Is this game worth buying?

[Taking Turns]

I am fighting a battle inside that tells me to buy the game or just save up for the initial GT5. I want to get the PSP version but really don't no what to think. I trust Gran Turismo that they always make a quality game but am not so sure on this due to being on a portable console. I have a few questions that if you would you could answer to help me not make such a hasty decision.

Here is a review of the psp version from Classic Gameroom HD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zSzVa_7uOI

... And part two.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx3LChjHhMM

So far this is all that I know about the game really. Do these videos describe the game well enough?

Here are my questions:

1. Are the Graphics of this game okay? I have seen the graphics on the review. They look nice, but fuzzy and pixalated. Is this due to putting something that belongs a Play Station Portables screen on a computer? Looking at screenshots that take up my computers 14' screen sized down on the psp should *not* be pixalated, right?

2. Are the physics of the game simulation or arcade? This is the psp... I am really stumped on this one. Like I said before I am a realism freak. I need the game to be as real as GT5P or at least GT4 in the physics area or I'm simply not buying it.

3. How are the controls of the game? This is the psp we're talking about here. More buttons than joysticks. Are the controls comfortable enough and do they hinder the enjoyment of the game?

4. 830 Cars! I have heard that these, uhm... "Cars" are mostly clones of the same thing. I.E. There could be a '60 'Vette and two different pacecar models with it and a prototype and more and more fillers just to account for, "more cars". Is this true? Or are the cars more individual and unique. This is more cars than we've ever had on a GT game if I'm not mistaken, so this really exites me and I don't want to get my bubble bursted!

Thank you for not going crazy for anyone who answers all of this. Sorry for being so long. I just want to make sure the game is worth it before buying it. I really feel for having to be so picky, but just for less confusion, can you anser the questions in a quote like manner? Thanks and sorry.

Taking Turns

 

[SportWagon]

1. Graphics are generally fantastic in my opinion. You can even use a "racing line" option which removes the problem of not being able to see where the track goes.

2. Major physics thing I notice is that annoying uncontrollable fishtail on bottoming out. You can tune it out in races, but not in challenges. And controls do make it difficult to do sensitive braking.

3. It's possibly not worth buying a PSP just to play this game. Even though that's what I did. The controls do hinder enjoyment of the game. I basically don't drive powerful cars because, in addition to fighting with them, I need to fight with the controls. Some challenges I'm not sure that manipulating the controls isn't harder than controlling the cars. But I am surprised how secondary learning does kick in and I do subconsciously learn appropriate reactions. Implication here is that the game is definitely worth buying if you already have a PSP.

4. However, with *two* PSPs it's absurdly easy to get multiple colours of all 830 cars. But a lot are alike. And tuning is limited. (No gear ratios, for instance). And there's no race mod. Somehow the cars don't feel as special as they did in previous games. There's no prize cars either. Lots of silly little Keis and other non-performance cars, too.

 

[pl-destroy]

Here are my questions:

1. Are the Graphics of this game okay?

2. Are the physics of the game simulation or arcade?

3. How are the controls of the game? Are the controls comfortable enough and do they hinder the enjoyment of the game?

4. 830 Cars!

1. Best racer graphics of any PSP game I've played to date, so yes they are plenty ok. I think they are excellent.

2. I'd say it's as simulation as you can get on the limited control platform of the PSP. I was very surprised at how well the game communicates to you the different handling of each car.

3. Again, as good as they can be for the platform. Some cars work better with the D pad, others need quicker steering from using the nub. Best world I hear is to use a DualShock 3 controller from PS3. Don't expect a larger console fineness of control on the PSP alone.

4. From just playing Forza3 a month ago, I am very please with the different and amount of cars on PSP. Forza3 seems empty and lacking variety in comparison.

Aside, I'm shocked this game does not have a demo. Many more sales would come from a demo IMO.

 

[WesWelker83]

absolutely worth buying even if you've never gotten into any other Gran Turismo games, but if you have been into even one GT game at one point, you'll love this. Even though you can't modify your cars parts (besides tires), you can adjust the suspension settings as well as the usual TCS and ASM settings plus driving physics & active steering so you can tune your car to handle how you want to. one of the best things about it is the new cars. I miss a few but what stands out is the 09 Corvette ZR1, the Nissan GTR (awesome car), the Enzo Ferrari, Ferrari F2007 (F1 car, fastest in the game, most expensive too), Lamborghini countach, and my absolute favorite, the Bugatti Veyron. Also a really great part about there not being a career mode is the fact that you only have to buy cars you want. No more of that needing a car shorter than 4000mm to enter races. You may think you'll run of things to do with an open ended game like that but you definetly don't with 800 cars, a bunch of driving missions, and about 300 driving levels to achieve in the 60 courses (including reverse layouts) in race mode, plus you Drift to make money too. I'm addicted to it. Oh and plus when GT5 comes out you get to transfer your car collection from GT PSP to GT5

 

[Taking Turns]

I think I'm convinced!

