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Secret menu found in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
Disappointed that your copy of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is collecting dust now that the full title is out? Slip it back in to your PS3, because here's one more secret to find. Mathieu H., on Twitter, has found a secret menu in the budget title that opens up a brand new menu, with images of the Nurburgring Nordschleife, Circuit de la Sarthe, and Tsukuba tracks that supposedly weren't available previously. You can also pull up a secret options menu to toggle availability of various cars and other options, and set up races with certain cars. In other words, this is probably a kiosk mode, used to help set up demo units. Alas, the code doesn't work in the full game, so Gran Turismo 5 owners will have to be satisfied with, you know, the full game. But then again, maybe there are a few secrets still wandering around that game's menus after all.
Amazon selling three PS3 Greatest Hits for the price of two
Let's face it -- cases from the PS3 Greatest Hits collection just look great on a shelf. That tiny, elegant package. That deep, crimson hue. Today, Amazon's offering a pretty efficient way to spruce up your library: Purchase any three Greatest Hits titles, and you only have to pay for two of them.
Gran Turismo PSP helps series top 55 million units sold
We hate to be all Captain Obvious about it, but there's good reason the Gran Turismo series is still doing laps around the virtual track. People are voting with their cash, as the latest figures from Polyphony Digital show that Gran Turismo PSP has managed to sell 1.8 million copies. And through its success, it's hit one hell of a milestone for the Gran Turismo series at large. Here's the rundown of the franchise's success: The original Gran Turismo has sold 10,850,000 units Gran Turismo 2 has sold 9,370,000 units Gran Turismo 3 A-spec on the PS2 managed to sell 14,890,000 units Gran Turismo Concept Series sold 1,560,000 units Gran Turismo 4 "Prologue" invaded 1,350,000 homes Gran Turismo 4 has been a heck of an earner, selling 10,980,000 units Gran Turismo 5 "Prologue" brought the series to the PS3 by selling 4,650,000 units Gran Turismo PSP recently recorded sales of 1,800,000 units That brings the total to 55,450,000 units. It seems impressive enough -- over five million units sold in the last year-and-a-half ain't too shabby -- though there are some caveats. For one, the Gran Turismo series has been around for over 10 years -- much longer than any of its competitors. Secondly, it's been the definitive diehard simulation racing experience on Sony's consoles, effectively making it the only show in town. Finally, the series has over seven Guinness World Records. Basically, when you have the world record for "Largest Instruction Guide for a Racing Game," it's, like, a guarantee people are going to buy it. [Via GI.biz]
MGS4, Ratchet, others $30 as PS3 'Greatest Hits' starting June 16
Old Snake, domestic partners Ratchet & Clank, glam goth Nero and others will be offered up as PS3 "Greatest Hits" for $30 starting June 16. This will be the second round of discounted best-selling software for the console, as the first batch hit at around the same time last year. The latest additions include: Army of Two Battlefield Bad Company Devil May Cry 4 Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction With almost all those titles (maybe) prepping for sequels in the near future, if you haven't checked them out, there's some quality in the offerings.
Logitech presents in-game Gran Turismo 5 Prologue challenge
Players of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue are being asked to "take the Logitech Challenge." It may sound like a soft drink marketing gimmick from the '80s, but it's actually a three-week, in-game competition that could net you some sweet Logitech gaming gear.Beginning tomorrow, March 18, the Logitech Challenge is a series of three lap time based events set on specific courses with an equally specific car selection to choose from. At the end of each week, Logitech will record the top three lap times; third place will win a Logitech Driving Force Wireless wheel and V470 Cordless Laser Mouse; second place will receive the wheel and a set of Logitech Z-5 speakers; come in first and you'll get the wheel, mouse and Logitech Audio Hub speakers.Additionally, five random participants from each week will be selected to receive Driving Force Wireless wheels. Full contest rules can be found here; Logitech is extending a 10% offer at its online store for the duration on the event -- type in coupon code "challenge 09".
Pfft, 1080p? Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, in 2160p
What happens when you take four PS3 systems, one copy of Gran Turismo 5: Prologue, and a Sony SRX-110 projector and put them all together? Well, you get one incredible GT experience. At the 10th Anniversary Party in New York City, Polyphony Digital ran an interesting experiment, where they were able to render the game in a glorious 2160p resolution. That's four times the resolution of the current maximum standard for HDTVs: 1080p.The application is surprisingly simple. Each PS3 is dedicated to rendering one part of the enhanced 2160p image, with each PS3 rendering one full 1080p image. When combined, all four images turn into something that would make videophiles cry.That wasn't the only fun and games at the event. No, Polyphony also ran another experiment with 4 PS3s: they were also able to create a 240 fps experience. Each PS3 would render alternating 60 frames per second, so that the end result would be blisteringly fast. At that point, we doubt the human eye would be able to appreciate such fluidity.So, guys -- how 'bout you stop partying and making amazing 2160p tech demos, and uh -- you finish Gran Turismo 5? Please?[Via PlayStation Boards]
Who would you take Home? Chris Redfield or Chun-Li?
