Gran Turismo 5 was the title that finally made me want a PS3. With it's promise of mass amounts of content, and the franchise's legacy pushing me forward - I decided to take the plunge and give it a go.

I loved it, and played it continuously for those first few weeks with my shiny new system - ploughing my way through the career and upgrading cars in order to drive faster and better (not always successfully). After a while I ventured towards other PS3 exclusives, having missed several years worth of great games, and GT5 simply became relegated to the pits in favour of other experiences.

That all changed a few weeks ago, as I had a sudden urge to get stuck in again - but what I discovered upon my return, was potentially the reason why it was neglected for all those months.

Gran Turismo 5 is a fine driving sim, simply driving around the track is an exhilarating experience. Trying to handle a 600HP beast, whilst countering oversteer and lack of traction control is a joy. As is driving around the many detailed tracks; the games version of the Nurburgring is regarded as one of the most accurate representations in gaming, and taking a mini around the 13km circuit in pitch black darkness is fantastic, yet eerily tense at the same time.

However, as a game it is lacking. It's UI/menu system is incredibly counter-intuitive, and has put me off playing the game for quick sessions. Maybe I'm used to the streamlined system in Forza and other similar games - but even buying a car in GT5 takes too long - why Polyphony felt it necessary to use an unskippable animation of your new car appearing (after you've gone through the excellent selection of premium models) is beyond me. Sure, it lasts a few seconds, but when you want to quickly jump on to the track or fancy buying a few different models? It begins to grind.

This ties in with another odd choice, of sending prize cars (awarded through completing events, your birthday, etc.) to a "ticket" which then has to be manually redeemed for it to be added to your garage. Why? I have no idea, but I do know that I have around 20 cars in this position. It's not gamebreaking, but it is completely unnecessary and the prospect of sitting manually selecting each one AND then sitting through the unskippable animation ...?

As mentioned earlier, the game has a plethora of content - ranging from detailed tracks, gorgeous looking cars, and seasonal/special events which vary up the pace. The back cover of the game boasts: "Race over 1000 cars", and it's not joking around, there are a LOT of vehicles to choose from.

But the game really only places emphasis on 200-300 of them, those being the ultra detailed premium models. I cannot fault PD for the effort put in to these cars, everything down to windscreen wipers and in-car displays is finely tuned - but those standard cars? It rarely feels like they get a look in.

The standard models (some of which are just upscaled models from previous games) are accessed through the "Used Car Dealership", an apt name considering the content no doubt. In contrast to the packed dealership which lists models by make, the UCD gives you a selection of around 20 cars which randomly updates according to your XP, which essentially makes the majority of cars filler content.

Obviously the main focus is on premium models, but to boast 1000 cars then only focus on a fifth of them? Seems like they've just been thrown in.

That's not to say that the cars are significantly awful and it is nice having them, but going from the fully realised cockpit of an F40 to the equivalent of a PS2 game is not something to write home about - especially when these cars make up the bulk of the vehicle list. The physics are fine, and the few I've used have felt solid, just a shame about some of the inconsistent models.

Similarly, on track action is often disappointing also. Whilst previous games like Forza 3 have AI which feels aggressive and actually attempts to race you - GT5's "races" often feel like an overtaking exercise, with the CPU seemingly being almost unaware of your presence. It's not completely stupid, but it does tend to feel a bit lifeless on the longer races.

But perhaps GT5's biggest issue is one that could've been (and could still eventually be) a positive. It attempts to be a master of trades, combining masses of graphics, content and action in one package, but ultimately feels like a master of none. Inconsistency is rife, from the afore mentioned car models which split up the game, to graphical details on individual tracks.

Polyphony Digital have promised to regularly update the game in accordance to fan feedback, and it must be noted that I haven't spent enough time with it upon my return to fully note all the improvements, but I seriously hope they keep it up. Promises of future DLC and standard models being converted to premium sound promising.

I don't dislike the game, despite my little moan on here - in fact I recommend it to anyone with a PS3 and an interest in cars. It's just a few miles away from the the chequered flag.