Gran Turismo 7 on PS5 Pro: A New Era of Visuals and Performance

The gaming community has been buzzing with excitement following the recent reveal of Gran Turismo 7’s enhanced visuals on the PlayStation 5 Pro. Sony, in an effort to showcase the full potential of their upcoming console, has provided higher-quality video footage to select media outlets. This move allows for a more direct and accurate analysis of the game’s visuals, which were previously compressed during live YouTube streams. One of the most renowned channels in the field of graphics and technical expertise, Digital Foundry, was among the first to get their hands on this footage. Their detailed analysis offers a glimpse into what players can expect from Gran Turismo 7 on the PS5 Pro.

In their comprehensive video analysis, Digital Foundry delved into various aspects of the footage from the presentation, focusing particularly on Gran Turismo 7. The game, which has been highly anticipated by racing enthusiasts, runs at a native 4k resolution at 60 frames per second on the standard PlayStation 5. However, there are occasional drops in frame rates, which is not uncommon for graphically intensive games. One of the standout features highlighted in the PS5 Pro reveal is the addition of real-time ray tracing during races. This technology significantly enhances the realism of reflections and lighting, making the game world more immersive.

Digital Foundry estimates that the ray-traced reflections in Gran Turismo 7 are rendered at approximately a quarter of the full resolution, equating to roughly 1080p. This demanding process inevitably impacts the overall resolution, resulting in a drop to around 1188p while maintaining the target of 60 frames per second. To address this, Sony has implemented a new upscaling technology known as PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Although this technique does not achieve the sharpness of native 4k, it effectively compensates for the lower resolution, providing a visually satisfying experience.

One of the most impressive aspects of Gran Turismo 7’s visual presentation is the interior detailing of the cars. The real-time ray tracing technology brings out the intricacies of different materials used in the car interiors, adding a layer of authenticity that enhances player immersion. This level of detail has drawn comparisons to other high-profile racing games like Forza Motorsport, which also prides itself on realistic car interiors and lighting effects. As of now, the 8k version of Gran Turismo 7 has not been showcased, but it is expected to be revealed soon, further pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity.

In addition to the visual enhancements, Gran Turismo 7 continues to expand its content offerings. New challenges, events, and potential rewards are regularly introduced to keep the player base engaged. A fresh set of daily races is available, allowing players to test their skills against others worldwide. For those looking to optimize their performance, car tuning forums provide valuable insights and tips. With the final live preliminary round of the 2024 Gran Turismo World Series just two weeks away, players can participate in ‘Gift and Predict the Winners’ campaigns for a chance to win rewards, including almost a million credits in bonus prizes.

Gran Turismo 7 will also benefit from the upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro console, which promises significant improvements in graphics power. Scheduled for release worldwide on November 7, the PS5 Pro comes with a price tag of $800 in the US, £700 in the UK, and 800 euros in Europe. The console boasts a GPU with 45 percent more power and a CPU with a 10 percent boost, along with 28 percent faster RAM. These enhancements are expected to significantly improve ray tracing capabilities and introduce a promising new upscaling feature called PSSR.

One of the most exciting revelations about the PS5 Pro is its support for an 8k mode, which was unexpected but adds considerable appeal. This feature, combined with the advanced ray tracing and upscaling technologies, positions the PS5 Pro as a highly anticipated piece of hardware. However, the higher price point may make some consumers hesitant to purchase it. Despite this, the improved specs and advanced technology make the PS5 Pro an exciting new release, especially for fans of visually demanding games like Gran Turismo 7.

While the PS5 Pro promises to enhance the gaming experience, there are still some concerns regarding its ability to address poor optimization in certain games. Many titles running in 60fps performance modes often experience fluctuations, dropping to lower frame rates. There is hope that the PS5 Pro will stabilize these performance issues, ensuring a consistent 60fps experience. However, skepticism remains, particularly regarding the machine learning AI feature, which has previously fallen short of expectations.

Gran Turismo 7’s PS5 Pro mode will be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show 2024, where Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced its schedule and game lineup. This event will provide a platform for gamers to see more footage of GT7 and explore potential enhancements to the VR experience. There is speculation that the game may feature 24-hour cycles on all tracks if real-time global illumination can be applied, further enhancing the realism and immersion of the racing experience.

It is important to note that the game’s global ray tracing reflections and ambient occlusion are currently only available in photo mode, the garage, and real-time cutscenes. In replays, ray tracing reflections are limited to the cars, while global ray tracing technology is present. This selective implementation of ray tracing highlights the technical challenges involved in maintaining high performance while delivering cutting-edge visuals. As the PS5 Pro becomes available, it will be interesting to see how these features evolve and whether they can be fully integrated into the gameplay experience.

The comparison of footage from other games, such as FFVII Rebirth, suggests that visual presentations may not always accurately represent a game’s performance. There have been instances where games look impressive in pre-release footage but are downgraded upon release. This highlights the importance of managing expectations and waiting for hands-on experience before forming definitive opinions. The anticipation surrounding the PS5 Pro and its impact on Gran Turismo 7 underscores the broader trend of gamers seeking enhanced performance and visual fidelity in their favorite titles.

In conclusion, Gran Turismo 7 on the PlayStation 5 Pro represents a significant leap forward in terms of visual quality and performance. The combination of real-time ray tracing, advanced upscaling technology, and potential 8k support sets a new standard for racing games. While there are still questions about optimization and the practical implementation of these features, the overall excitement and anticipation for the PS5 Pro and Gran Turismo 7 are palpable. As we approach the release date and subsequent showcases, the gaming community eagerly awaits the opportunity to experience these advancements firsthand.