At State of Play there was one topic: Gran Turismo 7. A 30-minute trailer shows first glimpses of gameplay and modes. It quickly becomes clear: It’s a trip into the past.
In just under a month, the time has come. Gran Turismo 7 will be released exclusively for the PlayStation 4 and 5 after a delay of about a year. Contrary to what has been announced for a long time, players on the older generation of consoles will also be able to let the tyres spin.
To provide a first taste, Polyphony Digital and Sony presented fans with an appetiser. A 30-minute trailer shows what there is to experience.
Right in the first few minutes it becomes clear that the game is going backwards – back to the roots. This should especially please those who missed one particular thing in the predecessor, Gran Turismo Sport: an offline career.
As the addition of the name Sport indicates, this part was mainly about online competition. However, this met with criticism right after the launch. The Japanese developer studio reacted and delivered an offline campaign, but it was very meagre: a few racing classes with different cups. Development, a common thread? Not a thing.
With little means to the star of the city
In the new part, this is to change again. The driver starts with a few coins in a fictitious city. This appears as a map on which there are various locations. These can then be visited, but must be unlocked bit by bit. Finally, you have to win races, earn money and either buy new cars or upgrade your car. In total, there are over 400 cars to choose from.
Those who only have a few coins available at first can buy them second-hand at a reduced price. They are now available in the already familiar Brand Central and those who want to show off virtually can also buy legendary cars. This marks the comeback of the popular World Mode, which was already available in Gran Turismo 4.
With beats to relax or peak performance
On arriving in this world, the driver hops into a Porsche Carrera Speedster ’56, not to prove his speed, however, but his sense of rhythm. Newcomers can thus relax and test the car to “fast or motivating” music and make adjustments. Experienced drivers simply turn it into a time race with checkpoints.
Those who need a little refreshment can choose the café from the menu. Instead of a drinks and food menu, there are “menu books” with different activities. Once these are completed, there are new cars and other elements.
Once the first laps have been completed, the skills can be put to the test in the licence centre. By means of various tests, the driver learns techniques that can be useful on the GT7 journey. In addition, there are licence certificates on top.
To improve the car as well, new tuning parts can be bought. A relatively unspectacular car can become the eye-catcher of the race after a few tweaks. With optimised time and weather changes, however, the surroundings should also be a feast for the eyes.
Realistic weather conditions
Depending on the location of the race track, there are adapted temperatures and precipitation probabilities. Puddles form when it rains, and the tracks are also supposed to dry realistically. At least within the series, this could set new standards. Most recently, the racing simulation iRacing aimed for this.
Speaking of visuals: The overlay and menu should look familiar to GT Sport players. Because nothing has changed here except for the world map. The function to take photos and create collages (scapes) is similar to that of the predecessor.
Of course there is multiplayer again. Either via split screen on one screen or online. This is identical to Gran Turismo Sport.
Polyphony Digital does indeed put the game in reverse gear, but by no means without making progress. What was good in Gran Turismo Sport remains. What was criticised, the developers took to heart. In addition, the career mode from Gran Turismo 4, which is already familiar and popular with fans, is not simply rehashed, but the idea is expanded with further content and modes.
Only the new weather conditions could make the part slip. Otherwise, it offers something for everyone – whether new to the wheel, long-time driver or arcade and simulation fans.
