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Gran Turismo 5: still a year away
If you think you can get away with not purchasing Gran Turismo 5: Prologue because you're so sure that as soon as it's released, the whole game will get a release date a couple of months later, you're wrong. On a recent PlayStation Blog post, associate producer at SCEA Chris Hinojosa-Miranda responded to comments about the game, saying that "GT5 is still about a year away. You should just decide now to buy [Prologue], enjoy it, go online and race against anyone and everyone, rank number one worldwide, get the girl (or guy) and become the most popular kid in town." But what if we already are the most popular kid in town? What then, Mr. Hinojosa-Miranda?
Enjoy your Prologue, Gran Turismo 5 'about a year away'
If you were planning to speed past Gran Turismo 5 Prologue on April 17th because "it's just a demo," you may wish to rifle through your virtues and see if patience is among them. According to a PlayStation Blog comment made by SCEA associate producer, Chris Hinojosa-Miranda, the real real driving simulator is still "about a year away." It's no surprise to see him recommending a Prologue purchase in the meantime, but for automotive fans eagerly awaiting the PlayStation 3's premiere driving sim, the content offered in Polyphony Digital's $40 stopgap puts it well above the status of mere demo. The news certainly shouldn't come as a surprise to them either, as the immense and laborious task of creating Gran Turismo 5 has been well documented. With so much time spent painstakingly modeling each luxurious vehicle, we often wonder if it wouldn't be easier just to fill that Blu-ray disc with interactive HD video. It would be just like Road Avenger, but classier!
GT5 Prologue North American release gets exclusive music
After unveiling the cars and tracks for its upcoming too-good-to-be-a-demo PS3 racer, it seems only fitting that Sony let us know what kind of music we can expect to bop our heads too while navigating the twisty corners of GT5 Prologue. According to Sony, the North American version of the 'real driving simulator' will include "a dozen exclusive singles," including an "exclusive remix" of Weezer's song "Automatic" from the band's upcoming album. In addition, the game, which drops next month as both a download and full retail release, will feature a new version of Polyphony Digital's Masahiro Andoh's series theme song, "Moon Over the Castle." Seventeen international musical numbers from such names as Goose and Nittoku Inoue are also included, giving us plenty of tunes to listen to while failing to pass that license test for the umpteenth time.
Weezer headlines Gran Turismo 5 Prologue soundtrack
The official Gran Turismo 5 Prologue soundtrack features a nice blend of indie dance rock, electronica, classic rock and brand new remixes from artists, such as Weezer, Mars Volta and DJ Shadow, and more. A brand new exclusive remix of Weezer's "Automatic" headlines the game's diverse soundtrack."The Gran Turismo 5 Prologue soundtrack gives fans the perfect audio accompaniment to high-octane racing from Daytona to Eiger Nordwand," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA in a recent press release. "The edgy variety of music complements the pure adrenaline rush fans experience as they eclipse 200 miles-per-hour in the most authentic driving simulator around."See the complete soundtrack, after the cut.
GT5 Prologue: Beyond the Apex, only available on Blu-ray
Will you download Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, or will you buy the Blu-ray disc? Well, you may want to go to your local retail store and pick up the physical disc version. "Beyond the Apex" is a video documentary that's exclusively available on the Blu-ray disc. This trailer is but a small taste of this behind-the-scenes feature, which talks to various folks involved with, and inspired by, the legendary driving simulation game.
