Gran Turismo (video game)

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This article is about the original video game. For the series as a whole, see Gran Turismo (series).

Gran Turismo

Developer(s)	Polyphony Digital
Publisher(s)	Sony Computer Entertainment
Picture format	240p (LDTV)
Release date(s)	December 23, 1997 April 30, 1998 May, 1998
Genre(s)	Racing game
Mode(s)	Single player and limited double
Rating(s)	ESRB: E (Everyone)
Platform(s)	PlayStation
Media	CD-ROM

Gran Turismo (commonly abbreviated to GT) is a racing game designed by Kazunori Yamauchi. Gran Turismo was developed by Polyphony Digital and first published by Sony Computer Entertainment in 1997 for the PlayStation video game console. It was well-received publicly and critically, selling over 10.5 million copies worldwide (the best selling game for the PlayStation) and scoring an average of 96% in Metacritic's aggregate. The game has started a series, and to date has spawned over 10 spinoffs and sequels.

1 Gameplay
2 Audio
3 Reception
4 External links

[edit] Gameplay

Gran Turismo is fundamentally based on the racing game genre. The player must maneuver an automobile to compete against artificially intelligent drivers on various race tracks. The game uses two different modes: arcade and simulation. In the arcade mode, the player can freely choose the courses and vehicles they wish to use. Winning races unlocks additional cars and courses.

However, simulation mode requires the player to earn different levels of driver's licenses in order to qualify for events, and earn money, trophies and prize cars by winning race championships. Winning one particular championship also unlocks a video and a few additional demonstration tracks. Money earned by winning championships can be used to purchase additional vehicles, and for parts and tuning of all vehicles.

Gran Turismo features 178 automobiles and over 14 race tracks.

[edit] Audio

The opening song for the US and European versions is a Chemical Brothers remix of the Manic Street Preachers song "Everything Must Go".

The game itself had a somewhat limited selection of songs. These include 'Lose Control' by Ash From the album 1977, 4 songs from the Swim era of Feeder (Chicken On A Bone Reworked instrumental, Shade Instrumental, Tangerine Instrumental, Sweet 16), 'As Heaven is Wide' by Garbage, 'Oxyacetalene', 'Skeletal', 'Autonomy', and 'Industry' by Cubanate.

[edit] Reception

Gran Turismo was recently inducted into GameSpot's The Greatest Games of All Time list, which is a feature run by GameSpot that highlights games that are considered great by the Gamespot staff. It is also one of the rare games to receive a top mark of 10 out of 10 from Edge (magazine).