Review Details
Description
Gran Turismo 7 brings together the very best features of the Real Driving Simulator. Whether you’re a competitive or casual racer, collector, tuner, livery designer or photographer – find your line with a staggering collection of game modes including fan-favorites like GT Campaign, Arcade and Driving School. With the reintroduction of the legendary GT Simulation Mode, buy, tune, race and sell your way through a rewarding solo campaign as you unlock new cars and challenges. And if you love going head-to-head with others, hone your skills and compete in the GT Sport Mode.
Review
Gran Turismo 7 marks the triumphant return of Polyphony Digital’s acclaimed simulation series, setting a new standard for realism and passion in automotive gaming. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, GT7 masterfully blends the deep mechanics that series veterans crave with accessible options for newcomers, achieving a fine balance between authenticity and approachability. From the moment the game boots up, it’s clear that immense attention to detail has been given to car models, tracks, and the tactile feel of each race. The photorealistic visuals bring classic and modern vehicles to life, allowing players to admire every curve and gleaming reflection, whether racing through tight city circuits or legendary tracks like Trial Mountain.
The campaign mode is where Gran Turismo 7 truly shines, offering a comprehensive journey through automotive culture. The Cafe—a hub where players receive objectives—acts as both a progression system and a gateway to appreciating car history. Each menu book tasks players with collecting iconic cars, winning races, and diving into the stories of celebrated vehicles. This narrative-driven approach not only motivates progression, but also fosters a genuine appreciation for the craft and history behind each machine, making every new acquisition feel meaningful rather than a mere collect-a-thon.
Driving in GT7 is a joy for sim enthusiasts and more casual players alike, thanks to the nuanced handling that adapts beautifully to different conditions and car setups. Whether using a standard controller or a high-end racing wheel, the feedback and physics modeling are top-tier. Weather dynamics add another layer of immersion; a race can quickly turn tense as rain rolls in, forcing players to adapt tire choices and driving styles on the fly. The sensation of grip, weight transfer, and loss of traction is impressively conveyed, making every lap engaging and filled with learning opportunities.
Customization options are another standout feature. The game boasts an exhaustive garage of cars, all fully tunable to fit different racing disciplines and personal preferences. GT Auto returns, allowing players to personalize liveries, modify performance parts, and maintain their rides. The attention to customization even extends to adaptive music playback and the Scapes photography mode, which transforms simple screenshots into magazine-quality images. A thriving online scene, daily races, and time trials ensure there’s always something to do, whether competing seriously or just sharing your passion for cars with others.
However, Gran Turismo 7 is not without its flaws. The always-online requirement for single-player progression can be a major frustration—players who lose connection are locked out of campaign content. Additionally, the game’s microtransaction setup remains divisive, as the grind for in-game credits can feel unnecessarily slow, pushing some toward real-money purchases. While these issues do not overshadow the overall experience, they create friction in what is otherwise a joyful celebration of car culture.
Visually, GT7 is breathtaking on PlayStation 5, leveraging the hardware for quick load times, smooth frame rates, and ray-traced replays that are a feast for the eyes. The soundtrack is a well-curated mix of energetic tunes and chill vibes—fitting for both high-stakes races and hours spent in the garage. Audio detail, from screeching tires to roaring engines, further immerses players in the racing atmosphere.
In conclusion, Gran Turismo 7 is a heartfelt love letter to cars and motorsport, offering both depth and breadth across single-player and multiplayer modes. Its meticulous approach to realism and presentation sets it apart from other racing titles, though connectivity requirements and progression systems may frustrate some. Still, for those who cherish the drive and want to explore the rich tapestry of car culture, GT7 is an essential entry in the long-running franchise—one that feels as rewarding for series diehards as it does for beginners eager to discover the world of Gran Turismo.