Verdict: 8.0/10
Gran Turismo 6 came out four years ago on PlayStation 3. Strangely enough, it was released after the launch of the PlayStation 4, which meant that fans would have to wait a long time for the first “next generation” title in the series. After getting delayed by almost a year, Gran Turismo Sport is finally out. For better and worse, it represents that next generation ambition in more ways than we imagined.
Gran Turismo Sport may as well be considered as an online only game. You can still race without being connected, but everything from your save file to progression is tied to its online component. Only Arcade mode is available offline which consists of single races, time trials, drift trials as well as support for split screen and VR.
In addition, it does not have a standard career mode. That is replaced by a series of trials and missions that are essentially an assortment of activities with the aim of making a better driver. Retrying these challenges for a better final time can get addicting and there is a lot of variety in what the game asks you to perform. This collection of activities is in no way a replacement of a standard campaign, but you can lose hours trying to get gold on each of the missions. It’s fun and challenging to improve your skills.
While you can create and join online lobbies at will, the new Sport mode feels most coherent with the game’s vision. It’s a selection of three races that are on rotation that take place at regular intervals. The process of following a schedule, qualifying and then giving it all in the actual race forms an extremely satisfying loop. In addition, championships and tournaments will be coming in November.
Gran Turismo Sport handles incredibly well. Its also surprisingly easy to pick up and play for newcomers, regardless of whether you are using a controller or a wheel. The campaign helps in fine tuning your driving skills. The game encourages fair and safe driving by implementing a sportsman rating. Easily visible to everyone, this rating aims to reward clean driving and will go down every time you perform rash manoeuvres.
The most disappointing aspect of the game is the selection of cars and tracks available to you. When combined with the lack of dynamic weather, it means you will be seeing a lot of the same locations on a regular basis with the same driving conditions. This is one key area where GT Sport lacks in comparison to its competitors. GT Sport’s differences do not mean its necessarily worse, nor do they devalue the quality of its mechanics. Even without a proper campaign or career mode, there is a lot to do for fans of single or local play. Its focus on online might be off putting, but paves the way for a new bold new direction for the franchise.
