Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Grand Touring delivers a robust circuit racing experience that caters to both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts. With over 20 uniquely designed tracks—each available in forward and mirror-image layouts—you’ll never run out of routes to master. The two core game modes, Arcade and Simulator, ensure that you can tailor your racing sessions to either quick, adrenaline-fueled runs or deep, career-driven campaigns.

In Arcade Mode, Checkpoint races keep the tension high as you dart from one checkpoint to the next before the clock expires, while Single Race lets you pick any track, car class, and weather condition for a no-pressure sprint. Simulator Mode unlocks Championship Mode, where you buy upgrades, manage repairs between events, and vie for the top of the world rankings. Auto Test Mode offers a fun obstacle course to fine-tune your handling skills, and Multiplayer Mode supports up to eight racers over LAN or serial connections—perfect for living-room LAN parties or online showdowns.

Another standout feature is the cast of 12 AI-driven characters, each with distinct driving styles, risk tolerances, and aggression levels. Whether you’re tailing the steady “Saloon Specialist” through rain-slicked corners or fending off the daring “Coupe Sprinter” at night, every competitor feels alive and unpredictable. The result is a dynamic field of opponents that adapts to your skill level and keeps every race feeling fresh.

Vehicle handling strikes a satisfying balance between arcade ease and simulation depth. While you won’t find officially licensed supercars here, the generic “coupe,” “saloon,” and other categories still offer remarkable variety. Each chassis type responds differently to braking, throttle, and steering inputs, so mastering the nuances of every class becomes an engaging challenge rather than a mere cosmetic choice.

Graphics

Graphically, Grand Touring punches well above its weight for a game without official car branding. Tracks modeled after real-world Grand Prix circuits boast sweeping elevation changes, sculpted runoff areas, and realistic curbing. The attention to detail extends to environmental elements like billboards, grandstands, and trackside foliage, which help ground every race in a believable setting.

The game’s dynamic weather system is a visual treat. Rain creates reflective puddles on asphalt, snow transforms a circuit into a slippery winter challenge, and dry conditions bring out vibrant trackside colors. Transitioning from day to night adds another layer, with floodlights casting dramatic shadows and headlights streaking across your windshield as you chase opponents under the stars.

While texture resolutions aren’t cutting-edge by today’s standards, the art direction remains consistent and clear. Car models may carry placeholder names, but body panels, wheel designs, and cockpit details are rendered with care. Subtle effects—like spray kicking up behind your tires in wet weather—lend an extra sense of speed and immersion, ensuring you feel connected to every wheelspin and slide.

The frame rate stays smooth even in eight-player multiplayer sessions, thanks to efficient optimization. Whether you’re weaving through hairpins in the pouring rain or flat-out on a sun-drenched straightaway, the visuals keep pace with the action, minimizing distracting slowdowns and stutters.

Story

Although Grand Touring doesn’t offer a traditional narrative with cutscenes or voiced dialogue, it weaves its own tale through the structure of Championship Mode. You begin as an underdog driver with a basic “saloon” car, grinding through regional events to earn credits for upgrades and improvements. Each victory tightens the race for the top spot in the global standings, creating a thrilling sense of progression.

The 12 AI rivals double as characters in your personal racing saga. You’ll come to know the cautious “Saloon Veteran,” who rarely makes mistakes but is hard to shake, and the reckless “Coupe Daredevil,” who lunges for every overtaking opportunity. As you race against them in varying weather and lighting conditions, informal rivalries emerge—chip shots in the pits, last-lap duels on rain-soaked tarmac, and battles for position under the glare of floodlights.

Upgrades and repairs aren’t just mechanical chores; they serve as narrative checkpoints in your career arc. Choosing to invest in a more responsive suspension or beefier brakes can swing the momentum of your season. Watching your car evolve from a modest starter model into a finely tuned machine mirrors the pride you feel when climbing the championship ladder.

Even in Auto Test Mode, you’re writing chapters in your driving journal. Tackling complex obstacle courses hones your abilities and deepens your connection to the car. Every clean run or near-miss becomes part of the unfolding story of your rise to the top of the Grand Touring world.

Overall Experience

Grand Touring strikes an impressive balance between accessibility and depth, making it a standout choice for a wide range of racing fans. Casual players will appreciate the pick-up-and-play nature of Arcade Mode, while dedicated sim racers can dive into Championship Mode and tweak every aspect of their vehicle. The control scheme is responsive yet forgiving, allowing newcomers to feel competitive quickly while still rewarding fine-tuned inputs.

The multiplayer offering is a highlight, too. Whether it’s friendly competition with up to seven friends via LAN or tense online matches, the connection remains stable and the races stay lively. The variety of track configurations, weather settings, and character-driven AI personalities combine to create a high level of replayability that keeps you coming back for more.

On the downside, the lack of officially licensed cars may deter some die-hard brand enthusiasts. However, the game’s robust customization options, varied vehicle classes, and finely tuned handling model largely compensate for this omission. If you can look past generic naming, you’ll find an enjoyable and rewarding racing sim under the hood.

Overall, Grand Touring offers a compelling package for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the thrill of circuit racing. With its extensive track roster, diverse game modes, rich AI personalities, and engaging progression system, it delivers hours of high-octane entertainment for both solo players and groups of friends alike.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10