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TylerDurden

10-15-2008, 11:15 AM

Gran Turismo 5: Prologue (GT5:P)
Having been a fan of the Gran Turismo series since the second release on the PS1 I was delighted to hear that Polyphony Digital (PD) would be once again releasing a GT for the masses on a next-gen console. For those unaware GT5:P is not to be considered a full game in the same vein as GT3/4, but rather a glorified public beta and a peace offering on this the tenth anniversary of the Gran Turismo series.

At last count there are only some 70+ vehicles from 31 manufacturers (including "tuners") and 6 countries. You can race these vehicles on only 11 tracks, and that number includes mirrored or alternate versions. Contrast that with the report that GT5 (proper) will include more than 900 cars and an unknown (but equally ridiculous) number of tracks, both real and imagined, from all over the world. Looking at those numbers might discourage you; I know they discouraged me. Don't be. If you're willing to spend $20 (est. based on average eBay price as of Sept. '08) you won't be disappointed.

Gran Turismo games of past were a showcase of the then-current bleeding edges of graphic and game-physics realism. GT5:P is no exception, boasting full 1080p high-definition resolution. The cars are digital sex and the locations modeled in exquisite detail. For those with a high-def television it's almost a guarantee that you'll be immediately floored. PD has, as is par for their games, spared absolutely no expense at getting it exactly right. That said the realism doesn't stop at the gorgeous cars or environments.

The physics engine, already impressively realistic from GT4, is tuned even further from GT games of past. But there's a new twist: the level of realism can be toggled now. For those (like me) who enjoy a good simulator but aren't hardcore enough to spend $3k+ on the full cockpit rig (more on this in a minute) necessary to be competitive in a true-to-life sim the standard realism and physics settings are fine. The game is still VERY MUCH challenging in this mode and the standard PS3 controller will suffice. However, for those who want to really know what it's like to drive these cars on these tracks without owning or renting at an exuberant rate (an F430, for example, can cost from $3k+ per day with ridiculous restrictions) will get their wish. A few button clicks, a change of tires, and you can find out just how quickly the ass-end of a Dodge Viper is going to step out if you get a little over-zealous at Suzuka. Those who find themselves in the real-life equivalent for comparisons will find that it's identical, though you'll need to find a tire-scented candle to burn for that fresh rubber scent.

New for the Gran Turismo series is the addition of an online mode. At the time of this writing there is currently no way to create your own race and invite your friends, as is found in other titles on the market, but PD assures game owners and fans that it's on the way (though they're not saying whether they'll include it in an update of GT5:P or the final GT5 proper). PD has done their homework here, too, and have done their best to eliminate the often irrational and erratic driving maneuvers associated with game trolls and crybabies who a) haven't learned how to drive car correctly, and b) get bent and start wrecking other drivers when they make a mistake. An example of this are those drivers who like to turn around in order to thwart legit racers. Rather than contact being made the offending car will rather turn transparent and pass through the non-offending cars. At the moment the game can support a vast number of online players per race, and the game will automatically find similar players based on car selection and connection properties (speed, location, etc.). The single-player mode also supports a vast number of cars (up to 16; previous versions of Gran Turismo only supported 6 total cars in a race) per race, making each race more intense and challenging.

The single-player mode consists of various series (C, B, A, and S) that are a mix of the license-earning in previous games along with the Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert series from GT3/4. You can't compete in B until you get C's license, A until you get B's license, and so on. Manufacturers races still abound, and speaking of manufacturers a number of Ferrari vehicles are available for purchase including Kimi Raikkonnen and Felipe Massa's constructor-and-driver's championship-winning 2007 Formula 1 cars.

The user interface is vastly improved over previous Gran Turismo games and now features a iGoogle-esque My Page as the default screen. A calendar, world map (with actual current temperature readings for myriad race tracks around the world), and breath-taking view of your current car in various real-world surroundings is shown. An unobtrusive menu system lurks at the bottom, and should prove to be rather simple for even the newest of Gran Turismo fans.

PD has been busy with GT5:P, and thus have announced that a full-blooded GT5 will not be ready for public consumption until late '09/early '10. Updates, new cars and features, and (hopefully) new tracks are still being created for Prologue, so this game is still very much the current apple of PD's eye. If you have $20, don't want to wait for GT5's always-changing release date, or want a leg up on how to drive in the GT5 world (PD has stated that the gameplay, physics and behaviors of GT5:P are largely complete and will not change from GT5's final release form) Gran Turismo 5: Prologue is a worthy addition to any speed-addict's collection.

If, however, you're looking for a quick, arcade-feeling but fun racer... look away. This isn't for you. GRID or the soon-to-be-released Need for Speed: Undercover game are more your fare.

My GT5:P Rating: 4.5/5

Resources
- Official website (http://www.gran-turismo.com/)
- Gran Turismo World (http://www.granturismoworld.com/en/language/index.htm)
- Trinity Racing cockpit (http://www.trinity-racing.com/page3.html)
- Bob Earl Racing Virtual Racing Chassis (http://www.bobearlracing.com/)
- Logitech G25 racing wheel/pedals/shifter (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/playstation_3/devices/131&cl=US,EN)