As promised, I post my detailed impressions.
I apologize in advance, if I make mistakes.
inally ! Finally, I played Gran Turismo Sport at Gamescom.
I drive on 4 different tracks: Tokyo Expressway, Northern Isle Speedway and the new rally circuit, Fishermans Ranch. And of course, Nurburgring Nordschleife, a major track for those who are passionate about racing.
I played with a T300rs. Having a T500RS, I’m on familiar ground.
Here is my opinion, point by point.
Physic.
First, suspensions and weight transfer are much more noticeable, especially in the corners, which makes cars, more lively, more natural in process.
It’s clear that the step forward is big ! But I haven’t finished yet.
At low speeds, the car’s performance is more realistic. Indeed, the grip is less present. Now, we can more easily spin out if we aren’t careful on the throttle. The tires stick less to the road, the braking control is more delicate, in short, everything is right.
"The Real Driving Simulator" has disappeared from box but Gran Turismo have never simulated as well.
A new level has been reached.
On dirt, driving is pleasant. It’s not at Dirt Rally’s level but sufficient to have fun. I just wonder how PoDi will integrate this track in GT Sport. It will be very interesting.
Ah, I played as usual : only ABS is activated.
Well, it's shame that collisions are identical than GT6.
Graphics.
Absolutely gorgeous. Again, PoDi pose a new standard.
On lighting, PoDi remain the masters, they live on another planet. Also, colors are natural and textures are detailed. I didn’t notice framerate drops.
However, there are still some minor technical issues as flickering on barriers, specialy on Nurburgring but it will probably be corrected before release.
Regarding cars, they are modeled perfectly. Just look at the pictures of scape mode to be convinced. In Gran Turismo 6, they were already impressive but now difference is clear. They are really crazy, at PoDi!
And, I find that VGTs integrate very well with real cars.
But really, GT Sport is the best looking racing game, in total.
Tracks.
I didn’t like the oval track because it’s flat. A boring track. Must say that oval tracks are rarely memorable. I'm not sure we will have fun with this, at least in solo.
However, I loved the other 3 tracks !
Nurburgring feels really “green”, liviely with more spectators and track marshals. This tracks seems to have been modeled again because I find it more dangerous than GT6 version.
You should know that we could choose the time day between 3.00pm and 8.00pm. Of course, I chose 8.00pm and of course, it rocks.
About Tokyo Expressway.
I already liked this track on Youtube. But in real life, it’s better! This track is real favourite for me.
At first, I told myself that PoDi can add spectators but finally, after several laps, it's just fine. The atmosphere change completely, you really feel around Tokyo.
I enjoyed the first sector which has a different surface, tunnel and the sector 3 with winding turns. In short, I loved it. I will use this circuit much, for sure.
Finally, the new Rally track. Very nice track, it reminds me Tahiti Maze in its atmosphere. It”s not too short or too long, to give you an idea, a lap takes between 3 and 3 minutes 30.
I had heard criticism that GT Sport haven’t real special.
On the contrary, I approve that PoDi continues to create a closed, fantasy track as they do from GT1. I think it adds fun and there are so many rally games, today, a little change is good.
AI.
Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful surprises.
Of course, I played in professional mode.
They are much more competitive. To be honest, I have struggled to win. It’s less easy to catch up competitors or create a good gap. In addition, several times a opponent passed me. And that's not all, I was very surprised to see them fight for their position. Many times, they “blocked” me. They didn”t allow me enough space to overtake.
In rallying, it was worse. Those who played at GT6, know how easy it was to win on dirt. There, I finished 2nd...
I was very disappointed not to be able to take photos or videos because I would have liked you see it. I hope that those who played at Gamescom or will play next build will notice this improvement because it was amazing.
In any case, the difficulty level is very good to relax between 2 online races.
Sounds.
Finally. Finally, they improved sound. Could be better, especially in the mechanical sound effects where some aren’t well pronounced but the engines sound much more natural. Not perfect, but clearly there is a change.
HUD.
PoDi changed design of HUD. they reduce counters, put tires indication, add track overview at the corner of screen and etc. But I think it's a too busy in my opinion.
I hope we can removed some things like we used to do in GT6. For example, ranking. I usually remove it from previous episodes but also because it’s yellow. That bothers me.
Otherwise, I would like mention trajectory line. When I played, there was not the famous blue and red lines. But there was green icons. Icons, which are placed on various points of reference.
Great idea from PoDi because not only it’s discrete but it’s also more accurate, much more than line that were often slow.
For cons, I haven’t seen overtaking indicators. For those who have played GT6, there was a small arrow to signal you a car next to you. There, nothing. I hope PoDi will re-use this system. Because it was very useful for me.
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Replays, still top. PoDi always offers us the best shots. If GT Sport Live works as expected, it will be difficult to watch races on TV.
So, I’m really really happy. It's very promising.
3 months ... .. The wait will be difficult.
but i wanted better wheel support and clutch. It will be the best fun in the world.
