The search for greater realism with every entry in a series is a noble pursuit indeed, and it’s this dedication that has given Poliphony Digital an almost unique reputation in the industry. As rewarding an ambition as it is though, it does limit the amount of changes that can be made from game to game. Over the years they’ve added more and more tracks and cars to their seminal racing series, but short of changing the laws of physics, the basic driving experience remains very similar from game to game. The question then is this: Is there anything missing from the Gran Turismo formula that could be added to the core gameplay?
For the past few iterations the series has seen nothing on this scale. The addition of online as well as dozens of new race types has given series fans plenty to play with, but there’s been little in the way of game-changing additions.
For the past few iterations the series has seen nothing on this scale. The addition of online as well as dozens of new race types has given series fans plenty to play with, but there’s been little in the way of game-changing additions.

This is a by no means a bad thing when your core game is as solid as Gran Turismo’s is, but it does make it harder to retain the interests of the fickle casual fans of the series. It’s an unfortunate reality that for many a big, marketable feature is needed for them to jump into your latest release.
There does however exist a part of the car which has somehow escaped inclusion thus far. It’s a control more important than any other without which you wouldn’t even get off the starting line in reality. It’s the thing every learner driver struggles with, almost without exception. Despite all this, it’s hard to recall a single game which has attempted its inclusion.
The clutch is its name.






