The space between releases for the Gran Turismo series has always been at the back of the minds of racing fans for many years. There's no two ways about it, developer Polyphony Digital is a studio that strives for perfection.

Tim winds up his year of racing reviews with much-delayed PS4 exclusive GT Sport.

The graphics are a powerhouse for the PS4 system; What content made the final cut is impeccably polished

There are not enough cars, tracks or modes to justify the price tag; An online penalty system that only Pastor Maldonado would approve of; The AI is still braindead

Online play only. Career mode involves doing licences and tracks, on a pre chosen car. Am still to figure out why there is any need for a garage. Or collecting cars. Cant modify cars, did I mention no offline racing. Have to wait for 20 to 30 minutes to get on to one of three races.

Gran Turismo Sport looks set to kickstart a new era for Polyphony Digital's long running series. In partnership with the FIA and with an officially sanctioned esport set up within the game, the series' self-description as a driving simulator is something of a misnomer.

Looks simply fantastic; especially in 4K HDR; Great evolution of Gran Turismo's handling model; Well thought out multiplayer matchmaking; Tons of tiny details to help your driving; Some of the best original GT tracks yet; Scapes are truly impressive blends of reality and digital cars

Lacking single player Campaign; No dynamic time and no wet weather at launch; Still no launch control or realistic assists settings; VR Tour is a missed opportunity; Server connection requirement for saving

Gran Turismo 6 was a game of big numbers. Players could race on 71 layouts of 33 tracks, and it boasts a staggering 1,200 cars. Gran Turismo Sport, on the other hand, has significantly lesser tracks and cars. It has just 27 configurations of 19 tracks, and only 177 cars.

GT Sport may look and feel like Gran Turismo, but it's a very different beast under the hood. In place of an extensive single player campaign and an exhaustive car roster, developer Polyphony Digital have established a professionally sanctioned esport-focused racing platform under the watchful eye...

A demanding racing sim that doesn't sacrifice accessibility; Professionally governed multiplayer offers something unique among racing games; Refined and nuanced driving physics; Cars and tracks look and feel gorgeous

Light on content; Sportsmanship ranking system feels temperamental; Internet connection required