3 cert, Sony, PS3 ****

Gran Turismo 5has been a long time in the making. The hype surrounding the franchise's first proper outing on the PS3 has been building to a fever pitch.

It's impossible to cover every element of GT5in a short review – it's that massive. From the very beginning, when you set up your community profile, to starting your career as a racer and building up a stock of cars, the level of detail is incredible.

For a quick overview of GT5, head for Arcade mode, where you can choose your car from more than 1,000 on offer, taking on the 71 tracks available to you. The GT mode, which is essentially your driving career, is a long slog, earning credits and levelling up so you can compete in different races. It's slow, but ultimately more satisfying.

At this point you'll see why GT5has already come in for some criticism. The premium cars, which make up about 20 per cent of 1,000, get all the good treatment, from detailed graphics to damage. Alongside this, your starter standard cars look dated and a little uninspiring. Same goes for the tracks: the cityscapes are by fair superior to the regular tracks, where the crowds are flat.

You also don’t get the cockpit view in the standard cars; even when you work up to them, the damage model isn’t as realistic as it could be.

Still, GT5is plenty impressive. On the track you can feel how differently the cars handle in acceleration, drifting and general weight. If you're skilled enough to work up to a premium car, you'll see the cockpit view and get the full effect if, for example, it's raining.

As a driving simulator, GT5packs it all in. You have the licence tests, drift challenges and special events that make it fun, while bringing a lot of detail for those who want something more.

The replay value is endless when you factor in the online element. Take GT5out for a test drive and you'll be hooked before long.