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Gran Turismo 5 (PS3) Review
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Racing / Driving Simulator
Release: 2010
Gran Turismo 5 is an ambitious driving simulator that attempts to deliver an enormous collection of cars, tracks and racing events while pushing the PS3's hardware to its limits. With hundreds of vehicles, realistic physics, extensive tuning and a huge career mode, it offers an impressive amount of content. However, the experience is held back by inconsistent car and track quality, a cumbersome progression system and some design decisions that make the game feel less polished than its ambitions suggest.
Gameplay & Driving Mechanics
Driving is the heart of Gran Turismo 5, and the game places a strong emphasis on realistic vehicle behaviour. Cars have noticeably different handling characteristics depending on their weight, drivetrain, tyres and performance.
The physics system rewards smooth driving. Braking too late, accelerating aggressively or taking corners incorrectly can result in lost traction, while careful throttle and steering control can significantly improve lap times.
There is also extensive vehicle tuning. Players can modify suspension, brakes, tyres, gearing, engine performance, aerodynamics and other components. This allows cars to be adjusted for different circuits and racing conditions.
The game supports a wide range of driving assists, making it accessible to newcomers while allowing experienced players to turn many of the aids off.
Strengths
Weaknesses
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Some cars feel noticeably less detailed than others
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Certain events impose restrictive requirements
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AI can behave unpredictably
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Career progression can become repetitive
Cars & Vehicle Selection
One of Gran Turismo 5's biggest attractions is its enormous car collection.
The game features hundreds of vehicles from manufacturers around the world, covering everything from everyday road cars to exotic supercars, classic vehicles and race machinery.
A particularly unusual feature is the distinction between Premium and Standard cars. Premium vehicles feature highly detailed models with detailed interiors, while Standard cars use models with considerably less visual detail.
This creates a noticeable inconsistency in the game's presentation. A beautifully modelled modern sports car can sit alongside a vehicle that looks like it came from an earlier generation of Gran Turismo.
Nevertheless, the sheer variety remains impressive.
Tracks & Environments
Gran Turismo 5 features a mixture of real-world circuits, fictional tracks and rally environments.
Many of the real-world circuits are impressively recreated, with accurate layouts and detailed surroundings. Famous tracks such as Nürburgring, Suzuka and the Top Gear Test Track provide very different driving experiences.
The game also includes weather and time-of-day effects on selected tracks, adding another layer of realism.
Track quality can vary, however. Some circuits look excellent while others appear noticeably dated, particularly when compared with the Premium vehicle models.
Career & Progression
The GT Mode career provides a substantial amount of content. Players earn credits by competing in events, purchase new vehicles and gradually progress through increasingly difficult races.
The licence tests return and provide useful driving challenges. They require players to demonstrate specific techniques, such as braking, cornering and maintaining racing lines.
The career system also includes special events, endurance races and manufacturer-specific competitions.
Unfortunately, progression can feel unnecessarily slow. Some events require very specific cars, while others can involve lengthy races that demand considerable time investment.
The inclusion of endurance events adds authenticity but can make the career feel demanding for players who simply want shorter racing sessions.
Graphics & Presentation
Visually, Gran Turismo 5 is a technically ambitious game.
The Premium cars are particularly impressive, featuring highly detailed exterior models and interiors. Lighting and reflections can also look excellent.
The environments are more inconsistent. Some circuits look highly detailed, while others have noticeably lower-quality textures and scenery.
The difference between Premium and Standard cars is the most obvious weakness in the presentation. It can sometimes feel like two different generations of visual technology exist within the same game.
Nevertheless, the game remains visually impressive in motion, particularly when racing high-quality Premium vehicles.
Final Verdict
Gran Turismo 5 is an enormous racing simulator that successfully delivers an incredible amount of automotive content. Its driving physics, vehicle selection, tuning system and extensive career mode make it one of the most substantial racing games available on PS3.
Its ambition also exposes some of its weaknesses. The difference between Premium and Standard cars is difficult to overlook, while the career structure can feel unnecessarily demanding and repetitive. Some technical and presentation inconsistencies also prevent it from feeling completely cohesive.
Nevertheless, the combination of realistic driving, extensive customization, hundreds of vehicles and enormous replay value makes Gran Turismo 5 an essential title for PS3 racing enthusiasts.
Score: 8.5/10
