Gran Turismo 5

Gran Turismo for PS3 is another installment of the popular and recognized racing game series created by Kazunori Yamaughi and his studio, Polyphony Digital. The well-known formula of the previous games remains unchanged – realistic yet user-friendly driving system, and a huge selection of real cars, tracks, trophys, challenges and game modes.

Mechanics

Gran Turismo 5 has been divided into several parts — from the main menu, you can access the career mode, the track editor, or start a single race. Without doubt, the most important element of the game is the complex singleplayer “campaign” mode, in which you create and develop your driver. By gathering experience and achieving victories, you unlock the more difficult championships and challenges, and you can use the money you earn for buying and upgrading cars. The game also has some special features, such as a damage system, which can only be unlocked by reaching a certain level.

Gran Turismo 5 features plenty of challenges. In the career mode, you participate in contests for different types of cars, complex tournaments, and single races. You can also drive at the Top Gear test track, take part in the NASCAR, or try driving a go-cart. Everything is complemented by the B-Spec mode, in which you create new drivers and take care of their careers as their manager only by issuing them simple commands during the races.

In the game you can drive over 1000 cars, divided into two categories: “Standard” and “Premium.” The “Standard” cars are the ones known from the previous installments in the series. The “Premium” cars were created especially for the fifth installment, which means they look great. Gran Turismo 5 features such brands as Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Toyota or Volkswagen. All of the cars are accompanied by descriptions and statistics. The number of tracks available is also notable and amounts to 71. They're located, among other places, in the United Kingdom or Italy. Of course, that includes some well-known real-life tracks, like the Circuit de la Sarthe, Nürbburgring or the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

Technical aspects

The graphics of Gran Turismo 5 for PS3 look a lot better than in the previous installments, and features several new great effects. What stands out in particular are the weather effects, the lighting, and detailed car models. The game also features some less-standard additions, like the possibility of taking really stunning pictures of your cars in-game. Furthermore, Gran Turismo 5 has an elaborate multiplayer mod and social options which enable you to not only compete with other players, but also send and receive cars and car parts as gifts.

Last updated on May 7, 2016