Gran Turismo racing game series guide
Also known as: Gran Turismo series, GT
An introduction to the Gran Turismo driving simulators: licence tests, car tuning, career mode, beginner tips and how the series differs from arcade racers.
- Type
- Video game
- Players
- 1
- First released
- 1997
- Designed by
- Kazunori Yamauchi
- Developer
- Polyphony Digital
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Platforms
- PlayStation
Gran Turismo is a series of realistic driving games made by Polyphony Digital for Sony PlayStation consoles. The first game appeared in Japan in 1997 on the original PlayStation, led by Kazunori Yamauchi, and it changed what players expected from racing games. Instead of cartoon physics, it tried to make each car feel like its real version, with weight, grip and power that you could feel through the controller. The series later grew through many numbered games and special editions on every PlayStation generation. Each one is built around a large collection of real cars, real and imagined circuits, and a career where you earn money to buy and improve vehicles. The series calls itself a driving simulator rather than a simple racing game.
Our verdict
Gran Turismo is for players who enjoy the feeling of driving well. Improving a lap time by a few tenths of a second through cleaner braking is very rewarding. The series also teaches real driving ideas, such as weight transfer and the racing line, in a calm and structured way. Car lovers can spend hours in the collection, learning about models from many countries and decades. With assists turned on, it is accessible to patient beginners as well.
What works
- Realistic handling that rewards practice and precision.
- Huge collections of real cars from around the world.
- Licence tests make learning step by step.
What does not
- Less instant fun than arcade racers for casual groups.
- Only available on PlayStation consoles.
How to play Gran Turismo
Most Gran Turismo games begin with a small budget and a modest used car. Before you can enter many races, you must pass licence tests: short driving challenges such as braking inside a box, taking a corner cleanly or completing a lap under a time limit. Passing them opens new events. Winning races earns credits that you spend on new cars or on upgrades such as tyres, suspension, weight reduction and engine parts. Careful tuning can make a car faster but harder to control. On the track, you need to brake before corners, follow a good racing line and accelerate smoothly out of the turn. Assists such as stability control, traction control and a visible braking line help newcomers, and they can be turned off as you improve. Many games also include online races and photo modes.
Tips for new players
- Take licence tests seriously; they teach exactly the skills you need in races.
- Brake in a straight line before the corner, not while turning.
- Spend early credits on tyres and handling before adding raw engine power.
- Keep the driving line assist on until you know each track well.
Good for
Gran Turismo: common questions
Is Gran Turismo hard for beginners?
It can feel demanding at first, but driving assists and licence tests make it learnable. Patience matters more than fast reflexes.
What is the difference between Gran Turismo and Mario Kart?
Gran Turismo aims for realistic driving with real cars, while Mario Kart is an arcade racer with items and cartoon physics.
Do I need a steering wheel to play Gran Turismo?
No. A normal controller works well. A wheel adds realism but is not required to enjoy the games.
Gran Turismo belongs to its owners. Playdonya is not connected to them and does not sell this game; the cover is our own illustration.