When PlayStation Home launches later this year, you won't have to choose.Capcom, one of new publishers for Home announced earlier this week, is showing off the content they'll be providing. We've got four videos for you right after the jump -- the first one begins with Street Fighter IV producer Yoshinori Ono explaining the content for Home. But even if your foreign language skills are limited, you can still enjoy seeing Chun-Li do her famous victory jump. Chris Redfield makes an appearance in the second video, but it seems like his Home incarnation doesn't hit the gym quite as often. The Gran Turismo 5 demo showcases a couple racing pods (check out a variation of it here) for your virtual pad. Lastly, Sony recreated their TGS booth in Home at the company's press conference. All four videos after the break.[Via MaxConsole]
GT5 Prologue update now available, adds 3 new cars
Or, as SCEA producer Taku Imasaki puts it on the PlayStation Blog, "NEW CARS!!" He's very excited. Wouldn't you be too, if a free update to Polyphony Digital's Real But Not Real Enough To Crumple Up Your Ferrari Driving Simulator enabled three new rides and a host of gameplay tweaks? When you next load up Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, you'll be able to download the "GT by Citroen" concept car (pictured), the Ferrari California and the Lotus Evora. Gameplay enhancements introduced by the update include alterations to the penalty system, race difficulty levels, wireless controller responsiveness, sound volume balance and Drift Trial races, which will now feature a rolling start. A word of caution, however: "Rankings, arcade time trial times, drift trial records, as well as vehicle-specific quick tune settings and custom key layouts will all be reset with the new update. Replay data created before the second update will no longer be viewable after this update." That's the price of Prologue progress, we suppose.
New Gran Turismo 5 Prologue update adds new cars
Three new cars are now available to be downloaded to Gran Turismo 5: Prologue via a free patch. Simply load up the game and the download will begin almost automagically. Included in the patch are three new vehicles, the "GT by Citroen" concept car, the Ferrari California and the Lotus Evora. These cost 1 million, 500 thousand and 100 thousand in-game credits, respectively. A number of gameplay enhancements have also been added, including changes to the penalty system, tweaks to difficulty levels and reward balancing. Controller responsiveness, sound volume and Drift Trial races have also been improved. Sadly there's no sign of trophies. Before you run off to download the update, be aware that "rankings, arcade time trial times, drift trial records, as well as vehicle-specific quick tune settings and custom key layouts will all be reset with the new update. Replay data created before the second update will no longer be viewable after this update."Check out the PlayStation Blog for more information on what the patch adds.
The $15,000 Gran Turismo 5 Prologue GT Racing Pod
We see you. We see you salivating all over your keyboard. If you are a serious Gran Turismo fan, this is the stuff dreams are made of. The winner of the Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Middle East Challenge Ahmad El Azmi received a free trip to Japan to drive a Nissan GT-R and he took home the above GT Racing Pod. Valued at $15,000, the Racing Pod is equipped with a 40" Sony Bravia TV, a PS3 and a Logitech Driving Force GT Racing Wheel. However, El Azmi wasn't satisfied with the setup, and decided to disassemble and reassembled the entire Pod. He added a shifter mounter, inverted stand for the pedals, a surround sound system and replaced the DFGT with a Logitech G25 Racing Wheel. Kudos to you, sir, you have successfully made the world jealous. He was even kind enough to share with us -- check out the rest of the pictures after the jump.[Via BornRich]
Two new European 80GB PS3 bundles
Courtesy of Gamekyo, we get a glimpse of two upcoming bundles that include the new 80GB PS3. We'll start off with the less exciting Movie Pack, which includes an 80GB PS3, one Dual Shock 3 controller, and the French comedy Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis on Blu-ray. This Movie Pack will launch October 29th for 399€. The second one, a Gran Turismo 5 Prologue bundle, is definitely more exciting. Details and a picture of the bundle after the jump. Do these new bundles appeal to you, the European consumer?
All PS3 Gold Box Amazon event is today
Amazon is having an All PS3 Gold Box event today. According to ZappDeals, who is usually correct, the following selections will be the Lighting Deals for the rest of the day. The deal goes live at each corresponding time. We'll update this post throughout the day with the price and if there are any changes, so stay tuned: ) 4PM PST | 7PM EST: Devil May Cry 4 6PM PST | 9PM EST: Haze [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
GT5 Prologue update hits on Friday
As we reported during E3, the next evolution of the Gran Turismo series isn't Gran Turismo 5 – it's enhancements to the glorified GT5 demo, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Specifically, Sony and series creator Kazunori Yamauchi are all revved up about the roll out of Gran Turismo TV, an on-demand video service featuring motorsports shows from around the world – as well as original programming – accessible from within GT5P's front-end.We've learned that these features will finally hit this Friday, August 1 as part of an update for the game demo. Auto aficionados will be able to download episodes of programs including England's Top Gear and Japan's Best Motoring. Programming created by Polyphony Digital itself – and indeed even hosted by Yamauchi – will also be up for purchase. Speaking of which, SCEA has announced that PPV content will cost 99 cents per episode for the first two weeks of GTTV, after which it will increase to $1.99.In addition to the debut of GTTV, Sony has confirmed that some welcome gameplay tweaks will be introduced via the update. These include improved collision physics for online races (a biggie), more tire choices for Time Trial play, and fixes in penalty judgments. In speaking with Polyphony's Yamauchi at E3, we learned that the next GT5P update will introduce new tracks and cars. No date has been set for that yet. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue update brings GTTV content drop
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue expands this Friday, August 1st with a fairly large content patch. Not only will the patch bring the first load of GTTV content, but also a few gameplay enhancements and fixes. A full list of GTTV videos is available on the official site and will be constantly updated as more is added. At the moment there's plenty to choose from, from season 6 of Top Gear (a must see) to Japan's Super GT and a "video magazine" called Video Option. For the first two weeks all paid-for content will be at the reduced price of $0.99, letting you trial the content for a little while for half price.The patch also adds "fixes in penalty judgments, more tire choices for Time Trial and improved physics during collisions between cars during online races." Sounds like a pretty hefty update. Not bad for a free patch, right? Check the PlayStation Blog post for more info.
