Gran Turismo Sport's debut, you might have heard, was far from spectacular. Polyphony's debut on the PlayStation 4 didn't just lack the spectacle you'd hope for from one of Sony's most famous developers; the demo fell flat, the messaging was mixed and the problems that have plagued Gran Turismo for generations had seemingly been left to fester. Series creator Kazunori Yamauchi has always danced to his own tune - probably the eccentric assault of a BRM V16 as it thunders up the hill of his beloved Goodwood - but the disappointing droning engine sounds found in Gran Turismo Sport back then suggested that maybe he'd fallen desperately out of touch.
That was back in May, and since then things have changed. A lot. The negative reaction to Gran Turismo Sport's reveal lit a fire under Polyphony, it seems, who've worked hard to move the game on immeasurably since that shaky start. The latest build on hand at a Sony press event last week - even taking into account the fact it's flattered by being shown on the PlayStation 4 Pro - shows a massive improvement in quality. If this work-rate is kept up until Gran Turismo Sport's eventual launch some time in 2017, it could be on course for one of motorsport's best comebacks since Jenson Button powered from last through to first in the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.
Will Gran Turismo be able to reclaim its place as the best driving game around? I don't think so, but that's not a slur against it. Driving games aren't as popular now as they were in the heyday of Gran Turismo in the PlayStation 2 era, which disguises the fact the genre is going through something of a golden age. Racing fans are spoilt for choice, whether it's the accessibility and diversity of Forza, the breadth and beauty of Project Cars, Assetto Corsa's exquisite handling or the thrillingly authentic action of RaceRoom. Gran Turismo was always going to have its work cut out when the competition it finds itself up against now is so very strong.
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