One of the most popular exclusive titles on Playstation consoles, the Gran Turismo franchise has long ruled the racing simulation genre on Playstation systems. It could be argued that GranTurismo is the best racing simulation title on any system. To prove the PS3 is not yet out of the picture as it stands in the shadow of the PS4, Sony has released Gran Turismo 6. It is yet another (admittedly small) step forward in technology and gameplay for the series and is a worthy (presumably) final Gran Turismo for the PS3 system. Fans of realistic racing, and even those who favor a bit less realism, will find something to like about this title.

I fell in love with Gran Turismo on the PS2 for three main reasons.

First, it has absolutely gorgeous graphics. GT6 has not dropped the ball. It is simply amazing how the title can squeak out even better visual style and realism than ever before. Over 1200 cars are present. (Note that some of those 1200 are just minor variations of a similar car.) Some complain that there aren’t enough very new models present, but I’m just pleased they even included the El Camino – Whoot! The game has 33 different (very pretty) tracks that can be set up with a total of 71 different layouts. When the the graphical effects due to daytime/evening/night time are added, almost every race feels just a little bit different.

Second, I love the game’s role-playing elements. While I don’t care much for online multiplayer, the in-game campaign mode is my bread and butter. One starts out with a small bit of cash and a low-end factory model car. Completing races provides cash which can be used to slowly upgrade parts of your stock model car and turn it into a finely tuned racing machine. Using your souped up car, you can earn more money and you can buy yourself even better cars – which can be upgraded in turn. In this way, an entire garage of cars can be earned, ready to compete in whatever appropriate race is on the menu. (Some races have specific requirements, such as minimum or maximum power, particular car models, etc…) In the past, I have had the complaint during the campaign mode is actually its attention to realism. In the past, it was very difficult to customize the look of your car (aside from factory standard colors and modifications). Customization is still very restricted, but at least now one can slowly “collect” specific car colors and paint your ride whatever color you want. I’m a sucker for any sort of role-playing elements, so I spend nearly all my time in the career/campaign mode, slowly building up my fleet.

Third, I enjoy the game’s attention to realism. Granted, from a “fun” standpoint, it can sometimes get tiring to drive such a realistic game. (Caveat: collisions almost always cause far, far less damage than in “real life”.) The fact that the game teaches you how to race “correctly” around turns is simply great. As a high school science teacher I will frequently use titles like GT6 to help explain the consequences of friction. Many people find it counter-intuitive that one needs to slow down before a turn, and accelerate out of the turn in order to complete a lap in the fastest time. Simple applications of circular motion and static friction explains it all. Go science! (I once wrote a grant proposal to buy a few consoles and copies of the game for a lab, too bad I didn’t get the funding!) Some may shun the idea of too much realism, and there are “Arcade” style options available (not in career mode) so there is still something for nearly everyone.

Another feature, new to me, is the variety of “fun” challenges that occasionally become available. While younger gamers may grow frustrated at the realism found in normal campaign mode races, there are also little bonus levels that can be played. For example, a stadium is filled with sets of orange cones, a high end sports car is provided, and the challenge measures the time it takes for you to knock down 100 cones. Another challenge has you attempting to drive as far as possible on 1 gallon of gas.

Along with the extra challenges, there are features that make the game more kid (or newbie racer) friendly. Obviously, the cars can be put into manual or automatic transmission. The collision consequences are usually not too severe. The best help provided in the game, is a handy blue dotted line that shows pretty much the optimal path around every turn and straightaway. The line even turns red (depending on your speed) whenever the brakes need to be applied. The result is simple for kids to follow: blue means floor it, red means brakes, and white means keep going the same speed.

In the end, Gran Turismo 6 is a great racing simulation. It is a simulation, not a Kart-racing game with powerups silly powerslides and all the crazy trimmings. However, it is a fun, deep game with many options and can easily drag you into a career mode full of acquiring and upgrading cars. Multiplayer modes are the online and split screen (although I prefer split screen so you can taunt your opponent directly.) The game can be a bit too “realistic” for some, but you can’t beat it for gorgeous graphics and attention to detail.

Kid Factor:
Aside from multiplayer modes (it is important to monitor any online interactions) there are no parental issues to worry about – drugs, sex, violence, whatever is not present. The game DOES include the option of spending real money to get more in-game cash quickly. “Buying” extra cash isn’t needed, but care should be taken to make sure kids don’t go out and spend real money online. As mentioned, there are options to tame the game down and assist younger or inexperienced gamers as they try to master the game and its controls. I’ve found even my young kids (early grade school) enjoy playing around with the title. Granted, at that age they aren’t able to win any races, but they get immense pleasure “racing” around the open track. I’ve got one of those feedback racing wheels with pedals from many years ago (on the PS2). While they are quite expensive nowadays, it is hilarious watching them learn to drive with an actual wheel. Highly recommended if you can afford laying out the cash. If your child is experienced enough to do well with a PS3 controller, they should have no trouble playing Gran Turismo 6.

Tags: Game Reviews