It is the single best-selling game for the original PlayStation, and when it was released in 1997 in Japan, Gran Turismo immediately blew away the competition in terms of graphics.
Part of its appeal was that it was much more than a simple race simulator, allowing gamers to tune-up their cars, as well as purchase new models and build up a stable of vehicles.
In simulation mode, players were forced to earn different levels of driver’s licenses to qualify for different events.
The more you won, the more money you acquired, the more parts you could buy for your car to improve speed, torque and so on.
It didn’t hurt that the game had models of actual street racing cars available, including the 1967 Chevrolet Corvette, the 1998 Mazda Roadster, and two 1995 Honda del Sol cars.
With it’s modern soundtrack and realistically serious gameplay, many users became obsessed with the gaming experience of racing.
To complete the experience, Gran Turismo would eventually develop a special gaming chair and steering wheel controller that fully recreated the driving experience.
The game would have several sequels, the last of which was released in 2009. Plans for Gran Turismo 6 are in the works.