We really like the game, but its still early days. To be fair, the campaign which has come under so much scrutiny does seem somewhat meatier than its been given credit for but obviously it lacks that rags-to-riches progression that has been a part of Gran Turismos DNA for decades now. The track selection seems lacking in real-life locations and there are many notable omissions in the vehicle roster but Polyphony Digital has pledged ongoing support for the title.
The package shines in other areas: the online racing format may be ripped wholesale from iRacing, but it works very well. Bizarrely, theres a real sense of occasion each time you qualify for an event and take to the grid, and our experience of the multiplayer thus far has been buttery smooth. Whats most impressive is how courteous people are: you can play bumper cars, but youre going to kill your etiquette rank and ultimately get matched with other idiots long-term.
Instead, theres a strange kind of buzz when youre jostling for lowly positions such as eighth, bumper-to-bumper with a Frenchman. Take him cleanly in the final corner and, even though you wont be picking up a podium place, theres an unusual ecstasy associated with these very personal battles that few other racers manage to replicate. Gran Turismos slogan, the real driving simulator, has always suggested that its perhaps weak in the racing department but with real consequence and human intelligence, the online focus here brings a very agreeable competitive flavour to the franchise for the first time.