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GT5 Prologue hits 1 million Euro pre-orders
The upcoming Gran Turismo 5 Prologue for PlayStation 3 has already reached a milestone, with SCEE confirming the title has reach one million in European pre-orders. That pretty much assures the racer of hitting platinum status within its first week of release.For those wishing to go the download route, Prologue will only cost your hard drive 1.9 GB. Filling out the remainder of the Blu-ray disc version are cinematics from the game, still available to the downloaded version in-game through GT TV. As explained by Eurogamer (via PS3 Fanboy), you can download the opening movie at any time, and the ending movie becomes available once you beat the game. No word yet on how big those movies are.GT5 Prologue is due out next Friday, March 28, in Europe (March 27 for download) and April 17 in North America.%Gallery-4884%
GT5 Prologue download weighs 1.9GB
To download or to get the Blu-ray version: that is the question.Gran Turismo 5 Prologue's release is coming rather soon for both our American and European readers. However, which version should one pick up? For those seeking instant gratification off the hard drive, perhaps the download is the way to go. But take note: the download weighs a hefty 1.9GB.Some may be wondering: how come the game is so small when a Blu-ray disc can hold so much more? By getting rid of all the videos. Eurogamer explains: "Prologue reduces its footprint is by leaving cinematics on the server until you choose to download them from GT TV. You can choose to download the opening movie at any time, and when you finish Event series you're told that you can now download the end movie from the in-game high-definition TV download page."Personally, this blogger is much more interested in picking up the retail copy. Who wants to wait to download over and over again?%Gallery-4885%
[Updated] Gran Turismo 5 Prologue pre-orders reach 1 million in Europe alone
[Update: finding the news slightly suspicious, we had our very own European blogger, Jem Alexander, double check the number with SCEE. They confirmed it to be true. So there you have it!]It's not every day games go "platinum" before they're even released. Generally, this occurs with huge titles, but even taking that into account it's an uncommon feat. Factor into that the notion that a game whose title explicitly states it's a Prologue to a full game ... and it's nearly unbelievable. But in Europe alone, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has achieved just that: one million pre-orders.What we need to remember is that the pre-order number is not only for Europe alone, but also just for the Blu-ray release of the game -- not the downloadable version. If half of the people who intend to purchase the game pre-order it and the other half download it, well, this is going to be huge. Add America and Japan into the mix and we've basically got the best-selling PS3 title to date; at least, that's what we're assuming will happen. What about you?
Full Gran Turismo 5 Prologue vehicle and track list announced
We're not terrifically interested in paying top dollar for what is tantamount to a glorified demo, so we aren't that excited for the April 17 release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. But, as Gary Coleman taught us, it takes diff'rent strokes to move the world, so far be it from us to withhold the torrent of GT5P news we were bombarded with this morning.In addition to a full car and track list (which you can find after the break) we learned the North American version will include a Drift Mode, the ability to tune your car, two-player split screen racing and a new set of race events. It's still not enough to justify the $40 price tag for us, but if you're a fan, it sounds like it could be a bargain.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue gains two player split screen, new features, for US release
Click for high-resolution image. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, available in retail stores and on the PLAYSTATION Store, next month, is gaining a few new exciting features for its upcoming US release. North American consumers will enjoy features, such as Drift Mode, Car Tuning, and most excitingly, two-player split screen racing and a new set of offline and online Race Events. Drift Mode -- The player's drifting technique is measured based on drift angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various turns on the course. In Depth Car Tuning -- Players have the ability to adjust the vehicle's performance, including power, weight, tires and suspension. Two-player Split Screen Racing -- Allows players to race head-to-head against friends and foes offline. New Race Events -- New racing events and time trials are available for players to race both offline and online. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue supports up to 16 players racing online simultaneously. Check out the complete US track and car list, after the break. Also, check our updated gallery for new high-res screens.%Gallery-4885%
GT5 video interview reveals little DLC, no car damage
Takau Imasaki, producer for Gran Turismo 5 at SCEA, recently talked a bit about the upcoming US release of the game. Slight tweaks are being made to make it a more user-friendly title for the Western audience. By releasing this trial game, Prologue will serve as a testing ground for Polyphony's first real foray into online gaming. They're trying to "catch up to Microsoft in that regard," they said. Car damage? It will eventually happen in the series, but not until the designers are able to "perfect" it. Don't expect it any time in this series of GT games. Also, because users are already being charged for this early preview of the full GT5 experience, there won't be much DLC in Prologue. That would be a little mean, no?[Thanks, Patrick!] [Update: Clarified wording.]
