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Gran Turismo
The world's most definitive racing
simulation is now available on the PSP that offers gamers a portable and
slightly cut down version of this PlayStation great. Although slightly
deviating from its big brother, Gran Turismo on the PSP contains over
800 cars to be selected and raced plus a variety of different circuits,
making this a very detailed and realistic driving game on this console.
Featuring a variety of different gameplay modes, including multiplayer
fun, Gran Turismo throws the player straight into the world of high
speed racing from the driving challenge mode to a plethora of races.
In single-player mode, the gamer is spoilt for races, time
trials and driving skills events, ensuring diverse and interesting
gameplay. With a wide gamut of tracks available and cars, the control
system on the PSP actually works quite well with the game, although the
console does get a little heavy if you play too long.
Novice
players will have no issue in picking up the PSP and start playing and
with veteran gamers, a higher difficulty level will assist in
challenging them. I was impressed by the realistic tracks in the game
that include Suzuka and the Fuji Speedway plus some realistic locales
that include New York and the Swiss Alps.
The good thing about the
tracks is that they are quite different and are not just another
different colour palette, hence they actually look like their real-world
locations. The game does offer some tweaking, although some it has been cut
for the PSP version but for us, it was more than enough. Those purists
of the series may be a little upset though for the lack of true
customisation.
As you win races, you
are awarded money that can be used to purchase additional cars and of
course, unlock new tracks and new cars. Whether your competing in one
off events or embarking on the challenge mode, Gran Turismo offers short
amounts of play or long gaming sessions, depending on how much time you
have to spare.
As you progress, you are awarded trophies for your
prowess, with gold being the elusive trophy that can be quite difficult
to achieve at times but if you do, you'll be awarded some great cash.
Although the game contains no tutorial per se, the best part to hone
your skills is through the Challenge Mode that is similar to the license
mode in the original game.
Another cool aspect of
Gran Turismo on the PSP is that you can create your own soundtracks that
allows you to listen to MP3's while you race. Our biggest gripe with the
PSP version is the lack of a true definitive career mode that allows you
to start as a humble racer and race your way through the ranks.
Unfortunately nowhere to be scene.
An
interesting twist to the PSP version is that when you are ready to
purchase a new car, the game slowly makes cars available to you which is
a great incentive to continue and save your money for that elusive
Skyline or the like. Your cars can even be shared with friends who own this game and is an interesting tactic by the developers.
Apart from a sturdy single-player mode, Gran Turismo does contain a
variety of multiplayer games, catering for both novices and
professionals. Our favourite mode in multiplayer was "Shuffle" that
automatically assigns a player a car, however if they win the race, they
are awarded a slower car and the person that came last is given
something faster. Definitely quite challenging and a twist to
traditional multiplayer racing.
Graphically, the title is well presented on the PSP with a modern
interface and some impressive gameplay graphics from realistic cars
(great special effects) and great looking environments such as the Grand
Canyon or the Swiss Alps. It actually looks like the PS2 game but
better, thanks to the power of the PSP and the small screen. Add in some
realistic grunts from the cars and the sounds of brakes and tires and
Gran Turismo is a very good looking and sounding title. The ability to add
your MP3 collection to the soundtrack is definitely a step in the right
direction.
At the end of the day, Gran Turismo on the PSP could be considered Gran
Turismo light in some aspects, however if you're looking at a racing
simulation with real-world cars and decent gameplay, than this is one
title you should investigate.
The control system works very well on the
PSP and best of all, the value for money of the game is worth every
penny because you can virtually play this game for quite a considerable
amount of time. If you're a PS3 owner, you can even share your cars with
Gran Turismo 5 when it is released sometime next year. Sure, it may not
have a career mode but racing is all about the races and Gran Turismo
was all about simulation and this game succeeds in that aspect quite
well. |
