Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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Gran Turismo Sport (PS4) Review
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: October 17, 2017
Genre: Racing Simulation
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
Gameplay & Mechanics
Gran Turismo Sport marks a shift in the franchises identity, pivoting from the expansive single-player career of earlier entries to a heavily online-focused structure. The driving physics are precise and weighty, offering a deeply rewarding experience for serious racing fans. Steering input, braking, and acceleration feel grounded in realism. The game supports a variety of driving aids, accommodating newcomers while offering purists the challenge they crave.
The handling model is excellent and responsive across multiple car types, from nimble hatchbacks to monstrous GT3 machines. Tuning options exist, but are streamlined compared to older titles. Damage modeling is present but minimalmore visual and performance-based than structural.
AI opponents are competent but predictable, lacking the dynamism of human racers. The standout element is how well the game functions as a competitive simulator, with rules, penalties, and sportsmanship ratings shaping online races into civilized, FIA-endorsed affairs.
Career & FanHub
GT Sport lacks a traditional career mode. Instead, it offers a "Campaign" mode, which is more a structured tutorial of driving challenges, mission races, and circuit experiences. While polished and occasionally fun, it's a far cry from the rich single-player progression seen in earlier Gran Turismo titles.
Theres no FanHub or deep player legacy building. Instead, progression revolves around leveling up, earning credits, and unlocking cars. Daily workout bonuses and mileage exchange incentives help maintain engagement but feel grindy.
Modes & Features
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Sport Mode: The core of GT Sports identity, featuring daily races, FIA-sanctioned championships, and scheduled online events. Requires an internet connection and enforces strict etiquette, punishing unsportsmanlike behavior.
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Arcade Mode: Includes single races, time trials, drift trials, and split-screen multiplayer. A fair selection of content for offline players but no true campaign.
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Scapes & Livery Editor: Surprisingly robust photo mode with real-world backdrops and a livery editor that allows deep customization of car appearances.
A controversial requirement is that even access to car collection and progression tracking is online-onlymeaning offline play is severely restricted.
Graphics & Presentation
Visually, Gran Turismo Sport is stunning. Car models are meticulously detailed, track environments are crisp, and lighting effectsespecially during golden hour racesare gorgeous. Frame rates are stable at 60fps, and HDR implementation adds visual depth.
Menus are sleek, though occasionally obtuse in navigation. The UI leans into minimalism, which fits the games clean and professional aesthetic.
Sound & Commentary
The engine sounds are a marked improvement over earlier GT games, which were criticized for "vacuum cleaner" audio. However, they still fall short of rivals like Assetto Corsa or Project CARS in terms of guttural realism. Tire screeches, wind noise, and environmental audio are solid but unremarkable.
The soundtrack blends lounge, electronic, and jazz tracks with some high-tempo race music. It fits the Gran Turismo brand but doesnt necessarily elevate the racing experience. No commentary or narration exists, which is standard for the series.
Final Verdict
Gran Turismo Sport is a sharp departure from the franchises legacy, aiming to become the premier online sim racer rather than a comprehensive car-collecting RPG. It succeeds in delivering a polished, serious, and technically sound competitive experience. However, it alienates long-time fans expecting a robust single-player journey.
Its strengths lie in presentation, driving physics, and online structure. Its weaknesses stem from its sparse offline content and rigid always-online limitations.
Pros
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Excellent handling and driving physics
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Beautiful car and track visuals
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Structured and fair online competition
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Impressive livery editor and photo mode
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FIA-backed Sport Mode adds legitimacy
Cons
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Minimal single-player campaign
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Always-online requirement limits functionality
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AI is mediocre and lacks variety
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Small car and track selection compared to previous GT titles
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Sound design still lags behind competitors
Recommendation
If you're a competitive racing enthusiast who values realism and structured online play, Gran Turismo Sport is an excellent choiceparticularly when played online. If you're a long-time fan of the series expecting a deep solo experience, you may find this entry lacking. Its best appreciated as a focused, FIA-endorsed online racing sim rather than a traditional Gran Turismo.
Final Score: 7.8 / 10
(Great for competitive racers, but not a complete Gran Turismo experience.)