Gran Turismo 5 prologue dated for Europe
In a press release regarding the Logitech Driving Force GT (more info on that here) the Gran Turismo 5: Prologue release date for Europe has finally been nailed down. The driving simulator will be available on both a Blu-Ray disc at retail and as a PlayStation Network download on March 28th. That's just under three weeks before America receives it on April 17th. Sometimes being a European gamer is a complete drag, but every once in while we get thrown a bone. This is certainly one of those times.Seeing as how March 28th is a Friday, and considering how loathe Sony are to release content on the PSN on any day other than Thursday, we wouldn't be surprised to see the downloadable version available on the 27th. Warhawk was released this way - though the retail version wasn't made available until almost a month later. Whatever happens, you can expect to be experiencing the latest, greatest car simulator before April hits. Brummm brummm!
GDC08: Logitech unveils Gran Turismo wheel
Want the perfect prologue to sim racing's most-distinguished brand? Tack another $150 onto that $40 download, as Logitech has unveiled the official, and pricey Driving Force GT racing wheel. Engineered specifically for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (but compatible with GT4 and GT5 on PS2), the Driving Force features requisite force feedback, plus a new 24-position realtime adjustment dial (see -- it's red!), so you can fine-tune the brake bias, traction control and damper settings on-the-fly. Brake bias? Damper settings? Just point us to the boost button!The Driving Force GT wheel is "expected" to ship in May.%Gallery-16517%
GDC08: More Gran Turismo 5 Prologue screens really rev up our engines
Click for high-resolution image. Every time we get a glimpse of GT5, we can't help but feel overly giddy for more. Luckily, Sony's Three Speech blog really cranked out the Gran Turismo 5 Prologue screens today with more shots of tracks, cars, and the pit. The environments look so spectacularly life-like it's almost scary. We wouldn't want to crash in such a real simulation; it's just simply too much of a scary thought. Despite our crash-phobia, we're really looking forward to getting in this game's driver's seat and burning up some rubber. GT5's March-April release is just too far away. [Thanks Clayton!]%Gallery-4885%
Sony launches new Gran Turismo website
Sony's been pretty good at consistently releasing new videos and screens for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, but now the game has a new official website where gamers can go to find all the information they need and maybe more, not only about the newest entry into the popular racing series, but also about the previous games, as well.The website currently has a heaping helping of screens, videos and news, but Sony promised us that it will "continuously update [the] site as [it] get ready for the title's launch in April and beyond." However, if that's still not enough for you gearheads, you can also show your undying support by pre-ordering the game.Go here to check it out.
Gran Turismo 5 screenshots: yes, it looks good
Click for high-resolution image. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Gran Turismo 5 Prologue looks good. We've known this all along. As its March release date inches ever closer, SCEA has released a small batch of new screenshots that cement its beauty even further. Take a look at this screenshot, for example. Look at the incredible lighting on the signs in the background. The way it reflects so realistically is truly brilliant. We'd love to just stop the car, and walk out to appreciate the scenery. Maybe this engine will be used in another game in the future? %Gallery-4885%
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue in the US on April 17th
We're not sure whether Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is meant to be a demo, a hype-builder or some sort of mid-development cash-in for Gran Turismo 5 (probably all three), but we do now know that it will be made available in America on April 17th. The game can be purchased on a retail Blu-Ray disc or as a PSN download, just like Warhawk. Whichever way you buy it you'll be paying the same - $39.99, though the Blu-Ray version will come with a HD behind the scenes video titled "Beyond The Apex".The 60+ cars included can be raced online with up to 15 other people. Polyphony Digital will be holding official online races and Gran Turismo TV will allow you to watch motoring shows from all over the world via the PlayStation Network. Not bad for a demo, even if it does cost $40.
GT5 Prologue pre-order found at $40
Your first real taste of next-gen GT is coming in March. At least, according to amazon.com and GameStop. Both retailers have pre-orders for the upcoming disc version of Prologue -- and for $40. There are those that think this is much too expensive for a "demo," while others will note the extensive features set that puts most retail games to shame.[Thanks, Craig!]
