In the late 1990s, racing games were mostly about pure speed, entertainment, and sometimes a few stunt maneuvers. However, with the release of Gran Turismo, everything changed. It was not just another racing game but a complete experience that redefined car games forever. It revolutionized the world of racing games by giving players the chance to sit behind a digital steering wheel with physics and car performance that closely mimicked reality like never before. The adventure starts with a simple and realistic premise—you are not a racing star from the beginning, and there are no supercars waiting for you. Instead, you must start from the bottom with a modest car and limited capabilities. The game does not even allow you to jump straight into races. First, you must earn licenses, a brilliant design choice that forces players to learn the fundamentals of driving before competing in real races. With each test passed, you move closer to more complex races and stronger cars that require real skill to control.

Unlike most racing games of that era, Gran Turismo did not rely on simple arcade-style gameplay where anyone could just press the acceleration button and race ahead. Here, you need to understand your car and feel every turn. You must know when to slow down and when to hit the gas. Each car has its own weight, aerodynamics, and handling, making every race a completely different experience. The races themselves are nearly flawless, keeping the challenge engaging and the competition intense, making victories rare and well-earned. You will face an exciting mix of sharp turns, semi-circular curves, and high-speed straights, all designed to keep your adrenaline at its peak.

The game is not just about speed and racing—cars themselves play a crucial role. The game features over 140 officially licensed vehicles from top manufacturers like Nissan, Honda, Toyota, and Chevrolet. Each car is meticulously designed to match its real-world counterpart’s performance. Although the AI of competitors was not as advanced as modern games, it was one of the best at the time. Opponents were not just programmed cars following a fixed track; they reacted to your movements, tried to block your overtakes, and even exploited your mistakes to gain an advantage.

What made this game stand out was not just its realistic driving mechanics but also the vast customization options available. Players could modify almost everything, from tires to the engine, suspension systems, and even the car’s weight. Every adjustment had a direct impact on performance, allowing players to fine-tune their cars to match their unique driving style.

Buying cars in the game was not just a simple selection and payment process. You had to win races to earn money and then spend it wisely on new cars or upgrades. The sense of progression felt real—you start with an ordinary car, but over time, through upgrades and careful modifications, it transforms into a racing beast capable of competing with the fastest.

Upon its release, Gran Turismo made a massive impact, being the first game to deliver such a deep and detailed racing simulation on consoles. Thanks to its unprecedented realism, challenging gameplay, and extensive content, it became the foundation for a franchise that has continued for decades.