Gran Turismo 5: Prologue

[TylerDurden]

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (グランツーリスモ5 プロローグ, guran tsūrisumo 5 purorōgu) is the latest installment in the Gran Turismo series and a PlayStation 3 exclusive title which was announced at the E3 2007. This short version title is a precursor and sampling of Polyphony Digital's planned Gran Turismo 5 and replaces Gran Turismo HD Concept. The "Prologue" suffix is a self-reference to Gran Turismo 4 Prologue which was released one year before the full version of Gran Turismo 4.[1] Since October 3, 2008, the game is now referred to as Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III which is the software's version 3.0 title.[9]
The game is a budget sale which was first released in Japan on December 13, 2007 (Blu-ray Disc and PlayStation Store) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series. It was followed by a Chinese translated version issued in South East Asia on February 1, 2008 through the PlayStation Store, then on Blu-ray Disc on February 15.
An upgraded version[10] dubbed "spec II", also available as a patch for the original version, was released on the PlayStation Store on March 27, 2008 in Australia, then in Europe on March 28.[11] However, in Portugal the game was officially launched in stores as early as March 26, 2008(and unofficially on March 21).[12]
The "spec II" version was released in North America on April 15, 2008 (Blu-ray Disc) and was released on April 17 (Playstation Store). The Blu-ray Disc version will offer added value with an exclusive GT-TV video feature called "Beyond the Apex".[13]
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec II features 16-player online races, over 70 cars (including tuned cars), 6 tracks, 12 layouts, 60fps (during races, replays are 30fps), Full HD 1080p and LPCM 7.1ch high definition sound.

Discuss.

[TylerDurden]

just the other night, post-update, i was finally able to beat s-10 (first place no less) with the tuned corvette z06. when i get home this evening i'll post my settings for the car for those interested.

i have only the f40 one-lapper to complete before having trounced the s-class, and then it'll be on to saving up the dough for the ferrari f1 car.

anyone heard anything on trophies being enabled for gt5p?

[Willam]

This is the one game that will make me purchase a PS3. Been playing the series since they first brought it out. Without a doubt, the best racing game ever.

[Archangel]

I really need a wheel for this game, because with the pad, I suck fucking arse.

[}{arlequin]

since i didn't start forza2 yet, i haven't even looked into this game. figured i'd just wait for the official full game release. graphics must be nice

[Hoser]

I really need a wheel for this game, because with the pad, I suck fucking arse.

I agree, without a wheel I need some of the driving aids to keep me going. I think a G25 is in order here.

[Archangel]

The problem with the pad is that you're basically forced to choose between going straight and full lock, which fucking kills you on some of the more technical circuits.

[Gary_Busey]

Do yourself a favor and get a G25. I won't race without it.

[Kerjack]

I love the G25 but I have to admit my racing is tighter with the Driving Force Pro/GT. Also the cabling isn't nearly the hassle of the G25.

[}{arlequin]

i hate to admit it but i don't use the wheel for racing games. i like the joystick(s) that are on the controllers. i can 'operate' the controls quicker by not using the wheel. if i had to go lock-to-lock quickly, it would take 'kimi' reflexes. it is easier for me to replicate that w/ the stick. since it makes me quicker, and that's all i'm really after, i don't bother w/ the wheels.

shameful, i know

[Hoser]

I want a G25, but they are so pricey.

OI am thinking of getting this one

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/playstation_3/wheels/devices/4172&cl=ca,en

http://www.logitech.com/repository/659/jpg/6511.1.0.jpg

[Archangel]

Do yourself a favor and get a G25. I won't race without it.

Do I look like I shit money?

[Hoser]

Yes???

[Archangel]

Trust me, I'm one of the brokest blokes on here.

[Archangel]

Well, that might be a slight exaggeration.

But I AM broke.

[Hoser]

Yeah, I think me being in school, not working and having rent to pay may give me that title. Actually I can can think of atleast one meat packer who is probably broker then me, but no one expects much from him.

[Hoser]

I do have an older logictech wheel, but the force feedback isnt working, I may just start using it until i can get a new one.

[TylerDurden]

my personal review of gt5p (http://forum.gorillamask.net/showpost.php?p=175488&postcount=2)

i was very skeptical of buying a beta to a full game. but having played, experienced, close to conquered, and lost sleep over this game i must admit that this game, while smaller, definitely takes the edge off of waiting for the full release.

the g25 is definitely my wheel of choice when i go for it, but i've become quite good at making minute adjustments to the analog stick on the controller. the newest update from polyphony made the controllers even more accurate (though i can't really tell the difference).

[Gary_Busey]

Do I look like I shit money?
I've seen you discuss buying a pair of $400 sunglasses and an even pricier bike.

