Gran Turismo Sport

Gran Turismo Sport, a pinnacle of racing games, was developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. As the twelfth installment in the acclaimed Gran Turismo series, it was released for PlayStation 4 in October 2017. The game’s development was spearheaded by Kazunori Yamauchi, a name synonymous with the Gran Turismo series. Initially announced at the 2015 Paris Games Week, Gran Turismo Sport was positioned as a major entry in the series, despite early claims of it being a separate entity.

Gran Turismo Sport: Technical Aspects and Engine

Gran Turismo Sport was developed using the same physics engine as Gran Turismo 6, optimized for the enhanced capabilities of the PlayStation 4. This advancement allowed for significant improvements in gameplay elements. The game initially launched with 168 cars and 29 tracks, but through consistent updates, the count expanded to 338 cars and 82 track configurations by July 2021. Notably, Gran Turismo Sport marked the first appearance of Porsche vehicles in the series, following the expiration of Electronic Arts’ exclusive licensing rights.

Gameplay and Features

The game diverges from its predecessors by not featuring a dynamic weather system or a day-night cycle. However, players can still modify the race’s time of day. Gran Turismo Sport focuses on two primary modes: “Sport Mode” and “Arcade Mode.” Sport Mode is particularly notable for its emphasis on competitive online racing, aligning with the standards of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This mode includes three daily races and assigns players a Driver Rating and Sportsmanship Rating, fostering a competitive yet respectful racing environment.

Game Modes

Gran Turismo Sport offers a variety of game modes, each catering to different aspects of racing. The Sport Mode, as mentioned, is geared towards online competitive racing. The Arcade Mode allows for more casual play, including time trials and custom races. The game also features a single-player campaign mode, added post-launch, enriching the gameplay experience with more traditional content.

Conclusion

Gran Turismo Sport stands as a testament to Polyphony Digital’s dedication to evolving the racing game genre. While it deviates from some traditional elements of its predecessors, it introduces new dynamics and features that have been well-received by the gaming community. The game’s focus on online racing and its collaboration with the FIA for the Gran Turismo Championships highlight its unique position in the racing game landscape.