Gran Turismo PSP first impressions

Peek under the bonnet of the latest real driving simulator from Polyphony Digital.

Gran Turismo, the real driving simulator, has appeared on every PlayStation system and the latest iteration is the first game in the series on PSP.

The presentation has been streamlined to fit the portable system's screen. Menus are clean and simple, and you're never more than a few clicks away from the next race. On the track, this is a full Gran Turismo experience, which means incredibly realistic handling and a connoisseur's collection of exotic cars.

There are more than 800 vehicles to race on 35 tracks, with over 70 variations. All tracks are available from the outset and winning races on them earns credits that can be spent on cars. Of course, you'll need a set of wheels to do that, so you start off with a Peugeot 206; in between each race a different set of car manufacturers will open its doors for you to add to your garage.

Behind the wheel, Gran Turismo fans will feel immediately at home. Detail is everywhere, from the modelling of the cars to how they lean into corners, and all tracks - some real, some GT stalwarts such as High Speed Ring - are lovingly recreated.

The three race types available are single race, which pits you against three computer-controlled teams on the course of your choice, Time Trial and Drift, which places markers at corners and awards points for the longest powerslides. There are also several gorgeous rally courses, such as Chamonix and Grand Canyon, and a stable of specialist vehicles to drive on them.

Mission mode resembles the license modes from previous titles, providing groups of challenges of increasing difficulty, and ranging from simple starting and stopping to advanced techniques such as drifting. It's a great way to learn the fundamentals of race driving, and the later challenges provide enough complexity for even the elite players.

Up to four players can link up and race via Ad Hoc Mode and you can even trade cars with each other.

Gran Turismo for PSP is a full-scale GT experience, with no corners cut or compromises made. Just the sheer number of cars available makes for a lifetime of racing, and whenever a collection is chosen by Kazunori Yamauichi, you know it's that of a true car fanatic.