I don't get the criticism of the physics c.f. other console games... sure, as in previous GT's, the low speed grip is not modeled correctly, but it's no more dumbed down than previous versions. And the the supposed epitome of console physics, AC, also has parts of it's engine that aren't right. I haven't played Pcars... maybe that is 'perfect'.
The physics hasn't stopped previous versions having a long life span.
Quite agree. No title is perfect, and every single one will have its issues.
They differ in the degree of fidelity they offer, and its then up to the player to pick which one matches the preferences they have.
I have far more of an issue with some of the marketing around this area, and I hold GT as a series to greatest task for this. The Real Driving Simulator is a tag line you could get away with on console 15 odd years ago, but right now its an absurd claim to be making for its current level of fidelity.
However I ave far more ire for those who then take this to a toxic degree of my things better than you thing so you can't be right.
As an example having tried GTS a lot over the last year or so (from Copper box, through beta, to demo to final product), the fidelity balance they have hit on in regard to physics just doesn't do it for me. That doesn't mean that GTS is a poor title, it just means its not for me. It is however for quite a lot of people and I'm 100% cool with that.
However a number of people (and while it does happen with all titles, in my experience the GT series does seem to have far more than its fair share) simply can't accept that and unless GTS (or any other GT title) is unanimous declared the finest sim every they get 'bizarre'.
That for me is far more of an issue around GT as a series than anything I find as an issue in the physics.
I even made a video about it (warning I use rude words)
I mean it would be patently absurd of me to dismiss GTS for any of these issues given that I love Driveclub, and that objectively has a more basic physics engine than GTS (awaits people throwing a tantrum because I mentioned GTS and DC in the same breath).
Which leads me to.....
But even PD have even gone as far as to include training wheels for noobs specifically, Also I don't completely agree about it being no more dumbed down, It's features like the ones you'll see posted below directly from the GT:Sport website that attracts all the casuals who generally will crash more often than not, If I'm going to get an opinion on sim physics I'll refer to
@Scaff and trust his opinion.
http://www.gran-turismo.com/gb/products/gtsport/
Assist Features High level driving assist features for anyone to enjoy
Gran Turismo Sport contains auto driving features that allow you to leave the brake and steering controls to the AI. Even those who are driving cars for the very first time can drive with confidence.
The high level driving assist aids in steering, throttle control, brakes, stability control and more. Each of these can be turned ON or OFF to match the skill level of the player
Those training wheels you mention are ones that exist in reality and are used in reality, and not just on the road.
GT4, GT3 and LMP1 cars all run with either TC and/or ABS systems, and the real world drivers use them.
Senna drove a number of seasons in an F1 car that was laden with driver aids, was he a casual F1 driver?
All of these tools have a place and some of them should make you faster, after all no LMP1 driver would bother with TC if it wasn;t faster overall, as they want to win races.
For my part when I test any car, in any title I run with the aids set to authentic (which is easier in some titles than others), as unless I do I know i'm not going to get a good comparison to the real world car.
I don;t have an issue with GTS having these aids anymore than I do with PC2 or AC having them, nor do I have an issue with people using them. I've used them in GTS and I've won sports races doing so. I make no bones about that.
The issue I actually have with the driver aids it GTS is that they are not particularly good models of the real world ones.