trial (once unlocked) for each car on the tracks with online leaderboards and 1080p 60fps graphics. Polyphony have said they will release additional free downloadable content for the demo including a photo mode. Gran Turismo HD Concept Version 1.1 is now available for download, which refines the gameplay experience in Time Trial mode and the accuracy of lap times within the online rankings. Online ranking results recorded by version 1.1 players will be given priority. Version 1.1 is compatible with existing game save data, allowing you to race your previously unlocked cars.

Gran Turismo for Boys

A kids-oriented version of Gran Turismo, scheduled for PlayStation 2 release [1]

Gran Turismo 5

Gran Turismo 5 is currently under development for the Playstation 3. The name has recently been released, and it is being developed under the name "Gran Turismo HD" It will be outputting at 1080p and 60fps. The game will include online races for the first time ever in a Gran Turismo game, and realistic damage modelling,[citation needed] which has been missing from all previous GT games. The game will also feature Ferrari cars[citation needed] for the first time in a Gran Turismo game. Release date is unknown but estimated at a 2008 release.

Response

The Gran Turismo video game series has been one of the most popular over its lifetime, appealing to an audience ranging from casual gamers to fans of comparatively super-realistic PC racing sims. Also, the game helped to influence car sales and a mass influx of grey market imports, especially with Japanese cars to Europe and the United Kingdom, aided by the newly introduced SVA regulation, which the majority of people who brought one in during the late nineties mentioned in reference to the car they brought.[citation needed] As a result, car manufacturers stepped in to offer free licensing, in return for advertising their cars within the game, which also explained why Polyphony did not feel the need to pay for licenses for other manufacturers.[citation needed] Also, during the production of GT4, Yamauchi was given a VW Golf R32 as a gift from the company. [citation needed]

Criticisms

Although Gran Turismo is widely considered the best driving simulation available for the PlayStation or PlayStation 2, it is not without its drawbacks. For example, the game contains no damage-modeling due to licensing agreements prohibiting car damage (although it may appear in Gran Turismo 5). In addition to reducing the consequences of mistakes, this allows players to gain time or position advantages through deliberate unrealistic driving. For instance, they can corner faster by sliding their cars along barriers, or even collide violently with other cars, and bounce off unscathed and without penalty.

Additional problems include a maximum of five opponent cars, and the apparent lack of demonstrable "intelligence" in the driving abilities of the AI cars. The sparse number of cars limits the variety and excitement in races. Since racing reflects specific vehicle performance, and the restrictions on engine power is very lenient or non-existent in most races, a player can simply drive a superior car off into the distance after the first corner. On the infrequent occasions that the player does contest the AI for position, he often finds that the AI seems not to be cognizant that the player's car is even there, usually driving into the player from the side or from behind in an apparent effort to keep on a predetermined racing line.

Also, there are certain notable marque omissions that leave many enthusiasts upset. There are no Lamborghinis (except for a privateer JGTC Diablo in the Japanese edition of GT3), or Porsches (although RUF, which is available, builds its cars on Porsche chassis). However, a Porsche 911 was found on Gran Turismo 3: A-spec. The omission of Porsche is due to Electronic Arts, a competing game publisher, secured exclusive right from Porsche to be the only game maker able to feature Porsches lineup officially. Perhaps the most surprising absence of the game is that of Ferrari (although it is finally making an appearance in the new Gran Turismo 5).

Another aspect of the game that has been criticized is that many of the nominally different cars are only variants of a single model: there are 48 varieties (56 including race cars and other varieties) of Nissan Skylines and 20 of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions in GT4. Also, the majority of cars are Japanese; in addition, most used cars are Japanese. In GT1 and GT2, all used cars were Japanese. In GT4, some European and American used cars were added, but seldom showed up. Furthermore, the only ones available at the beginning, such as an Aston Martin V8, were too expensive to be used as a starter car.

In order to progress in simulation mode, the player must pass a series of "licence tests". Some of these involve simply pressing the accelerator and brake buttons (no steering required) in order to drive in a straight line and then stop within a marked area. Some reviewers feel these tests detract from the enjoyability of the game, and question the relevance of the tests, especially the stop-and-start tests, to the racing driving involved in the rest of the game.[1]

Trivia

  • The band The Cardigans said in interviews that the name of their album Gran Turismo is because they played the first game a lot during the tours and recording sessions. The song My Favourite Game is a reference of dedication of the band to the game. Polyphony Digital and SCEA later returned the favor; a remix of "My Favourite Game" replaces the main theme of the opening movie of the PAL and US version of Gran Turismo 2
  • For all installments of the series, Japanese watch maker Seiko has been credited as the official time keeper of the games' races. However, in the credits section of the game manuals for GT2, GT3 and GT4, it is stated that "The timing data used in the game is generated by Sony Computer Entertainment using its own method and not by Seiko Corporation"
  • Gran Turismo was referenced in the The Streets song "The Irony Of It All" from the album Original Pirate Material
  • Gran Turismo was also referenced in the Eiffel 65 song "My Console" from the album Europop, though the song mentions many early Playstation titles.

See also

References

Official game sites

Popular Fan sites



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