Gran Turismo (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Gran Turismo


caption = North American cover
platforms = PlayStation
developer = Polyphony Digital
publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment
series = "Gran Turismo"
released = vgrelease|JP=December 23, 1997cite web |url=http://www.polyphony.co.jp/english/list.html |title="Gran Turismo" Series Software Title List |date=April 2008 |accessdate=2008-05-29 |publisher=Polyphony Digital] cite press release |url=http://asia.playstation.com/eng_hk/index.php?q=node/1517 |title=Gran Turismo Series Shipment Exceeds 50 Million Units Worldwide |date=2008-05-09 |accessdate=2008-05-29 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment] |EU=May 81998|NA=May 12, 1998
engine = Custom
modes = Single-player and limited double
genre = Racing game
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Everyone
media = CD-ROM
input = Dual Analog

"Gran Turismo" (commonly abbreviated to "GT" or "GT1") is a racing game 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. It was well-received publicly and critically, shipping a total of 10.85 million copies worldwide as of April 30 2008, 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.

Gameplay

"Gran Turismo" is fundamentally based on the racing game genre. The player must maneuver an automobile to compete against artificially intelligent drivers on various race tracks. The game uses two different modes: arcade and simulation. 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. Money earned by winning championships can be used to purchase additional vehicles, and for parts and tuning of all vehicles.

"Gran Turismo" features 178 cars and 11 race tracks.

Audio

The opening song for the US and European versions is a Chemical Brothers remix of the Manic Street Preachers song "Everything Must Go".

The game itself had a somewhat limited selection of songs. These include 'Lose Control' by Ash From the album "1977", 4 songs from the "Swim" era of Feeder (Chicken On A Bone Reworked instrumental, Shade Instrumental, Tangerine Instrumental, Sweet 16), 'As Heaven is Wide' by Garbage, 'Oxyacetalene', 'Skeletal', 'Autonomy', and 'Industry' by Cubanate.The opening song for the Japanese version is Moon Over The Castle; this song was in all of the Japanese versions of Gran Turismo.

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. Gran Turismo currently holds the record for the number one best selling game for the PlayStationcite press release |url=http://asia.playstation.com/eng_hk/index.php?q=node/1517 |title=Gran Turismo Series Shipment Exceeds 50 Million Units Worldwide |date=2008-05-09 |accessdate=2008-05-12 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment] cite web |url=http://www.polyphony.co.jp/english/list.html |title="Gran Turismo" Series Software Title List |date=April 2008 |accessdate=2008-05-29 |publisher=Polyphony Digital] .

References

External links

* [http://www.us.playstation.com/granturismo/products_gt1_home.asp "Gran Turismo" official site]
* [http://www.gamespot.com/features/6148640/index.html The Greatest Games of All Time: "Gran Turismo"] , GameSpot
*moby game|id=/gran-turismo
* [http://www.teenagewildlife.com/music/st/TSOGT/Title.html Official soundtrack]
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