Gran Turismo

The game

A compact contest

Arcade Single Race puts you at the back of a six-car field for two laps. The computer chooses opponents of similar rank to your selected vehicle, so the challenge is to work through comparable machinery rather than simply bring the biggest engine. Four courses are available initially, with eight tracks in this mode overall. Each race has a clear, approachable goal: turn that last-place start into a win.

A garage with possibilities

Simulation adds purchasing new and used cars, buying parts, and customizing vehicles. The official description emphasizes differences in performance, handling, drivetrain, and engine sound across the cars. For a quieter challenge, Arcade Time Trial removes the other racers and makes your fastest lap the target. Two Player Battle offers a separate split-screen contest, with each driver choosing a car before Player 1 selects the course.

This edition

The USA PlayStation edition

This guide covers the original Gran Turismo for PlayStation, with the collection identifying the selected edition as USA Revision 1. Its original memory-card system stores option settings and progress from both main modes together in one game-data file; a single card holds only one such file.

Start here

1. Choose an approachable opening

   Select Arcade Mode, then Single Race, then Easy. The manual specifically recommends this difficulty for newcomers, making it a useful first stop before exploring the other menus.

2. Read the car's strengths

   Choose a manufacturer, then compare models using the five-level ratings for maximum speed, acceleration, and handling. Left and right change the model; up and down change its color. Press X to confirm.

3. Finish the setup

   Choose Standard or Drift settings, then AT for automatic transmission or MT for manual. Select a course to begin. AT is a sensible opening choice if you want to concentrate on steering before adding gear changes.

Original controls

These are the original game's controls. For keyboard, controller and touch settings in this player, see Controls & help.

Steering

Original standard PlayStation controller: directional buttons. Analog controller in analog mode: left stick.

X / Square buttons

X accelerates; Square applies the brakes.

Circle / Triangle buttons

Circle applies the emergency brake; Triangle selects reverse.

L2 and R2

Change gears when using manual transmission.

L1 and R1

L1 shows the rear view; R1 changes the driving view.

START

Pause the race. Select CONTINUE to resume or GAME EXIT to leave. These are default controls; assignments can be changed in Option/Key Configuration.

Playing tips

• Make comparisons manageable

  Use Try Again after a race to keep the same settings and conditions. Repeat with one specific aim, such as improving a troublesome corner, so your next result tells you something useful.

• Watch the winning car

  In a replay, use up and down to change the tracked car. Following the winner can help you spot where its route through a bend differs from yours.

• Give yourself a visible benchmark

  For Time Trial practice, load a ghost from a previous Time Trial on the same course. Because it has no collision, you can compare your pace directly without treating it as traffic to avoid.

• Check which victories count

  Consult Bonus Items when pursuing Arcade completion. Its marks distinguish vehicle ranks A, B, and C as well as difficulty, so a victory in one category does not tell the whole story.