Gran Turismo 6 offers a grand racing experience

SINGAPORE — Sony launched Gran Turismo 6 for the PlayStation 3 just weeks before the PlayStation 4 goes on sale in Singapore. With gamers all across the island looking forward to the next-generation console, can the latest installment of Sony’s exclusive racing series show that there is life yet in the ageing PS3? The answer is a resounding yes.

The main selling point of GT6 is that it is a racing simulation games that focuses on racing. The cars handle exceptionally well and responsive steering coupled with an accurate weight distribution system also makes the racing realistic, but not too difficult. As a result you can switch off assists such as dynamic racing lines, traction control and auto-braking and still overtake at high-speed corners without worrying too much about crashing into the barriers.

Users can expect loading times of up to a minute on the PS3 but the wait is worth it once the race starts. The game delivers 60 frames per second at 1080p resolution and that makes flying down straights and crashing into rivals very pleasant to look at. Day to night transitions and wet weather racing also look spectacular and I could not help but marvel at the environments after establishing a healthy lead over my racing rivals.

Gamers will also be glad to know that they can choose from 1,207 cars ranging from Japanese hatchbacks to European supercars. I would recommend beginners to stick to Audis, Porsches and Japanese cars — which are easier to handle — in the beginning before moving on to the more temperamental Ferraris and Lamborghinis in the later stages of the game.

But one serious problem every Gran Turismo game has is the lack of proper damage modelling, and GT6 is no different. You have almost superhuman-like invulnerability and it is very easy to win races by bumping your opponents off the track during every corner.

The AI is also not very intelligent. They make also no effort to overtake you and often go off track during sharp turns. And unlike most modern racers, there is no rewind button, but you do not really need it.

Gran Turismo 6 delivers one of the most expansive, beautiful and enjoyable racing simulations the gaming world has ever seen thanks to its vast array of cars, great graphics and reworked racing engine. If the AI was smarter and the damage modelling more accurate, this would have been the perfect racing game.

Verdict: 4/5

Rating:

Platfor: PlayStation 3 (S$79.90)