Hands on with GT5 Prologue's split screen mode
We've been driving around with a near-final version of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and we have to admit, we're impressed. One of the new features not found in the Japanese version of Prologue is split-screen multiplayer. We had to give it a spin.The multiplayer mode lets you race on any of the game's six tracks, backwards or forwards. The cars you can race with are the ones you've unlocked in the campaign mode. Just like previous GT titles, earning new cars can take quite some time, so both of us were forced to race with the same car. Each player can adjust his or her settings, such as Automatic/Manual transmission, amount of steering assist, and type of physics (Standard versus Professional).We were shocked to see that there was no apparent loss of detail in the split screen mode. The framerate was incredibly smooth, even with such incredibly detailed visuals being rendered. Unfortunately, there are no AI opponents in this two player mode: it's just you and your opponent. There's no rubberbanding, so the better racer can gain a significant lead.After a few races, we easily concluded that split-screen multiplayer is a fantastic addition for the English language versions of Prologue. Not only does it capture the same visual fidelity of the single player mode, it does so with a silky smooth framerate that fans will appreciate. We can't wait to race PS Fanboy readers on the online circuit when the game releases in the next few weeks.%Gallery-4885%
GT5 Prologue private races and voice chat in the works
In the comments section of his most recent post on the PlayStation.Blog, SCEA producer Takau Imasaki mentioned that in-game voice chat and a private race setting will be available for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue in later updates. Now this news comes in as semi-official as it was not part of the original post, but was made in response to a reader's question. Imasaki wrote, "Private races with buddies and in-game chat are all in the works... but will not be ready from day one. Will keep you posted on the progress!" We're hoping Mr. Imasaki makes sure that promise is kept. While we won't be seeing these additions by the time Prologue drives its way home with us, we're still anxiously awaiting to hit the GT racing circuit nonetheless. These new features are definitely great, but we can live without them for just a bit longer. [Via CVG]
Have a look at GT5's Ferrari F1
Click for high resolution image. Stylish elegance. That seductive red color. No, this isn't a TV commercial for some new car. We're just stating how much we've fallen in love with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue's Ferrari F2007. Just look at those sleek curves. The detail on this baby is so life-like it's hard to believe that this is just a digital rendering. Do you share in our excitement? Interested in seeing more? You can have a better look at the F1 car in the gallery below. Sony's Three Speech blog has even more pics to drool over, so be sure to check them all out.%Gallery-18534%
A duet of glorious Gran Turismo 5 Prologue TV ads
If you don't watch a lot of TV then you might miss these Gran Turismo 5 Prologue commercials. Or they're only airing in Europe. Or if you do watch a lot of TV and see these, you might want to see them again. So here are two TV spots for the upcoming driving simulator -- and they look spectacular. The second one can be found after the jump, because we don't want to put too much awesome up front and overwhelm you. Plus it's a lot longer.
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%
GT5 Prologue priced and dated for Europe
Don't be put off by the fact that Sony America announced their release information for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, Sony Europe have come through today and confirmed the European release date and price. With just over two weeks to go, the wait is almost over - Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be available on Blu-ray on March 26th (or, for some reason, March 28th in the UK) and on the PlayStation Store on March 27th. Price of admission is a very reasonable £24.99 or €39.99. A hardware bundle will also be released at the same time containing a 40GB PS3, SIXAXIS controller and a copy of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue for £299 or €399. Expect this price to be dropped slightly by retailers. The European release of the game will feature all the extras found in the American version, including split-screen multiplayer. Considering the amount of content in the game, not to mention features such as Gran Turismo TV and Gran Turismo Museum, this will be a must-buy bargain for any fan of racing games.%Gallery-4885%
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.]
Logitech busts out $150 Driving Force GT wheel for Gran Turismo 5
If you or somebody you love owns a PS3, there's a decent chance Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will prove irresistible upon its April 17th launch, and kidnap you forcibly from reality for a life spent in darkness racing cars around hyper realistic tracks. So why not do it in style? Logitech has just announced the official racing wheel for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the Driving Force GT. The $150 wheel, which is PS2 and PS3 compatible, includes force feedback, along with a 24-position adjustment dial for screwing with things like brake bias in real time. We don't know what brake bias is, but we know we'd be suckers not to be tweaking it in real time by the time April rolls around. Unfortunately, this wheel isn't due until May.
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%
Yamauchi chats Gran Turismo 5, his own personal garage
With the advent of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, a lot of people are wondering how many of the features will make it into the final version of Gran Turismo 5. One would expect all of them, but here's what was gleaned in a recent interview: more cars in a race, global community connectivity, increased drift control, better competitor AI, and a veritable car encyclopedia.Kazunori Yamauchi's own garage is nothing to scoff at: a souped up Nissan 350Z, Honda S2000, Mercedes SL55, a Porsche GT3, and two Ford GTs. Two! Lucky man.[via Videogaming247]