I forgot one more ? though.

5. Is there too much going on in the screen?

 

[Cocomoto]

Yes, it worth. I just bought a PSP 3000 (sold mounths ago my PSP 2000) to play this game, and i really like it. The physics in simulation, at least to me, seems better than in GT4, not so much understeer and a good amount of oversteer. The controls, especialy in the throthle aren't so good with powerfull cars, but i can control a Enzo with R tyres without major problems (but the Toyota's race car of 70's is really a problem to me, is the only one for now that i have to race with TCS set at 1).

 

[tdunster]

With the manual gearbox and using tyres like what the cars would have used in real life this game is amazing. Cars all have their own unique traits and playing this game you cannot help but feel you are actually learning how to drive the real car (all be it without a wheel et al).

I migrated from PC games such as GTR, GT Legends, and GP Legends and I rarely if ever feel the need to get the steering wheel out and play them anymore.

I have Forza 2 on my Xbox 360 but to me it's an arcade racer where there is little if any difference between cars.

So in a nutshell the driving model / physics in the game are brilliant and in my opinion GT-PSP finds the perfect balance between fun and simulation that the competition (if there is any competition) rarely approach let alone achieve.

 

[Raagentreg]

Long story short

1. Yes, they are slightly less good than the GT4 graphics

2. Physics are THE SAME as GT4, so rally is still ****

3.Well if you change the change up/down a gear to the L/R buttons instead of the d-pad up/down buttons then its fine, the same as GT4 or GT5P, etc...

4. Her's the near complete list - http://eu.gran-turismo.com/gb/news/d10615.html
So Yes 830 cars WITHOUT the Special edition ones

5. 4 Cars total on the racetrack (and rally stage) - i don't call that too much

On a side note get the collectors edition - it gets you a 'vette ZR-1 '09 and a Veyron, and some veyron postcards it may be a bit more pricey (2&#8364 but worth it

And this isn't confirmed but highly likely, you will be able to share/trade cars with GT5 , thats why i got it - and if I'm wrong - **** I *****ed that up din't I?

 

[Fredzy]

Eh it's not very expensive, just get it. Driving is really fun, sounds are good and progress goes toward GT5. Make sure you have decent headphones.

 

[GTCr@zyPSP]

1. Best PSP Racing game Yet. Graphics are quite impressive, GT4 Compressed onto a PSP.

2. Dynamics are Better then GT4 (They are NOT the same, they are IMPROVED). With enough assists to make it arcade for the few who need it, while all assists of gives a Great Sim feel to it.

3. While there are limitations due to the controls of the PSP, the characteristics of cars are relayed through the PSP quite well.

I would suggest this as a MUST have for any racing fan with a PSP.

& if for no other reason, What other game is This


Bada$s...

 

[Tornado]

1. Are the Graphics of this game okay? I have seen the graphics on the review. They look nice, but fuzzy and pixalated. Is this due to putting something that belongs a Play Station Portables screen on a computer? Looking at screenshots that take up my computers 14' screen sized down on the psp should *not* be pixalated, right?

They are pretty good. Maybe not the absolute pinnacle of what the PSP can do (I have played racing games that seemed more technically impressive to me), and there is a bit of fuzziness in them, but they are for the most part sharp.

2. Are the physics of the game simulation or arcade? This is the psp... I am really stumped on this one. Like I said before I am a realism freak. I need the game to be as real as GT5P or at least GT4 in the physics area or I'm simply not buying it.

The physics are pretty good. In any case, I'd say that they are much better than those in GT4.

3. How are the controls of the game? This is the psp we're talking about here. More buttons than joysticks. Are the controls comfortable enough and do they hinder the enjoyment of the game?

The controls are comfortable enough, once you get used to the lack of analog throttle. I personally find the PSP analog nub to be useless in all but a few circumstances, and this wasn't one of those; so I used the D-Pad and things went pretty fine. Lack of feedback can be a problem at first, but you get used to it after a while.

