The Gran Turismo series transformed the way an entire generation was introduced to cars. Among its game-changing achievements — ultra realism, actual manufacturer unveilings, developing world-class race drivers — is one very special triumph for JNCers. It was not only the first mainstream game to give Westerners a taste of the Japanese classics, it was the best.
From the mighty KPGC10 Skyline GT-R to the cars that frankly have no business being in a racing game like the Honda StepVan, we could drive them all. Even non-classics like the WRX STI and LanEvo received huge awareness boosts, forcing Subaru and Mitsubishi to finally offer them for sale in the States.
A new documentary called Kaz — Pushing the Virtual Divide explores the man behind the franchise, Kazunori Yamauchi, who had dreamed of creating the world’s most realistic racing simulator since age 15. Though overlong in some segments, it definitely does a fantastic job of capturing just how much influence the GT series has had on the automotive universe. It’s worth a watch if you have 90 minutes or so to kill.
Been a fan of GT since 1998.
Many of my friends bought a PS1 because of Granturismo.
thanks, great video. and awesome website
I first introduced to GT from my late Pop’s. I still remember it clearly how he fond this game; played it even in the depths of night cause he works in day. And every achievement and any hints he get by playing the game he share’s it with me, it was 14 year’s ago (i was 15 then) though i didnt understand any of it by then. So this game has a sentimental value for me, it gives that warm fuzzy feeling remembering all that if you know what i mean. Now i continue to play this game in honoring my old man and as a reminisce. Now it kinda rubbed on me his fondness with this GT series. God i miss him.
Sorry got a little carried there.
Great story. The sentiment is stronger because it really ain’t about the game, but of the moments the game brings back. It’s the simple things, like his favorite movie is on, or when you do something and think: “Damn, that’s what Dad would’ve done.” Hopefully, you’ll be able to have that impact on any kids you may have, now or in the future.
Don’t apologize for getting carried away; there’d be something wrong if you DIDN’T.
We’re sorry, currently our video library can only be streamed within the United States.
Lucky enough it can also be found on Youtube:
It appears to have been taken down off youtube
So here’s a vimeo link 😀
That’s what the Hola extension for Chrome/Firefox is for. I live in Japan and that’s how I watched it. Region encoding or limiting videos to certain regions is a thing of the past.
Awesome clip!
I’m probably a minority here, but I find the game play utterly boring and bland. I admit that GT’s graphics are phenomenal, but when you can’t technically crash a car and destroy it at 180mph, the fun factor drops off significantly.
To me, game play is more important than graphics. I would rather play Need For Speed for PS1 than any Gran Turismo game. Boring, boring, boring.
recently finally followed through on my decade-old mission of replacing the knackered fan in me old PS2 (it worked but it made a noise not unlike listening to bagpipes at max volume). put in GT3 (the best GT game except maybe 6) and suddenly it was 3am, three days later
of course i lost my memory cards so i wasted a weekend, but still
Um I am probably the minority here but any Forza love? Preferably Forza 4?
I’m almost certain I can blame Gran Turismo for single-handedly steering me towards Japanese cars when I was a kid. It just came out at the right time.. and left me as what felt like one of few Aussie 11year olds dreaming about 20B JC cosmo’s and JZX100 Chasers..
For a kid who was already car-mad, yet years off driving for real; it was the next best thing. It looked epic in its day, was interesting/educational/fun, and was packed with a huge variety cars. I just didn’t put it away.
I have gone on to buy a copy of every version since – with the PlayStation to suit – Despite definitely not being much of a gamer. I don’t play it seriously (have always been in it for the cars, not the racing), and have only loaded my copy of GT6 once.. but its nice to have a go-to game.
It’s GT1 and 3 that are the pick of the bunch to me, and just hearing the startup and menu music is enough to bring back serious memories.
Properly cool stuff.
so brb.. off to go bounce my 930hp 3000GT off some walls on High Speed RIng..
In Australia and New Zealand Japanese cars have always had a huge cult following since the early 80’s and maybe even earlier than that. There’s lots of evidence to support this from large events, photos and videos from the early 80s and 90s of people building ported Rx2’s, 3’s and 4’s, Datsun 1600’s, Corolla’s, Corona’s, Isuzu Gemini coupes and sedans, Galants etc etc. Carby fed turbos and NOS setups in Japanese cars wasn’t uncommon back then either. Fast Fours and Rotaries was an 80’s Australian magazine because the scene was so large ! The number of significant events organised back in those days was quite large compared to today.
When you say western I think you mean American and Canadian because that’s definitely not a reflection of the Oceania region.
This scene happened and continues today in the other Western world without Grand Turismo. 😆
the only game i want a playstation for