Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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Gran Turismo (PSP) Review
Released in 2009 after years of anticipation, Gran Turismo for the PSP brings Polyphony Digitals celebrated racing simulation to handheld for the first time. With the series trademark obsession for realism, massive car roster, and slick presentation, this portable entry captures much of what makes Gran Turismo greatthough its not without compromises.
Gameplay & Mechanics
| Feature | Description | Verdict |
|---|
| Driving Physics | Faithful to the series, with realistic handling and weight transfer. | Impressively deep for a handheld racer. |
| AI Drivers | Conservative and clean, often lacking aggression. | Functional but not very competitive. |
| Car Collection | Over 800 licensed cars from top manufacturers. | Huge variety, though many feel similar. |
| Progression | No traditional career modeplay races, earn credits, buy cars. | Disappointing for long-term motivation. |
The driving itself is sublime, but the lack of structured career progression leaves a noticeable gap.
Modes & Features
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Single Race & Time Trial: Choose a track and race with any car youve unlocked.
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Drift Trials: Offers an added layer of challenge and skill-based driving.
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Challenges: Bite-sized driving tests to earn credits and learn driving techniques.
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Multiplayer: Ad-hoc (local) 4-player multiplayer, but no online play.
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Garage System: Huge garage space, but cars must be bought from rotating dealership lists.
While modes are limited, the game still offers plenty of solo content if youre willing to grind.
Graphics & Presentation
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Visuals: Among the PSPs bestcars are sharply modeled, and framerate is silky smooth at 60fps.
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Tracks: Over 35 tracks with multiple layouts (including classics like Trial Mountain).
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UI: Sleek and functional, with Gran Turismos signature minimalist flair.
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Performance: Maintains excellent performance even with multiple cars on screen.
Despite being on a portable console, the game looks and feels like Gran Turismo.
Sound & Music
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Engine Sounds: Varied but generally underwhelmingmost lack punch.
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Sound Effects: Tires, collisions, and environmental sounds are decent but sparse.
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Music: A mix of rock, jazz, and electronic tracks during menus and races.
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Voice Acting: NoneGran Turismos usual "show, dont tell" approach remains.
Audio is functional but takes a back seat to gameplay and visuals.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Fantastic driving physics true to the GT legacy
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Enormous car roster with deep customization
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Gorgeous graphics for a handheld game
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Runs smoothly at 60fps with minimal loading
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Drift trials and challenges add variety
Cons
No proper career mode or sense of progression
AI is too passive, limiting challenge
Rotating car dealerships can be frustrating
No online features or ghost data support
Weak engine sounds and no real soundtrack highlights
Final Verdict
Gran Turismo (PSP) is a technically impressive and highly enjoyable driving simulator, but one thats best appreciated in short bursts. Its lack of career mode and passive AI hold it back from being a fully satisfying experience, yet for portable racing fans, its still one of the most polished and realistic games on the system.
Score: 7.8 / 10 A gorgeous and smooth driving sim on the go, slightly undercut by shallow progression. Best for GT purists and car collectors.