4. 830 Cars! I have heard that these, uhm... "Cars" are mostly clones of the same thing. I.E. There could be a '60 'Vette and two different pacecar models with it and a prototype and more and more fillers just to account for, "more cars". Is this true? Or are the cars more individual and unique. This is more cars than we've ever had on a GT game if I'm not mistaken, so this really exites me and I don't want to get my bubble bursted!

This is kinda true and kinda not. Think of the car selection as GT4 + some blatant clones (for example, it has the Lexus SC430, and the European Lexus SC430. Similarly, it has the Renault Clio and the Japanese Renault Clio.) + some extras added on.

 

[GTCr@zyPSP]

I have played racing games that seemed more technically impressive to me

Are they on the PSP?

If so what are they?

 

[WesWelker83]

With the manual gearbox and using tyres like what the cars would have used in real life this game is amazing. Cars all have their own unique traits and playing this game you cannot help but feel you are actually learning how to drive the real car (all be it without a wheel et al).

I migrated from PC games such as GTR, GT Legends, and GP Legends and I rarely if ever feel the need to get the steering wheel out and play them anymore.

I have Forza 2 on my Xbox 360 but to me it's an arcade racer where there is little if any difference between cars.

So in a nutshell the driving model / physics in the game are brilliant and in my opinion GT-PSP finds the perfect balance between fun and simulation that the competition (if there is any competition) rarely approach let alone achieve.

I agree. the physics are impressive. I think even more so than GT4. I love using steering wheels but thanks to this game I can use controllers too (I got to used to my wheel). I agree about Forza. Great game but compared to Gran Turismo anything it's more arcade than simulation. Forza 3 has a pretty nice car list though. Definetly alotta fun driving in the cockpit of the lambo reventon

 

[Tornado]

Are they on the PSP?

If so what are they?

Yes, they are. Stuff like Sega Rally Revo (in particular), Juiced 2 and Midnight Club LA Remix seem more technically impressive to me than GTPSP does. I'll give it credit for running at 60FPS, and the models are pretty impressive; but the game suffers (to a lesser extent, admittedly) from the same muddy texture problem that earlier PSP games like Ridge Racers had.

 

[GTCr@zyPSP]

Yes, they are. Stuff like Sega Rally Revo (in particular), Juiced 2 and Midnight Club LA Remix seem more technically impressive to me than GTPSP does. I'll give it credit for running at 60FPS, and the models are pretty impressive; but the game suffers (to a lesser extent, admittedly) from the same muddy texture problem that earlier PSP games like Ridge Racers had.

That's cool.

I don't see it the same way. Your entitled to your opinion & that's cool with me.

Cherio 👍

 

[TheDabbinDave]

Can a DS3 (PS3 controller) be used with a PSP-3000 or just a PSP-GO? I don't have either yet, I'd like to get a GO, but it takes a hit in screen size, which is pretty sad IMO.

I'm renting GT-PSP, should be here on Monday, to play on my daughter's PSP-3000. If I like the game I'll get either the GT PSP bundle or a GO.

What's the Collector's Edition? I don't see it on Amazon.

 

[Tornado]

You can use the DS3 on a Go, but you have to pair it by running both through a PS3.

 

[tdunster]

Yes, they are. Stuff like Sega Rally Revo (in particular), Juiced 2 and Midnight Club LA Remix seem more technically impressive to me than GTPSP does. I'll give it credit for running at 60FPS, and the models are pretty impressive; but the game suffers (to a lesser extent, admittedly) from the same muddy texture problem that earlier PSP games like Ridge Racers had.

What do you find technically impressive about Sega Rally Revo, Juiced 2, and Midnight Club LA Remix? Perhaps I need to give them a second chance?

I have noticed the texture issue you mentioned while I have been watching my replays.

However, when I have the ENZO flat to the boards going around the Nürburgring I'm more concerned with hitting walls or getting a tyre on the grass.

 

[NLxAROSA]

but the game suffers (to a lesser extent, admittedly) from the same muddy texture problem that earlier PSP games like Ridge Racers had.

It is indeed very easy to spot where they cut corners in order to fit all of GTPSP's content in 1GB.

 

[Boffin]

Heres my take - when I frist played GTPSP, I was knocked down as to how they managed to make it feel Granturismo-like - even with less buttons.

I was impressed. Dunno about everyone else, but I'm having good fun with it.

 

[Mad94d]

Heres my take - when I frist played GTPSP, I was knocked down as to how they managed to make it feel Granturismo-like - even with less buttons.

I was impressed. Dunno about everyone else, but I'm having good fun with it.

