Gran Turismo 5 (PS3)

Gran Turismo 5 (PS3) Review

Released: November 2010
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Platform: PlayStation 3

🏁 Overview

After years of hype and delays, Gran Turismo 5 roared onto the PS3 with sky-high expectations. As the first full GT title on the platform, it promised stunning visuals, a massive garage of cars, realistic driving physics, and deep customizationand for the most part, it delivered. While not without flaws, its a dream for racing simulation fans and a technical showcase for the PS3 era.

What Works

🚗 Massive Car Roster

• Over 1,000 cars, ranging from classic models to high-end supercars, tuners, rally cars, and even go-karts.

• Vehicles are split into Standard and Premium modelsonly Premiums have full interiors and damage modeling.

🛣 Tons of Tracks

• Includes 70+ track variations across iconic circuits like Nürburgring, Suzuka, and Laguna Seca, plus fantasy tracks and weather/time change support.

• Dynamic weather adds unpredictability and realism.

🎮 Deep Driving Physics

• The driving model is incredibly detailed, striking a great balance between simulation and accessibility (depending on your setup).

• Playing with a racing wheel elevates the experience tremendously.

🔧 Customization and Tuning

• Cars can be upgraded and tuned in-depth, with adjustable settings for suspension, aerodynamics, gear ratios, and more.

• Visual customization is limited, but performance tuning is where the game shines.

📸 Photo Mode & Replay System

• GT5 includes a surprisingly robust Photo Travel mode, allowing you to place your cars in real-world locations and snap high-quality shots.

• Replays are slickly presented and customizable for cinematic views.

📶 Online Play (at Launch)

• Up to 16 players online, with custom lobbies, car restrictions, and racing rules.

• Online features were solid but eventually shut down in 2014.

What Doesnt Work

😕 Standard vs. Premium Cars Divide

• The divide is jarringStandard cars lack detail, interiors, and often reuse old PS2-era models.

• Only ~200 of the 1,000+ cars are Premium with full features.

🌀 Long Load Times & UI

• Menus are slow, clunky, and confusing to navigate.

• Long install times and frequent patching at launch added to the frustration.

🏆 Career Mode Feels Grind-Heavy

• The GT Mode is deep but can feel grindy and repetitive, especially in the mid-to-late stages.

• Gating progression behind licenses and car restrictions slows the pace.

🗣 Weak Voiceovers and Presentation in Some Modes

• Some of the narration and text in license tests or challenges feels stiff and dated.

📶 Online Servers Are Offline

• Multiplayer servers were shut down in 2014, limiting the game now to single-player and local play.

🟢 Final Verdict: 8/10