Gran Turismo
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Gran Turismo for Boys lives on, might be GT5 feature
The awkwardly-named Gran Turismo for Boys was supposed to be a more kid-oriented version of the popular racing sim, giving male youngsters a small taste of the real racing simulator. In an interview with with Kazunori Yamauchi, the director noted that they're still devoted to making Gran Turismo for Boys "but we're hoping to make that a feature within GT5."A simpler version of GT5 would certain appeal to both boys and girls, no? Regardless, it seems like there are plans to make a much more mainstream-friendly version of GT -- for those who can't get enough auto-assist whilst driving.[Via Joystiq]
Kid-focused Gran Turismo for Boys could become GT5 feature
It's been over three years since we first sighed 'awwwe' to Polyphony Digital's plans to develop a kindly, gentler racing simulation with the kid-friendly Gran Turismo for Boys. Now series mastermind Kazunori Yamauchi has come forward about the project, and in a recent CVG interview commented that Gran Turismo for Boys is still coming, though perhaps as an included feature in Gran Turismo 5 rather than a standalone game. Gran Turismo for Boys was first revealed in November 2004 by Yamauchi as a way to hook preteens on cars, sort of like candy cigarettes, but since then there's been little said about the effort beyond the occasional footnote to let the world know that the project hadn't been run over. Tykes shouldn't get too excited yet, however, as Yamauchi admits that his team is currently spinning wheels working on GT5, and have little time to spend on side projects. Still, with the game's release about a year off maybe he'll find time to include the child dedicated feature -- and keep us from throwing a tantrum.
Gran Turismo PSP still exists, delayed until 2009
We had to laugh a little when we saw this webpage for the news: the release date listed for Gran Turismo 4 on PSP is still 03/24/2005. Yes, this game has been delayed and considered dead almost as much as Duke Nukem Forever, but we assure you it is alive and well. Kazunori Yamauchi also says this, though admits the game will not be ready until 2009. This latest delay comes courtesy of PS3 development hurdles in regard to Gran Turismo 5. It seems some kind of online functionality has been added to the PSP title, though, to connect it to the PS3. So it's evolving. We just have to wait. Forever.[via GamePro]
Damage coming to GT5 Prologue, weather possible for final release
There's something peculiar about the ability to drive 120 mph into a wall and not see a single scratch on your car. The Gran Turismo series has always been fond of that physics anomaly. Speaking to VideoGamer, series creator Kazunori Yamauchi said damage modeling is coming to GT5: Prologue. "We're not really planning for a trial or test version," he said, "we're going at it full speed. We'll see what happens." In a separate interview with IGN, Yamauchi expressed hope for a Fall release of the update.Yamauchi also hinted that weather effects would be in the final, non-Prologue Gran Turismo 5, due out about a year from now. We're not expecting Burnout-esque pile ups, but a fender bender in the rain would be nice.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Gran Turismo PSP still 'delayed,' possibly until 2009
Polyphony Digital is still working on the PSP version of Gran Turismo. No, really! Series creator Kazunori Yamauchi confirmed as much to us during last year's Tokyo Game Show, blaming the portable racer's vaporware status on the Gran Turismo 5 time sink. Don't expect much movement on the mobile front until Polyphony makes it through the post-Prologue development chicane."We had been developing the PSP version, but the problem was that the PS3 version took much more time and effort than we had first imagined," Yamauchi recently told Eurogamer. "So that's been delayed - I don't think we'll be able to make the end of this year for the PSP version, but we are working on it."If and/or when the final product eventually arrives, Polyphony Digital hopes for it to have an online component "linked" to the PlayStation 3 version. As promising as that sounds, we're still going to file this one as a DNF until we see more.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue to get downloadable damage this Fall
How soon is "soon"? Well, sooner than we expected. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be getting a vehicular damage model, according to a new interview with IGN. This long-awaited feature will be made available as a download and could be available as early as this fall. Polyphony's Yamauchi said that, "maybe by Fall we'll be able to implement it."[Via Digg, Image from FlatOut]
PS3 continues European sales momentum after release of GT5
The European gaming community really, really loves Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. After a platinum pre-order and a stellar launch, the PS3 has been gaining quite a bit of traction. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Chart-Track's Dorian Bloch said: "PlayStation 3 sales went up by 14 per cent for week 13, after going up 73 per cent the week before."We're certain that we can expect a similar sales boom after the release of Metal Gear Solid 4 as well. In comparison, Chart-Track noted that "Xbox 360 sales were down by 11 per cent." The effects of Microsoft's price drop were strong, but looks like the power of GT overshadowed the efforts of Microsoft's bargain pricing.For those in love with sales and numbers, this generation of consoles is proving rather interesting. It'll be fascinating to see the effect GT has on the American market, when it launches in a few weeks time.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue now available on Euro PSN
No doubt tired of all the screeching that emanated from yesterday's delay of tire-screeching driving sim, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, Sony has finally sorted out its "technical difficulties" and updated the European PlayStation Store. Our readers from across the sea can now cease sending us irate tips and reserve the gnashing of teeth for when they send an exorbitantly priced car into an unforgiving barrier.Whether you opted for the downloadable Prologue or the Blu-ray version, we hope you enjoy it long enough for the full game to come hurtling around the corner.