Exactly the same thought. After playing many car games on PSP, in my opinion, most of them are rubbish. The buttons on the PSP made it seem unrealistic, but the GT PSP game is really good, they've done a really good job to make the physics suit the PSP. I really enjoy it. 👍

 

[GTCr@zyPSP]

Grafix

When compared to every other PSP racing game side by side, GT Blows away the competition. ALL of them.

I would like to see a side by side shot of any other game that even comes close.

Physics

Again GT trumps every other PSP racer, making All but 1 seem completely arcade (Toca) GT is Better in every way.


Toca is still not as on point as GT's physics and Toca falls short Visually as well, but its the next best thing to GT.

 

[Cobalt600]

I personally love GT-psp and I agree with everyone else it definatly captures the spirit of gt. Makes many of my train journeys enjoyable for that alone its a worthwhile buy and for the price of it whats stopping you!!!!

 

[Tornado]

What do you find technically impressive about Sega Rally Revo, Juiced 2, and Midnight Club LA Remix? Perhaps I need to give them a second chance?

Sega Rally Revo has models of similar quality to GT:M (maybe a tad less detailed), but the textures themselves are still top notch. The game also has insane particle effects; and the track deformation/car cleanliness, while not as thorough as in the PS360 version, is still present. The only real problem with the game graphically is a bit of graininess (similar to what GT:M has, but not as bad) and rather poor looking wheels.

Juiced 2 has car models that are slightly less detailed than those of GT:M, but it has textures that are far and away more detailed and sharper. The game also completely lacks any of the graininess that GT:M has, and the wheels on the cars are also fairly well detailed. The only problem with this game is the occasional framerate hiccup.

Midnight Club LA Remix has great models and sharp (though rather bland) textures. The wheel detail looks pretty fantastic, and for the most part the game doesn't really have any aliasing. The game suffers from some slight framerate problems, and it has a crappy lighting model, but other than that it is very good looking.

I could post screens if anyone really wants them.

 

[GTCr@zyPSP]

Sega Rally Revo has models of similar quality to GT:M (maybe a tad less detailed), but the textures themselves are still top notch. The game also has insane particle effects; and the track deformation/car cleanliness, while not as thorough as in the PS360 version, is still present. The only real problem with the game graphically is a bit of graininess (similar to what GT:M has, but not as bad) and rather poor looking wheels.

Juiced 2 has car models that are slightly less detailed than those of GT:M, but it has textures that are far and away more detailed and sharper. The game also completely lacks any of the graininess that GT:M has, and the wheels on the cars are also fairly well detailed. The only problem with this game is the occasional framerate hiccup.

Midnight Club LA Remix has great models and sharp (though rather bland) textures. The wheel detail looks pretty fantastic, and for the most part the game doesn't really have any aliasing. The game suffers from some slight framerate problems, and it has a crappy lighting model, but other than that it is very good looking.

I could post screens if anyone really wants them.

I would love to see some, because looking at the games on my PSP (Right now) they look almost horrible in comparison.

Ill throw some up to for more to compare with.

I thought they looked better, but when you see them side by side GT just takes the Win every time.

Sega Rally Revo looks more like GT1 on PS1 but with the cars getting dirty. It has horrible physics it terms of realism, but FUN for a while to play with. The cars look cartoonish, and the physics are a joke. It's literally pretty much the same as The old school arcade Sega Rally game from when I was a kid.

Juiced2 the cars body panels disappear, especially during replays on light color cars, The unstable graphics are what have keep me from playing it all the way through, it is still not a technically impressive game being so unstable. The game as a whole is also less detailed and less refined as GT. I do give it credit for diversity as the game has allot of inner features you don't see in other games, but they get old and dry up real quick, so I don't feel they really "add" to the game.

MidnightClub LA Remix is a very fun game to play through, but the game lacks quite a bit in car quality (quantity of the world doesn't equal a quality racer) While the world is loaded with a great environment (considering) but with low quality unrealistic cars. The cars are also very moddable, but low detail. The Dynamics in this game are the worst of all three in comparison to GT, as GT is striving to relate how the cars drive and feel, LA Remix is FWD cars drifting through every corner, & smashing through traffic, not all that different from the other MidnightClub game. LA Remix having LESS then the previous titles kinda doesn't make it all that technically impressive. The replays also SUCK, the camera angles are horrible & make the replays just plain lame.

 

[LeGeNd-1]

1. Are the Graphics of this game okay? I have seen the graphics on the review. They look nice, but fuzzy and pixalated. Is this due to putting something that belongs a Play Station Portables screen on a computer? Looking at screenshots that take up my computers 14' screen sized down on the psp should *not* be pixalated, right?

