GT PSP was slated to drop soon after the PSP’s launch in 2005. Then it was afflicted by a myriad of delays and it seemed like it would never leave the shelf. So it’s somewhat of a surprise to witness Gran Turismo PSP see the light of day despite GT 5’s impending release. However, outside of some features, it seems like more of an afterthought rather than a fully realized experience.
Starting things off, GT vets may be caught off guard by GT PSP’s layout. There’s no career mode here folks. Instead, you buy your first whip and you’re literally off to the races. You’re responsible for setting up races as you go. Players can choose from over fourty tracks to compete, time trials and drift challenges against three AI drivers. Moreover, you can’t buy upgrades for your cars but you can play around with some tuning options. I can understand why the devs decided to do this as it’s more conducive to a pick-up-and play-type platform like the PSP. Still, some may be put off as the game lacks of structure and depth GT games are known for. Additionally, license tests are optional this time around. You can unlock custom soundtracks if you complete the A and B level exams.
Moreover, the game features over 800 cars: an unprecedented number for a portable racing game. Yet in classic Turismo fashion, the number is inflated by an exceedingly high selection of Hondas, Nissans, Mitsubishis, Toyotas and Subarus. What’s more is the game doesn’t feature all of the dealerships at once. You can only choose from four randomly assigned dealerships every two game days. The goal is to encourage sharing and trading cars between GT PSP owners (think Pokemon) so it works in that regard. But it can quickly grow bothersome to unlock new cars as you’re at the game’s mercy to rotate car companies. Even if you finally see the dealership you want there’s no guarantee that the car you wanted will be for sale. For instance, you’ll see that Audi has some cars available. But there’s a chance they won’t have that R8 on the lot. You’ll have to keep grinding until Audi pops up again and pray that your coveted ride will show up next time.
It’s unfortunate that this game has such questionable design choices as its fun to play and a beauty at that. GT PSP has a similar handling model to Gran Turismo 4 with more forgiving cornering. Having only four cars on the track is somewhat of a drag and the AI isn’t that great. With that said they put up a decent fight in the higher ranks. Also, it wouldn’t be GT without impressive visuals. GT PSP is easily one of the best looking games on the PSP. The game is straight up eye candy top to bottom and the replays are quite slick. My only hang up in this department is the fact that there’s still no simulated car damage. Although that’s asking a lot for a PSP game, it’s kind of ridiculous to bounce of corners at break neck speeds unscathed.
GT PSP isn’t a bad game by any stretch. If anything, it’s a shell of what it could be. Loading times can bog the experience down and the dealership model is frustrating. At least you can install the game on your memory stick for faster loading if you have a gig to spare. Plus, you’re in luck if you have a PS3 (with Wi-Fi capability.) You can download Adhoc Party for the PStriple to share, trade and race with other GT PSP owners online. Fan will bet a Google search away from that dream car they’ve always wanted. As an added bonus, all the cars you buy in GT PSP will be transferrable to GT 5 when it drops next year. In closing, GT PSP is a game saved by its performance on the track. Much of the rest needs work under the hood. At $40, the asking price is a lil’ steep unless you’re a GT diehard with money to blow. For everyone else, your best bet is to wait until you come up on a deal for it this holiday season.
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