Hey everyone! So, I finally took the plunge and dove headfirst into the world of Gran Turismo 7 on my PS5. I know, I know, I'm a little late to the party, but hey, better late than never, right? This is my very first experience with the Gran Turismo franchise, and honestly, I was a little intimidated at first. I'd heard whispers of its hardcore simulation focus, the meticulous car tuning, and the sheer depth of content. But I'm also a huge racing game fan, and I've always been drawn to the realism and beauty of the Gran Turismo series, so I decided to give it a shot. And let me tell you, Gran Turismo 7 has been a wild ride!

Diving into the World of Gran Turismo 7: First Impressions

Right from the start, Gran Turismo 7 impressed me with its stunning visuals. I mean, the PS5 is a powerhouse, and the game puts it to good use. The cars look absolutely gorgeous, from the sleek lines of the supercars to the classic curves of vintage models. The attention to detail is insane; you can practically see the individual threads in the seats and the reflections on the polished paint. The tracks are equally impressive, with lush environments and realistic weather effects that really immerse you in the experience. I found myself just cruising around in photo mode, admiring the scenery and the cars – a testament to the game's visual fidelity. It's safe to say that Gran Turismo 7 is a feast for the eyes.

But it's not just about the looks, guys. Gran Turismo 7 is also about the feel. The driving physics are incredibly realistic, which was a bit of a shock to my system at first. As a casual racer, I'm used to arcade-style handling, where you can drift around corners and get away with a lot. In Gran Turismo 7, you really have to learn how to drive properly. You need to understand weight transfer, tire grip, and braking points. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but once I did, it was incredibly rewarding. The feeling of nailing a perfect lap, or overtaking another car with precision, is unlike anything I've experienced in other racing games. The game forces you to learn and adapt, which is a key component to fully enjoying the game. The more you play, the better you get and the more exciting the gameplay becomes. Believe me, the game constantly challenges you to become a better driver and offers many ways to experience the game.

Navigating the game's menus and interface can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially for a newcomer. There's a lot of information to take in, from car specs and tuning options to race events and online multiplayer. But the game does a good job of guiding you through the initial stages. The Gran Turismo 7 has a really nice tutorial section. It helps you get familiar with the game's various modes and features. Once you get the hang of it, the menus become easier to navigate. There are a lot of options and choices available in Gran Turismo 7. I found myself spending a lot of time just exploring the different modes and features, learning how to tune my cars, and trying out different race events. It is a very versatile game with something to offer everyone.

The Campaign Mode: A Journey Through Automotive History

The campaign mode in Gran Turismo 7 is where you'll spend most of your time initially. It's a comprehensive experience that guides you through the basics of driving, car collecting, and racing. The campaign is structured around a central hub, the Gran Turismo World Map, which acts as your base of operations. From here, you can access various locations and activities, including the Gran Turismo Cafe, the Used Car dealership, the Brand Central, and the tuning shop. The campaign mode is not only fun, but it is also educational. It provides you with a history lesson and teaches you about the history of cars.

One of the coolest features of the campaign mode is the Cafe, where you complete menu books by completing races and collecting specific cars. The menu books give you a good reason to try different events and explore the game's car collection. As you progress, you'll earn credits, which you can use to purchase new cars, upgrade your existing ones, and participate in more challenging events. The campaign mode is a great way to experience the variety of cars available. It also allows you to enjoy the various race types, and learn how to master each one.

Another highlight of the campaign mode is the License Tests. These tests are designed to teach you the fundamentals of driving, such as braking, cornering, and acceleration. They start off easy, but quickly become very challenging, which forces you to refine your driving skills. Passing each test is a satisfying experience and a true accomplishment. The tests help you improve your skills, and make you more competitive in races. Completing the license tests also unlocks new content and opportunities within the game.

Car Collection and Customization: A Gearhead's Paradise

Gran Turismo 7 is, at its heart, a car collector's dream. The game boasts an impressive roster of over 400 cars from various manufacturers and eras. From classic vintage models to modern supercars and everything in between, there's a car for every taste and preference. You can purchase cars from the Brand Central, the Used Car dealership, or win them as rewards from completing races and challenges. Collecting cars is a major part of the game's appeal, and it's always exciting to see what new models you can add to your garage.

But it's not just about collecting cars; it's also about customizing them. Gran Turismo 7 offers a wide range of customization options, from performance upgrades to cosmetic modifications. You can tune your car's engine, suspension, brakes, and tires to improve its performance on the track. You can also change the car's appearance by adding different wheels, spoilers, and liveries. The customization options allow you to personalize your cars and create a unique driving experience. It also allows you to create your own signature car that you can use in races. Experimenting with different setups and seeing how they affect your car's handling is a fun and rewarding process.

The game also has an extensive photo mode, which lets you take stunning photos of your cars in various locations. This is a great way to show off your collection and share your creations with others. You can adjust the camera angles, lighting, and filters to create the perfect shot. You can also share your photos online, and admire the creations of other players. If you are into photography, Gran Turismo 7 is a must-try.

Online Multiplayer: Racing Against the World

Of course, no racing game is complete without a robust online multiplayer mode. Gran Turismo 7 offers a variety of online racing events, including daily races, sport mode events, and custom races. The online multiplayer is where you can truly test your skills against other players from around the world. The daily races are a great way to get some quick action and earn rewards. The sport mode events are more competitive and offer a more structured racing experience. You can also create custom races and invite your friends to join you. The game offers different ways to enjoy the online multiplayer mode.

One of the most appealing aspects of the online multiplayer mode is the matchmaking system. The system matches you with players of similar skill levels, which ensures fair and competitive races. It also promotes sportsmanship by penalizing players who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior. The online multiplayer mode is a fun way to connect with other players and show off your driving skills. The races can be very intense, but that is part of the fun. The experience will definitely enhance your enjoyment of the game.

My Overall Impression: Is Gran Turismo 7 Worth It?

So, after spending a good amount of time with Gran Turismo 7, what do I think? Well, let me just say, I'm hooked. Despite my initial reservations, I've fallen in love with this game. The graphics are stunning, the driving physics are realistic, and the content is seemingly endless. It's a game that rewards patience and skill, and it's incredibly satisfying to improve your driving abilities and master the tracks. The game also provides a fantastic driving experience.

Of course, Gran Turismo 7 isn't perfect. The menus can be a little overwhelming, and the initial learning curve can be steep for newcomers. Some of the loading times can be a bit long, and the game's economy can sometimes feel a bit grindy. However, these are minor gripes that are easily overshadowed by the game's overall quality and depth. Despite the minor drawbacks, I am certain you will enjoy the game.

Overall, Gran Turismo 7 is an amazing racing game that's well worth the investment. It's a must-have for any racing game fan, and even if you're a casual gamer like me, you'll find a lot to love. The game offers hours of entertainment and a truly immersive driving experience. It's a game that will keep you coming back for more. So, if you're on the fence about picking it up, do yourself a favor and take the plunge. You won't regret it. I give Gran Turismo 7 a solid 9 out of 10. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some racing to do!

I hope this review gives you some insight into my initial experience with Gran Turismo 7. I plan to dive deeper into the game. I want to explore more cars, tracks, and features. I'll provide more updates on my journey in future articles. Let me know what you think in the comments below! What are your favorite cars and tracks? What tips would you offer a beginner like me? Until next time, happy racing, guys!