Gran Turismo (グランツーリスモ Guran
Tsūrisumo ,
abbreviated GT, commonly abbreviated GT1)
is a racing simulator
designed by Kazunori Yamauchi. Gran Turismo was
developed by Polyphony Digital and first published by Sony Computer Entertainment in 1997 for the PlayStation video game console. After five years of development time,[3]
it was well-received publicly and critically, shipping a total of 10.85
million copies worldwide as of April 30, 2008,[1][2]
and scoring an average of 95% in GameRankings'
aggregate. The game has started a series, and to date has spawned over
10 spin-offs and sequels.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Gameplay
Gran Turismo is fundamentally based on the racing simulator genre. The player must maneuver an automobile to compete against artificially intelligent drivers on various race tracks. The game uses two different modes: Arcade Mode and Simulation Mode (Gran Turismo Mode in PAL and Japanese versions). In the arcade mode, the player can freely choose the courses and vehicles they wish to use. Winning races unlocks additional cars and courses.However, simulation mode requires the player to earn different levels of driver's licenses in order to qualify for events, and earn credits (money), trophies and prize cars by winning race championships. Winning one particular championship also unlocks a video and a few additional demonstration tracks. Credits can be used to purchase additional vehicles, and for parts and tuning.
Gran Turismo features 180 cars and 11 race tracks (as well as their reversed versions). Two Honda del Sol cars from 1995 were included in the Japanese version, but were removed from the North American and European versions. They can be found in the North American version's code (and are unlockable via a GameShark cheat device). In addition to the hidden del Sols, there is also a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette and a 1998 Mazda Roadster exclusive to the Arcade mode. The Corvette and Roadster can also be accessed via GameShark.
[edit] Music

The game itself had a small selection of songs, including "Lose Control" by Ash; "Chicken On A Bone" (reworked instrumental), "Shade" (instrumental), "Tangerine" (instrumental), and "Sweet 16" by Feeder (PAL version); "As Heaven is Wide" by Garbage; and "Oxyacetalene", "Skeletal", "Autonomy", and "Industry" by Cubanate (North American and PAL versions). The Japanese version, however, used a completely original score. Aside from "Moon Over The Castle", other songs were remixed for Gran Turismo 2 and Gran Turismo 4.
This game is referenced in the Eiffel 65 song "My Console".
[edit] Development
In an interview with Kazunori Yamauchi, development of Gran Turismo started in the second half of 1992. Yamauchi added that at different times, there were only seven to 15 people that helped to develop Gran Turismo.[4] When asked how difficult it was to create Gran Turismo, Yamauchi remarked: "It took five years. In those five years, we could not see the end. I would wake up at work, go to sleep at work. It was getting cold, so I knew it must be winter. I estimate I was home only four days a year".[3] When Gran Turismo was released in Japan Polyphony Digital was still a development group within SCE. The studio was established in April 1998 before the Western release of the game.[5][edit] Reception
The game was praised by critics, including IGN (9.5/10), GameSpot (8.6/10) and the Official Playstation Magazine (5/5). As of April 30, 2008, the game has shipped 2.55 million copies in Japan, 10,000 in Southeast Asia, 4.3 million in Europe, and 3.99 million in North America for a total of 10.85 million copies, in which to this day, remains the best selling video game for the PlayStation and the third highest-selling game in the Gran Turismo franchise behind Gran Turismo 4 and Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec respectively.[1][2] It was also a high seller in Australia selling over 100,000 units in the first two months and with sales exceeding 130,000 as of October 1998.[6] In August 2001, Gran Turismo was voted 21st in the Top 100 Games of All Time poll published by Game Informer Magazine.[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e ""Gran Turismo" Series Software Title List". Polyphony Digital. June 2008. http://www.polyphony.co.jp/english/list.html. Retrieved 2008-12-03.
- ^ a b c "Gran Turismo Series Shipment Exceeds 50 Million Units Worldwide" (Press release). Sony Computer Entertainment. 2008-05-09. http://asia.playstation.com/eng_hk/index.php?q=node/1517. Retrieved 2008-05-29.
- ^ a b Vaughn, Mark (June 3, 2009). "Six questions for the creator of Gran Turismo". AutoWeek Magazine. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090603/CARNEWS/906039991. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
- ^ Takahashi, Dean (2010-01-14). "Gran Turismo’s creator takes a fifth stab at a perfect racing game". GamesBeat. http://venturebeat.com/2010/01/14/gran-turismos-creator-takes-a-fifth-stab-at-a-perfect-racing-game/. Retrieved 2011-01-27.
- ^ "Corporate Profile" (in English). polyphony.co.jp. http://www.polyphony.co.jp/english/index.html. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
- ^ "10 million PAL PlayStations". Official PlayStation Magazine (Australia) (15): 14. October 1998.