Graphics are great. It's supposed to be equivalent to GT4, but I can't confirm this as I never played GT4 extensively myself. Just don't expect GT5P's level of graphics and you'll be satisfied. Gameplay is also solid, everything is smooth and there is no slowdowns. The review vids don't do it justice; this game looks much better in person. Also, screenshots from this game look very bad because it has no AA, but when running it has AA (check GTP's News page, there's a section from a few months ago that explains this).

2. Are the physics of the game simulation or arcade? This is the psp... I am really stumped on this one. Like I said before I am a realism freak. I need the game to be as real as GT5P or at least GT4 in the physics area or I'm simply not buying it.

The physics are as 'sim' as it can get on the PSP. Any more sim and the gameplay will suffer as you only have digital inputs to control the cars. Heck, as it is, some cars are almost undrivable without aids. It's definitely a step up from GT4, and I'm willing to say it's also closer to GT5TTD's physics than GT5P's, although there are aids working under the hood to keep it playable.

GTPSP might have a lot of drawbacks, but to me the physics model is really what makes this game a must-buy. PD really nailed the balance between realism and playability on this one 👍.

3. How are the controls of the game? This is the psp we're talking about here. More buttons than joysticks. Are the controls comfortable enough and do they hinder the enjoyment of the game?

Controls are fine. If you started with either GT1/2, you should have no trouble readjusting with the digital buttons. If you didn't, it'll just take a few days of learning and you'll be fine. The analog nub is useless except for quick direction changes (drifting or very tight hairpins), so stick with the d-pad. If you have big hands the controls might feel a bit cramped though, and your fingers might ache after some time, but it won't detract from the experience.

4. 830 Cars! I have heard that these, uhm... "Cars" are mostly clones of the same thing. I.E. There could be a '60 'Vette and two different pacecar models with it and a prototype and more and more fillers just to account for, "more cars". Is this true? Or are the cars more individual and unique. This is more cars than we've ever had on a GT game if I'm not mistaken, so this really exites me and I don't want to get my bubble bursted!

Yes, what you heard is right. There are a lot of clones and fillers (cue 50 Skylines joke). There is also only 2 Ferraris and 2 Lamborghinis. Like others have posted before me, exact same models are duplicated just to account for their name differences in different countries . While this is undeniably a blatant rip-off from PD, there are still a lot of unique cars in the game. Definitely more than enough to keep you from getting bored.

5. Is there too much going on in the screen?

I don't know if you're asking about the screen when driving or the menu screens, so I'll answer both: no and no. When driving, you get the usual important infos like position/lap counter, best lap, last lap, etc. But these are tucked away in the corners. The speedometer and tachometer (along with gear indicator and turbo gauge) are neatly placed on the horizontal 'dashboard' at the bottom so they don't obstruct your view. It's only when the sector splits come up that it gets a bit cluttered, but this is a rare occassion so it's not a big problem. The menu screeens are the usual GT stuff. Slick with no excess. I do think it's a bit cartoony (the main menu icons especially), but it's fine overall.

Final words: if you like the 'essence' GT, if you like driving and collecting cars, get this game. If you like good-looking racing games with in-depth career mode, do not get this game and wait for GT5.

 

[Tornado]

Just a minor point, because I'm still getting screens together, but:

Juiced2 the cars body panels disappear, especially during replays on light color cars, The unstable graphics are what have keep me from playing it all the way through, it is still not a technically impressive game being so unstable.

GT:M has tons of graphical corruption. Play in cockpit view, for example, and you regularly see large swaths of trackside disappear before you actually get by it.

 

[Shadow Wulf 2k]

Should you get GTSP? If you're a Gran Turismo fan and own a PSP, then the answer is a most definate YES!!!

I can do a lap of the Nurburgring while on the john. What's not to love? 👍

 

[drivatar]

If you compare graphics don't forget: GT PSP runs at 60fps when almost all other racing games only aim for 30fps.
Ridge Racer is another 60fps title on PSP.

 

[tdunster]

If I want to see what the PSP is capable of with respect to SFX and graphics I will play God of War.

If I want to play a car racing game that closely resembles what those cars would behave like in the real-world I play GT-PSP.

If people like a mix of driving and SFX without too much concern for realism then NFS, Sega Rally, Ridge Racer, Outrun, and Juiced will probably be more enjoyable for them.

So it's horses for courses I guess. Anyone that loved games like GTL, GPL or Grand Turismo on other platforms should by definition buy GT-PSP for their PSP because it's about as close as you can get to a driving sim on a portable.