According to a new video by developer Polyphony Digital, the awaited Gran Turismo 7 will have over 400 cars at launch. Since Gran Turismo's debut on the original PlayStation, the series developed the reputation as one of the best racing video game franchises. Gran Turismo 7 will be the first numbered entry in the franchise since 2013's Gran Turismo 6. Polyphony Digital is known for its attention to detail for both graphical fidelity and lighting on its car models. These features were on display earlier this year when the developer gave a glimpse of gameplay during the last State of Play event.
Like Forza, the series gives players hundreds of different name-brand cars to drive and customize. Unlike Forza, though, Gran Turismo’s focus is on its photorealistic cars - whereas Forza is centered on driving through open worlds and scenic vistas. Gran Turismo 7's customizable cars include cutting-edge new cars or classic vehicles that fans might recognize. Tracks are an integral part of Gran Turismo, as well. Like the Fuji International Speedway in Japan, famous tracks are depicted in as much detail as the game's cars. These locations can be highlighted through the Scapes Photo Mode introduced in Gran Turismo Sport, which uses real-life photographs as backdrops for in-game car models.
In a new video on PlayStation’s YouTube channel, game director and Polyphony Digital CEO Kazunori Yamauchi explained some of what he is excited for players to experience in GT 7. A mix of cinematic and in-game footage during the video shows more of Gran Turismo 7's cars players can collect. Yamauchi said that this installment would include more than 400 cars in the game. He also says that many of “the most fascinating cars in motoring history” will be in the game as well. According to the disclaimer at the bottom of the video, most of these cars will be unlockable through progression when the game launches.
A roster of over 400 cars is low in comparison to previous entries of Gran Turismo. Gran Turismo Sport capped at 324 cars to drive, which is paltry compared to Gran Turismo 6’s near-1,200 cars (1197 to be exact). Polyphony Digital has added additional cars and tracks through DLCs in the past, so it will be no surprise if this is the case for Gran Turismo 7. Furthermore, DLCs are typically free in most cases, with only a handful of DLC packs requiring payment. However, Polyphony Digital has yet to reveal post-launch plans for Gran Turismo 7 outside of its pre-order and 25th anniversary bonus content.
The fans of the racing franchise have lamented about Gran Turismo 7's required Internet connection. Its developers said connection is necessary in order to combat cheating through save file hacks, but many have already voiced their displeasure. Additionally, ray-tracing is disabled during races, only in replays and photo modes. However, Sony exclusives appear to have delivered on adding requested features to its games as of late. It’s possible a PlayStation 5 ray-tracing-enabled fidelity mode during races may come in a later update.
Gran Turismo 7 has the potential makings to surpass previous entries in the series, given the developers’ apparent excitement. Features like the Scapes Photo Mode and new car editor from Gran Turismo Sport - in addition to classic tracks from older games - should entice players to collect more and more cars, if Polyphony Digital successfully addresses the complaints from both Gran Turismo Sport and Gran Turismo 6.
Gran Turismo 7 releases March 4, 2022, on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Source: YouTube/PlayStation