Darkmatters Review: Gran Turismo 6

Gran Turismo 6 - The Real Driving Simulator (PS3 Exclusive)

Developed by Polyphony Digital

Driven by Matt 'Vettel' Adcock


"Gamers - start your engines…"

"Vrrooommm!"

Buckle up for a driving experience that changes everything. Grab the keys to over 1,200 cars, from historic classics to the latest dream machines from manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bugatti... But you know this right - if you're a gamer then Gran Turismo is part of your DNA, from the original Playstation iteration that blew people's minds, through to the lovely but incomplete Gran Turismo 5 which has been updated so many times... But here we are, at the end of the PS3 generation, yes it has outsold the Xbox 360 world-wide, yes it has changed the gaming landscape forever with titles like Uncharted and inFamous so can Sony's ageing beast of a console go out with the world's best driving game?

"Not all BMW drivers are twats (online at least)!?"

It sure looks that way! GT6 is the most complete, best looking and importantly 'most fun to play' of the classic series. The bods at Polyphony Digital Inc. take their job of developing ‘the real driving simulator’ seriously - and with this game they have delivered the most authentic experience to date (which handily celebrates the franchise’s 15th Anniversary too).

Where to start? Well, the engine driving GT6 on PS3 is turbo charged and spewing non carbon level friendly emissions of nitrous enhanced performance, it delivers the most realistic physics that the series is famed for, improves on them even has time to add much improved online functionality.

Cars? yes there are over 1,200 of the world’s best cars to drive and collect, each lovingly rendered for you to take for a spin over 37 tracks - all the major race venues such as the iconic Silverstone Circuit but also some new ones like Australia’s Mount Panorama and Spain’s Ascari Race Resort, and erm, the moon!? Yes GT6 takes the series into space - so grab your helmet and prepare to race where no man has raced before.

"In space no-can hear you scream: 'tasty one!'"

More cool stuff includes the ability to personalise your tracks, create your own then go online to connect with friends, leagues and tournaments, and discover a world of driving you didn’t know existed - some of this functionality comes out of the box, with more on the way (which is the Gran Turismo way after all).

It feels like Gran Turismo 6 was developed with the intention of enhancing the foundation of the series while at the same time offering new challenges. The new UI is slick and feels more immediate (as does the racing itself), but there are lots of improvements to the vehicle dynamics, and a handy tutorial at the beginning of the game for anyone too young or too Xbox to have not enjoyed a Gran Turismo game up until now...

The 'Career Mode' is the main area where you'll battle through cups, earn your licences (with the ability to compare your performance to your PSN friends now which makes for a lot of replaying trying to grab the number one position). The core is complemented by a host of special events and challenges, from knocking down cones through to nailing performance trials, it's a nice distraction from grinding your way through the levels.

Gran Turismo 6 does go for a combination of both Arcade and Sim - so if you want a driving game to 'pick-up-and-play' - boom this is it, but you've also got the insane depth of winning championships, earning licences, bagging trophies and buying a host of cars.

"the tracks await..."

If you're thinking of becoming an actual race driver, GT6 is good place to start as you can learn to drive pure formula cars step-by-step by undertaking the 'Red Bull X Challenge', mentored by the champion Sebastian Vettel. First off you'll want to try the Red Bull Kart Masters kart racing challenge and it just might be your first step on the road to becoming a real racing driver!

Redefined multiplayer... GT5's multiplayer was fine but if you were one of the over 1.25 million people who were racing together in the last game, you'll be delighted to know that GT6 is much much better online. A lot more functions are available and planned for player versus player races

Having played both this and the latest Forza 5 on XboxOne, it is GT6 that I'll be returning to more often for sheer depth of options and unmitigated driving fun.

In short, if you have ever enjoyed a driving game, you need to own Gran Turismo 6, we now stand in utmost anticipation of what GT7 can bring on PS4!!

"the real life / game blur... just wait till PS4"

Out of a potential 5 you have to go with a Darkmatters:

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(5 - Real driving feeling, play it, drive it, love it!)...