Gran Turismo

Hundreds of cars, precise handling and an obsession with detail. Gran Turismo for the PSP, released in 2009, brought to the handheld a brand that made its name as "the real driving simulator." Polyphony Digital, led by Kazunori Yamauchi, spent a long time tuning the handheld version so it could carry the series' name, and the result was one of the most extensive racing titles on the platform.

Against arcade games like Ridge Racer, Gran Turismo stands at the opposite pole. The emphasis is on the faithful behavior of the cars, on the differences between individual vehicles and on honest handling that rewards feel and practice. The game offered an enormous car roster numbering hundreds of licensed automobiles and a range of real and fictional tracks, making it a genuine feast for car lovers on the go.

In development terms it was a demanding undertaking. Transferring the scope and reputation of Gran Turismo to the PSP was no trivial matter, which is why development took longer than originally expected. When the game finally released, it confirmed that the handheld could handle the ambition of simulator racing with plenty of content.

The series' cultural significance is unmistakable. Gran Turismo ranks among the most successful brands in PlayStation history and for many players represents a gateway into an interest in real cars. The PSP version thus brought a piece of that prestige into your pocket.

For players who prefer honest driving and the collector's joy of building a garage, this game was a wish come true to have Gran Turismo everywhere with them. It is a title for those who approach racing with respect and an appetite to polish every corner.

Why play: An extensive driving simulator with hundreds of cars right in your pocket. For fans of cars and honest driving fine-tuning, the ideal choice.