All games considered, the best way I can describe the entire franchise is this.... Flawed, but in one way or another, simply wonderful.
I believe I've used this simile before, but I'll say it again since I think it's relevant. Gran Turismo is like Lancia. They make a lot of mistakes, but then you sit back and take in the bigger picture. You realise that Gran Turismo offers a unique racing experience. A strong dedication to the automobile as an invention and the art of driving. Out on track in your favourite car, wrestling the bends to better your previous lap time, I always turn to Gran Turismo for that sensation.
As for specifics, I haven't got much play time with GT1, because I only bought it a few years ago, but as the genesis of the franchise, I can really appreciate the foundations that they created.
GT2 was my first GT game, which I adore to this day. When I was younger I never played it properly, because back then I didn't understand the concept of saving games. I spent most of my time in Arcade mode. I have gone back to GT2 since to do a proper playthrough on GT mode (I reached the final race and was in the process of preparing the TVR Speed 12), but my PS3's hard drive bit the dust and consequently I lost the save file
I plan to go back soon now my PS3's running a new HDD.
I love GT3, but I haven't progressed that far with it. I was somewhat put off by the lacking car count, but from a nostalgic standpoint, I love it to bits. Even if I just play casually in Arcade mode, it's a blast. Driving the Impreza Rally Car prototype on Smokey Mountain is pure bliss....
GT4 is my personal favourite of the series, both from a nostalgic and a content standpoint. Ironically enough though, it's the GT game I've played the least. I barely touched GT mode, though I do remember having a green Nissan Silvia on one playthrough when I was young. I have a brand new copy of GT4, but never been able to play it because my PS2 slim doesn't run it. I'm planning to buy a fat PS2 just to play GT4 at some point. I just love the overall aesthetic of the game, the menu music, the cars and tracks. In my opinion, it's the closest to perfection I've ever experienced with a racing game.
GT5 was a good game. I'm working towards the Platinum trophy. I've already completed the 24 Hours of Le Mans in B-Spec mode, but the grind for XP now that there's no online seasonal events is the most annoying thing ever.... It's fair to say that the game has become a lot less enjoyable now that I'm heading towards the Platinum, but despite its flaws, it is one of my most treasured games on the PS3. It fundamentally introduced me to the Gran Turismo online community (discounting GT5 Prologue), so naturally, it evokes a lot of good memories.
GT6 was disappointing at first, but now I look back, I realise just how much content it eventually ended up getting. It's impressive to say the least. But alas, the servers for that are being shut down soon, so I'll jump online when I can to give the game an appropriate sendoff, because I think it deserves it.
And now for GT Sport.... Lacking content aside, the core experience is magnificent. However, the one and only aspect which is holding the game back from being truly great is the 'always online'. Never before have I seen a system so idiotic as this. I sincerely hope PD comes to their senses and gets rid of the 'always online' and turns GT Sport into a fully functional game offline. Until that day happens, I can only consider GT Sport to be a good game. Nonetheless, when the game is working, it's simply incredible. I recently got a G29 for Christmas and have been tearing up the Nurburgring in the Evo 10 Group B road car with full manual transmission. The manual shifting is far from forgiving in GT Sport, but it works and it's a great challenge.
I'm passionate about the Gran Turismo franchise overall, but I know that it has many issues which need to be addressed. I'm not going to lie, Polyphony Digital is not in my best books right now since they are shutting down the GT6 servers. I know online servers have to die at some point, but this is way too soon.
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