The classic racing game series "Gran Turismo," developed by Polyphony Digital and led by Kazunori Yamauchi, is finally launching its long-awaited seventh installment this month on the 4th.
"Gran Turismo 7" not only arrives on the next-generation PS5 console but also introduces numerous new elements and experiences never seen before, making it a must-play masterpiece for all racing game enthusiasts in the PlayStation camp. This time, Toy People also had the opportunity for an early hands-on preview, so let's take a look at what makes this new title so appealing!
While it's called a racing game, "Gran Turismo 7" is actually more like a "car simulator." In the game, players can collect over 400 different car models and more than 90 famous tracks, experiencing the joy of "car appreciation." In addition to next-generation audiovisual enjoyment, the game also features extensive livery customization options and a wealth of popular science elements related to car culture, making it a game designed specifically for car lovers.
"Gran Turismo 7" PS5 Gameplay Demo
Excellent Game Guidance DesignIn addition to the four traditional pleasures of collecting various car models, racing, livery customization, and tuning, "Gran Turismo 7" also incorporates numerous new elements. However, I believe that before discussing these elements, we must first talk about the excellent game guidance design this time.
During this journey, players can receive various "menus" at the "Café." These menus serve as the player's main quests, guiding them to participate in various specified races according to the menu objectives, gradually increasing their Collector Level and driving skills.
Because this questline is meticulously designed, players can generally complete stages with a slight margin, and they won't be overwhelmed by too many features and races opening up at once, thus significantly reducing the early-game confusion for newcomers. Furthermore, upon completing each objective, the game shares historical information about the car models, allowing you to naturally experience the core pleasures of "driving cars" and "appreciating cars." In short, it makes the familiar GT Career Mode much more accessible.
In addition to the menus, the driving assist features are also quite powerful.
This installment features three stages of driving assistance. When activated, these assists will indicate the optimal racing line and braking points before corners, among other information. Frankly, for players unfamiliar with the GT series, these assists are incredibly effective, making the sometimes annoying license tests much simpler. We believe that with a little practice, most players will easily get the hang of this new title, making it arguably the most beginner-friendly installment in the series.
Superior Driving Experience Combining Physics and Enhanced WeatherSpeaking of the GT series, the core driving experience is, of course, the next topic. This series has always been known for its driving feel as a major selling point, and this time, in addition to being paired with the PS5 controller, there are still many new minor elements added to the driving experience.
Firstly, the physics have been further enhanced this time. In addition to elements like vehicle weight, inertia, and ground surface, even physical properties have been more accurately simulated. According to official statements, factors such as vehicle height, track wind direction, and aerodynamic effects have a significant impact. You can even distinctly feel the difference in how certain high-bodied cars are affected by crosswinds, quite similar to the sensation of driving your own car on a highway.
These elements also further influence the feedback from the DualSense controller. Not only is the subtle tension of the accelerator and brake captivating, but the sensation mimicking tire vibrations during revving and skidding is equally addictive. Compared to previous pure vibrations, the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers this time provide incredibly strong feedback, truly befitting a premier racing game on the PlayStation platform.
Furthermore, the weather system this time is also quite noteworthy.
This game features different environments depending on the track. For example, when you encounter rain, not only will engine power and grip be affected, but your vision will also be obscured by the dense spray and raindrops from the car ahead. When you encounter dry or off-road terrain, the haptic feedback provides a sense of immersion through vibrations.
What's impressive is that these weather and terrain changes occur in real-time during the race. So, it's entirely possible that it's pouring rain on the first lap, but by the second lap, only puddles remain on the road, and the track even gradually dries, allowing you to experience completely different driving sensations on the same section. It's safe to say that "Gran Turismo 7" has indeed achieved another breakthrough in realism this time.
Livery and Customization: Build Your Dream CarThe livery and customization aspects have also become more refined this time. The returning "Tuning Shop" is incredibly rich in content. Each car has over 60 types of tuning parts available for purchase, ranging from basic brake pads, racing computers, and air filters, to later additions like nitrous and anti-lag systems. The variety of items is truly dazzling. Players can equip their beloved cars with these tuning parts to increase their Performance Points (PP), thereby enabling them to participate in higher-tier races.
However, if that still doesn't satisfy your customization craving, you can also open the tuning list yourself to adjust detailed values and configurations, allowing the same car to participate in races with different restrictions. Just imagine, every time you acquire a new car, you'll embark on a series of modifications – that alone can keep you entertained for quite some time.
In addition to tuning, you can also customize and maintain your beloved car at the "GT Auto" garage this time.
This time, the developers have prepared over 130 types of wheels, more than 1200 colors, and various decals for players to customize. The "Livery Editor" has also evolved, offering players greater customization freedom. To complement the online sharing features, players can also save their liveries as files and upload them. Although we couldn't download other players' liveries during the preview period, we are confident that there will be many creative masters in the future.
It's worth noting that since vehicles in this game actually consume durability and accumulate dirt based on mileage, if you've been racing for several days straight, remember to take your car to GT Auto for a wash or repair. Furthermore, the developers' dedication to feedback is evident here; they even incorporated haptic feedback for the sensation of wiping down the car... This aspect truly deserves high praise.
Drive Cars, Appreciate Cars: Relax with Scapes Mode and Music Rally!Additionally, for players who simply want to appreciate cars, this installment also features the enjoyable casual mode "Music Rally," the rich "Scapes" photography mode, and various other elements like the Car Museum.
Music Rally is a casual mode offered this time, where players need to drive a sufficient distance forward within a specified segment of a playing song to continue the game. In this mode, not only is it accompanied by pleasant copyrighted music, but players can also set changes in weather and venue, allowing for car appreciation in various conditions and serving as an excellent way for players to get accustomed to the game's controls. Of course, here you can also more clearly experience the charm of PS5's 3D audio.
And speaking of cars, photography is naturally inseparable. This time's "Scapes Mode" is an incredibly precise photo mode. This mode includes over 2500 scenic spots worldwide, allowing players to freely change the weather, the car's position and angle, and all camera details to capture the perfect car photo. You can even enjoy the visual thrill of ray tracing and HDR here.
This part of the design can be said to be one of the most feature-rich photography modes in racing games in recent years, even coming with various filters. We believe many people will use their finished photos as desktop wallpapers.
Additionally, if you're interested in the history of specific car models, you can find a museum within the