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.
Counting Rupees: The year of the PS3
Each week Jeff Engel and Geoff Brooks contribute Counting Rupees, a column on the business behind gaming: Apparently, 2008 is the year of the PS3. After what most consider a very shaky first year, the media is abuzz with a comeback for the company that was once king of consoles. EGM's March issue proudly proclaims on its cover that it's "The Revenge of the PS3". EDGE's December issue was entitled "The Empire Strikes Back" and even Joystiq's PS3 Fanboy has given us 10 reasons why the PS3 is back in the swing of things. Some analysts have proclaimed that the PS3 will do at least as well as the 360 in 2008, and others have the PS3 edging out the 360 by 2010 or even the Wii by 2011. Clearly, everyone is pointing to 2008 being a turning point of sorts for the Cell-powered beast. But is it actually true? Let's focus on, at least initially, Sony's battle against the 360. Certainly, the PS3 has a lot of things going for it. Blu-ray has officially won the next-gen DVD war; upcoming games, such as Metal Gear Solid 4, Killzone 2, and LittleBigPlanet show tremendous potential; and it has seemingly found a price point that people are willing to pay (as they did originally for the 360). In the US, at least so far this year, Sony has managed to outsell the 360 according to January and February NPD figures. But will it be enough?
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%
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%
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%
Europe gets GT5 and Blu-Ray PS3 bundles, same ???399 price
Since we all know Sony Computer Entertainment America and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe can't agree on a single thing (see: GPS, PlayTV, 80GB PS3) it should come as little surprise that they're releasing two 40GB PS3 bundles, neither of which have the words "metal" or "gear" or "solid" anywhere on them. So there's no 80GB MGS4 bundle, but there is a GT5: Prologue bundle reportedly dropping March 29 and a Blu-ray bundle – including Spider-Man, 300, and Casino Royale –dropping March 19th.Both bundles will retail for €399, the same price the 40GB PS3 is currently – a great deal to be sure, though bean counters may consider three Blu-ray discs a decidedly better deal than GT5: Prologue. Either way, they're both "free." Check out a pic of the Blu-ray bundle after the break.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
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 reveals the "offical wheel of Gran Turismo"
Click for high resolution image. Logitech has today unveiled the Logitech Driving Force GT, the "official wheel of Gran Turismo". Available in May in both America and Europe, the completely over the top (but totally cool) steering wheel will retail for $149.99. There's no suggested European price, but don't expect it to be much less than £100. It'll be totally worth it according to Logitech's Director of Marketing, Ruben Mookerjee, who says that "with the Logitech Driving Force GT, you're not playing games anymore – you're racing!" Hilarious!The Driving Force GT is built especially for Gran Turismo 5 and Prologue, but will also work great with Gran Turismo 3 and 4 on the PS2. It has full force-feedback support and if you want to see what the wheel looks like from all sides, be sure to check out our gallery below. We'll have some hands-on impressions up for you from GDC before too long.%Gallery-16522%
