Gran Turismo 7 (2022) Video Game Review

Title: Gran Turismo 7.

Release date: March 4th, 2022.
Console (player on): PlayStation 5.
Console (also available on): PlayStation 4.
Play Time: 50 Hours.

Mode(s): Single-Player, Multiplayer.
Genre(s): Racing simulation.
Developer: Polyphony Digital.
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Director(s): Kazunori Yamauchi.

My Overall Rating:

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Many have contemplated for countless years, and some still do, to someday have the opportunity to drive their dream car and conquer races where unfathomable prizes are at stake. The soul-vibrating feeling of the roaring engines, the senses-overwhelming state of high-speed races, and the law-defying split-second decision-making required to efficiently take multiple corners are some of the many joys of racing and there’s nothing like racing video games to offer everyone the chance to live their dreams. In fact, the Gran Turismo franchise has been at it for a while and has given players around the world the chance to learn the art of driving through some of the most gorgeous and authentic racing simulators in the business. Developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment as an exclusive PlayStation title, Gran Turismo 7 is the eighth installment in the beloved racing simulation franchise and continues to technologically build upon its traditional, visually breathtaking, and immersive driving simulator.

What is Gran Turismo 7 about? This real driving simulator introduces players to the world of Gran Turismo where they’re invited to meet with the owner of the Gran Turismo Café who happens to be a passionate and knowledgeable person about the automotive and racing history. Through his 39 different menu books, progressively unlocking new features in the game, each menu book consists of specific challenges requiring players to partake in particular races or championships, arriving at least among the top 3 racers to win the car reward and complete a trio of cars collection identified in the menu book. These menu books sometimes also invite players to visit other sections of the Gran Turismo hub and familiarize themselves with various integrated features of the game whether it would be a shop dedicated to car purchases, the quintessential licenses to learn driving techniques, or even the in-depth photo mode to showcase their favourite cars in breathtaking settings.

Accessible, straightforward, and welcoming, this latest installment in the franchise does a brilliant job of delivering the goods without dabbling in futile features, or at least, without forcing any player to do anything they don’t want to do. While relatively easy to obtain bronze in races, it’s striving for gold that really forces players to channel their focus into races and apply newly-learned techniques to win and beat records. The iconic licenses mode is also a brilliant feature that allows players to learn crucial techniques to perfect the art of driving, from angles to smooth throttling, the game marvelously explains and proves its points, being absolutely applicable in real-life situations too. Oddly enough and a missed opportunity (or maybe an impersonal approach was what they were always aiming for), the game does not feature any voice actors and everything plays out like a visual novel with people and dialogues offering crucial information on the game’s features or the world of cars.

However, its forte is also in its brilliant use of the DualSense controller’s advanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and the PlayStation 5’s spatial audio to enhance the driving experience, not requiring anyone to get their hands on an expensive Gran Turismo DD Pro official steering wheel to enjoy this game. That’s not to say that it might not in fact be one of the best ways to enhance your gaming experience, on top of getting your hands on a PlayStation VR2 for its virtual reality functionalities, but they’re definitely not mandatory to appreciate this driving simulator. With the controller alone, the game brilliantly demonstrates and rewards players who actively and strategically accelerate, break, and smoothly turn and control their cars. While it’s never necessary to work through all the side challenges, time trials, and whatnot, they do make a good case in point when it comes to the saying about practice makes perfect. Never have I noticed more personal skills growth in a game than through this driving simulator and the countless racing options available.

Another unquestionable aspect of Gran Turismo 7 is in the visual and audio department. Known for its continuous development in those spheres of the game, this latest installment is visually astonishing and nails the auditive cues specific to each and every car. In fact, a car never looks, feels, or sounds like any other, always forcing players to acquaint themselves with their ride and understand how the beast works. While not particular familiar with all the legendary and memorable cars that could’ve made the cut, the game features an extensive and impressive number of genuine and renowned cars to be acquired. Add in the in-game tuning parts shop, there’s always something to do to make the car fit the race. The game also implements an amazing dynamic weather system and an impressive integration of real-life physics, inviting players to quickly grasp how much rain and wet parts of a track can be disastrous to a driver.

Notwithstanding the controversial microtransaction decision made by the developers upon the game’s release, which was later resolved, it’s worth noting that Gran Turismo 7 is a game that requires players to often grind for enough credits to actually be able to purchase some of the higher-end cars. Fans of the genre will, however, spend countless hours earning those credits, participating in online multiplayer races, playing the arcade mode, and doing all those side challenges available in the game, nonchalantly unlocking cars and mastering the game. There’s no doubt that the game also offers a lot of replayability and delivers one of the best driving simulators in the current generation video game market. The multiplayer facet is also an excellent feature for players who want to put their skills to the test and take on more challenges against gamers around the world. While it’s not an arcade racing game with plenty of insane crashes and destruction to indulge in, it is a fantastic and beautiful racing simulator that teaches and rewards proper driving techniques.

Gran Turismo 7 is an immersive, challenging, and gorgeous driving simulator offering an incredible array of cars, tracks, and challenges.

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Gran Turismo 7 is out on PlayStation 4 and 5 since March 4th, 2022.

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Have you played this game?

Will you? What do you think about it?

Share your thoughts with me!

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