Real race car drivers use Gran Turismo to train
Whoever said video games were tools that turned people into mindless zombies needs to take a step back and check out what race car drivers are using to educate themselves in their perilous career. Yep, real life racers utilize the racing simulator known as Gran Turismo to keep their abilities honed. Their motive for doing this is when a new track opens up for Formula 1 racers. Sometimes they can't get on the track to train before a race, so they fire up Gran Turismo and take the virtual tour. It makes perfect sense, doesn't it?Even the creator of the series, Kazunori Yamauchi, went over 1,000 laps on a certain track in his game and then went at it for real. After twelve laps on the real track (the first twelve had him at 90% capacity) he was getting times rivaling the pack of true racers. Sounds like a useful simulator for those aspiring to race cars for a living. It probably helps with general driving knowledge and skills, too. Don't quote us on that, though.[via Digg]
1960s Corvette stars in new GT5 screens
Click for high-resolution image. Car enthusiasts are going to drool when they see these new screenshots of Gran Turismo, which focus on the 1960s Corvette. Yes, this is a thing of beauty. The alluring curves, the smooth body, and the tight ... controls have us wanting more.If this classic car doesn't suit your taste, don't worry -- there's twenty new images added to our gallery. We're certain you'll find something that'll make you say "wow."%Gallery-4885%
Merry Christmas from Gran Turismo!
The team at Polyphony Digital made this short video (starring Santa!) to wish everyone Merry Christmas. But don't expect Rudolph and his red nose in this vid. No, Santa's driving away in a new car. And it looks awesome.[Thanks, Jeffrey M.!]
GT5 Prologue scores third place in Japanese charts
You know times have changed when the top three spots in Japan's software sales chart are no longer occupied by traditional fare, but rather a miasma of Mario mini-games, a balancercise board and a glorified automotive demo. Gamasutra runs down last week's top ten, highlighting Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 5 Prologue which made its debut in third position with approximately 116,000 units sold. Professor Layton bully, Wii Fit, found itself parking off in second position with 124,000 units after having switched places with Mario Party DS and its 180,000 attendees. Nintendo proved the overall wii-ner, with six first-party titles accounted for in the chart -- in fact, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue was the only game not to be found on the Wii or DS. The two systems are expected to enjoy continued good fortune in the hardware sales chart due for release tomorrow.%Gallery-4884%
PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 14
Every week, PSP and PS3 Fanboy will bring you new backgrounds for your Sony consoles, in resolutions up to 1080p. Download them directly to your PS3 by accessing PS3 Fanboy on your system. Download PSP wallpapers directly to your PSP by accessing the site wirelessly at m.pspfanboy.com. For those having trouble accessing the site on your PS3, please visit m.ps3fanboy.com or disable Javascript.This weekend, we're focusing on Sony's upcoming PS3 title Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.
PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is now available in Japan. However, US drivers will be able to get behind the wheel at the beginning of next year. The game, which will be available as a retail Blu-ray disc and as a downloadable title, is shaping up to be one of the best looking games ever made. Running at 60fps at 1080p, Prologue sports an incredible amount of detail. The cars are undeniably beautiful, but what really steals the show are the incredibly meticulously crafted car interiors. Not only do they look realistic, but the displays on the dashboard will accurately represent information to the player. Rear view and side view mirrors offer graphics just as detailed as the main game. We're sure that with Logitech's steering wheel installed, this will be the closest representation of real-life driving ever created in a video game.We were surprised to see the wide variety of car models and colors offered. Prologue may be a "taste" of the final GT5 (whenever it's done), but this sampling feels just as realized as full retail game. We'll have to spend more time with the final code, however, to make any final judgments.In addition to racing, Prologue offers an early version of GTTV, a VOD feature that grants access to the world's most prestigous car-related programming. Thanks to Sony's efforts, US owners will be able to watch programming that was once available exclusively in other territories. Esteeemed shows from both Japan and Europe will be available through the service.Prologue is yet another fantastic release for Q1 of next year. Some will want to hold off until the full version of Gran Turismo 5 is readied. Real car enthusiasts will find Prologue to be a fully featured, well crafted release that's worthy of their collection.%Gallery-4885%
GT5 Prologue seen driving into uncanny valley
This is your virtual car. (Points to car) This is your virtual car with its textures' reflectivity bumped up to 500%. (Points to own finger reflected from car's bumper) Any questions?In watching new trailer for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, which debuted during last night's Spike VGAs, Joystiq's own Griffin McElroy made a strange and unintentionally philosophical observation: can mechanical objects cross into the uncanny valley? Can a computer-generated car be so detailed that it edges too close to reality and minor differences become glaring issues? Judge for yourself; the video is embedded above.
