I remember first booting up Gran Turismo Sport back in 2017 and feeling that familiar mix of excitement and skepticism. Seven years later, with the gaming landscape completely transformed and Gran Turismo 7 already establishing its presence, the question naturally arises: does GT Sport's single player mode still deserve your precious gaming hours in 2024? Having recently revisited the game extensively, I can confidently say the answer is more nuanced than you might expect. Let me walk you through my experience and why I think this title still holds remarkable value despite its age.
The first thing that struck me during my recent playthrough was how the driving experience remains absolutely top-tier. Polyphony Digital's signature attention to detail in vehicle physics and track authenticity hasn't aged a day. I spent about three hours just comparing how different cars handled on the Nürburgring, and the subtle differences between a tuned Nissan GT-R and a stock Porsche 911 still feel incredibly distinct. The force feedback through my wheel setup communicated road textures and weight transfer with precision that many modern racing games still struggle to match. While the car count of around 150 might seem modest compared to GT7's 400+, the quality-over-quantity approach means each vehicle has been meticulously crafted. I found myself appreciating this curated selection rather than feeling shortchanged.
Where the single player experience truly shines, in my opinion, is the driving school and mission challenges. These aren't just simple tutorials – they're masterclasses in driving technique that can genuinely make you a better virtual driver. I've been playing racing games for over twenty years, yet I still found myself struggling to gold some of the later missions. The satisfaction of finally nailing that perfect lap around Brands Hatch after fifteen attempts is something few games deliver so effectively. The circuit experience mode deserves special mention too – breaking down each track sector by sector forces you to learn proper racing lines and braking points in a way that feels educational yet never tedious.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room – the always-online requirement that initially defined GT Sport. While the game has evolved to offer more substantial single-player content through updates, that internet connection requirement remains. I tested this extensively during my play sessions, including during a planned gaming evening last Thursday, December 19 around 5 p.m. when my internet decided to take an unexpected vacation. Without connection, your progress in the single player modes won't save, which remains the game's most significant drawback. That said, during normal connected play, I found the AI opponents surprisingly competent. They don't just follow racing lines mindlessly – they make mistakes, defend positions, and occasionally pull off moves that feel genuinely human.
The campaign structure, while not as expansive as traditional GT games, offers a satisfying progression curve. Starting with modest hatchbacks and working your way up to Group 1 prototypes creates a genuine sense of accomplishment. I particularly enjoyed the manufacturer series events where you represent brands like Ferrari or McLaren in special events. The game does an excellent job of making you feel like you're building a racing career rather than just checking events off a list. My personal favorite remains the Gr.3 class races – the balance between speed and control in these GT3-style cars feels just right for challenging yet accessible racing.
Graphically, GT Sport continues to impress even in 2024. The photorealistic tracks and meticulously modeled car interiors hold up remarkably well against current-gen titles. Racing during sunset at Dragon Trail or in the rain at Interlagos remains visually stunning experiences. The game runs at a rock-solid 60 frames per second on PS4 and even smoother on PS5, ensuring that the visual polish is matched by buttery-smooth performance. I'd estimate the game still looks about 85% as good as GT7, which is remarkable given the hardware limitations and age difference.
Where GT Sport's single player falls short is in narrative engagement and variety. There's no equivalent to GT7's cafe menu books that guide you through car collection, and the event types can feel repetitive after extended play. The AI, while competent, doesn't provide the wheel-to-wheel drama of more recent racing titles. I found myself wishing for more weather variation and dynamic time progression during races, features that have become standard in the genre. The economy system also feels dated – earning credits can be slow, and with no microtransactions available anymore, building your dream garage requires significant time investment.
So, is it worth your time in 2024? For racing purists who value driving precision over spectacle, absolutely. The learning curve is steep but immensely rewarding, and the satisfaction of mastering a difficult track or car remains unparalleled. For more casual players looking for a narrative-driven experience or quick pick-up-and-play sessions, GT Sport might feel sparse compared to modern alternatives. Personally, I've found myself returning to GT Sport more frequently than I expected, often just for quick practice sessions or to revisit favorite tracks. The game occupies a unique space in the racing genre – more accessible than hardcore sims like iRacing, yet more authentic than arcade offerings. At its frequent discount price of under $20, it represents tremendous value for anyone serious about virtual driving. The community remains active too, with regular seasonal events still drawing participants, though these require PlayStation Plus subscription.
My final verdict? Gran Turismo Sport's single player mode is absolutely worth your time if you approach it as a driving refinement tool rather than just another racing game. The skills you develop here will transfer to other racing titles, and the sheer quality of the core driving experience remains competitive seven years after release. It's not perfect, and certain design choices show their age, but as a package focused on the pure joy of driving, GT Sport continues to deliver where it matters most. I'll certainly keep it installed for those moments when I just want to feel connected to a virtual road, chasing that perfect lap that always seems just out of reach.