Gran Turismo 5 'might not even roll out before 2010'
Were you one of those people that skipped Prologue to wait for the full version of Gran Turismo 5? Get ready to wait. In an interview with Joystiq, Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi stated that the full version of GT5 "might not even roll out before 2010." Instead, Prologue will continue to be expanded upon, with additional cars, tracks and features. In fact, a new update is planned for the "near future." The big question we have though is: will it be free?Perhaps Gran Turismo 5 would wrap up production a bit sooner if Yamauchi and crew wasn't so adamant about filming an entire series for Gran Turismo TV. Have fun driving those Ferraris Yamauchi ... while the rest of us wait years for your next game.
Kazunori Yamauchi: More Prologue, no GT5 soon, GT PSP still coming
We somehow managed to get Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi to slam on his brakes for a moment today and talk to us about his flagship racing franchise. According to the Polyphony Digital boss, his studio is focusing a majority of its efforts on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. In fact, he confirmed that the proper, disc-based Gran Turismo 5 might not even roll out before 2010. In the meantime, Polyphony will continue to expand Prologue with additional cars, tracks, and features. Yamauchi couldn't speak to specific plans, but mentioned that an new update is planned for the near future.With all of the work his company is putting into the next console GT installment, Yamauchi tells us that it hasn't forgotten the long-delayed Gran Turismo 4 Mobile for PSP. He confirms that the game – originally announced at E3 2004 – is still actively in development, although it isn't planned for release until after GT5. That would be 2011 for those with pen and calendar in hand.
Deal of the Day: Free $15 gift card with GT5:P
Have you picked up Gran Tursimo 5: Prologue yet? If not, this might be an enticing deal for you. Online retailer amazon.com is offering a free $15 gift card with the purchase of Polyphony's latest racing game. Considering it only retails for $40, that's a pretty sizable bonus. (Strangely, buying this online at amazon would make it cheaper than buying it online at the PLAYSTATION Store ...)The gift card will be included in an email sent out by July 29th, after purchase.[Via Slickdeals.net]
GT Academy is now live - go get your race on
Registration for the Gran Turismo Academy is now open. Simply login to the official registration website with your PSN ID and then follow the onscreen instructions. Once this is done you should immediately be able to enter the GT Academy Time Trial section in the in-game online menu. Get one of the twenty fastest times in your country and you will be moved on to phase two. Keep winning and you might end up driving a real Nissan GT-R at Silverstone racetrack. Check out our previous post for further details about the competition, including prizes and end-dates for each of the individual phases. Good luck!
Start your browsers: GT Academy now live
Really real driving simulation news now, with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Nissan launching GT Academy, the competition that will put two of Europe's best Gran Turismo 5 Prologue players inside rapidly moving hunks of metal. If you happen to live in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Norway or Denmark, and have always wanted to go hurtling around a track at terrifying speeds, now's your chance.The GT Academy website is already up and running, with the first, seven-week long stage of the competition following on June 2nd. You'll have to register your PSN ID on the site during that time and set your fastest lap around the Eiger Nordwand track in a Nissan Fairlady 350Z. Following that, you'll need to come out tops in a national final held in July, and finally, avoid crashing on the real life Silverstone track in August. Easy peasy.
Gran Turismo 5 competition will put winners in a real race
Umm ... is this really a good idea? Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Nissan seem to think so, having announced "the ultimate competitive driving test" in the form of "GT Academy." The eight-month long European competition will see two obsessive Gran Turismo 5 Prologue players win a four-month training programme to "earn their racing licenses" and, consequently, discover that the ol' mid-turn bump-and-go isn't advised in real life. Following the training, the winners will be granted the opportunity to drive a Nissan 350Z in a 24-hour endurance race in Dubai in January 2009. To get your foot in the door of GT Academy, you'll first have to keep it planted on a pedal as you face "a series of elimination-based competitions on and off the racetrack." Before that, you'll have to qualify in an online GT5 Prologue tournament on the PlayStation Network, details of which will arrive when GT Academy goes live at the end of May. We wish the entrants the best of luck and remind them that the damage modeling in real-life, 80000p racing is totally awesome.