[Gary_Busey]

my personal review of gt5p (http://forum.gorillamask.net/showpost.php?p=175488&postcount=2)

i was very skeptical of buying a beta to a full game. but having played, experienced, close to conquered, and lost sleep over this game i must admit that this game, while smaller, definitely takes the edge off of waiting for the full release.

the g25 is definitely my wheel of choice when i go for it, but i've become quite good at making minute adjustments to the analog stick on the controller. the newest update from polyphony made the controllers even more accurate (though i can't really tell the difference).

I want Prologue but I think I'm just going to wait until the full game comes out, if I can't resist the temptation.

[Archangel]

I've seen you discuss buying a pair of $400 sunglasses and an even pricier bike.

Yeah, and?

[Gary_Busey]

Yeah, and?
There must be some money coming from somewhere.

[Hoser]

Sun glasses are worth spending money on. A steering wheel for a game is not normally a priority.

[Gary_Busey]

I guess it's all about perspective.

[Hoser]

Protecting your eyes from damage vs Getting fat....


Yep I have my priorities straight.

[Hoser]

So what is it that everyone wants out of this game over GT4. We all know the graphics will be there, but what else.

For me it is a few things. I think that this stage in the game there has ot be damage, realistic visual damage. they have the room for it, so do it. hell even if it takes one disk just to load the tracks onto your HDD then the other to play the game, I would be ok with that.

Next is better sound. both engine and exhaust note as well as tire noise and impact noise.

After that it would have to be mechanical failure. I don't just want ot pit for tires and gas, if something breaks then so be it. you should have to keep your cars in good condition if you want to win. Also to add to this point, i want to see tire wear be something that you actually have to think about more. And I don't mean for just one race, but if you end a race with bad tires, you should start the next race with bad tires unless you put new ones on. Now for all this to happen the money system would have to be tweaked to make it feasble, but it would be nice to see.

Finally more accurate tuning. Now this wouldn't be something you have to do, but something they should allow you to do. Say with a dyno tune for engine and then some sort of more accurate and adjustable suspension work.

[Gary_Busey]

Protecting your eyes from damage vs Getting fat....


Yep I have my priorities straight.
I don't even own sunglasses and my eyes are fine. I do own a G25 and I'm not fat. Quit with the douchebaggery.

[Hoser]

I'll quit when I am good and ready.

[Hoser]

Also ad more replay options to my list. I hate only having 2 views.

[}{arlequin]

damage has been covered in the past editions. mainly, the reason why they don't do it. manufacturers don't agree to it therefore there's nothing they can do about it. they could do what they did in gt2 (or was it 3?) where if you hit something severely enough, the car would behave funny and you'd still have to pit to fix it.

more cars, even though that's not up to them really. no ferrari? no porsche? no mac f1? sad.

a track design feature would be awesome, even if it meant you don't get ANY sort of background, other than just gray flat area. this could be skipped if there were more tracks, which would be ideal though i'm sure very time consuming to add. then again, if you're gonna claim to be a simulator... i don't mind if it would cost extra per track to download either.

from north america there's a notable lack of daytona, sebring, cmp, vir, mid ohio, summit point, watkins glen, limerock, nhis, mt. treblant, montreal, road atlanta, mosport, and elkhart lake. put those in in lieu of made up, nonexistent city courses.

few more of the british tracks would be nice as well, that way you could have a mini touring car season. stelvio pass would be a great addition too, even though it's not a real track per se.

[Hoser]

I know they did damage before, but it wasn't really visible. Also I am pretty sure they have gotten the go ahead for the damage, plus Forza has it, and they have many of the same cars. I don;t even really buy that as the real reason, i think it was just their way out of it.

The word is that damage isn't going to come right away, but will be an update of some sort.

For tracks they are talking over 500, so I think those will make it in.

Cars, well they have Ferraris, Porches (might still just be RUF) and I don;t knwo about the Mac. I am hoping Lambo makes it in. But they are said ot have over 900 cars, so I am keeping my hopes up.

[Hoser]

Also a track like the salt flats, I just want somewhere that is straight to be doing some top speed runs.

[Hoser]

And the Caparo T1. I love that car.

[}{arlequin]

. I don;t even really buy that as the real reason, i think it was just their way out of it.

The word is that damage isn't going to come right away, but will be an update of some sort.

For tracks they are talking over 500, so I think those will make it in.

Cars, well they have Ferraris, Porches (might still just be RUF) and I don;t knwo about the Mac. I am hoping Lambo makes it in. But they are said ot have over 900 cars, so I am keeping my hopes up.
it's a good point ab damage. maybe they knew adding that much onto ps2 hardware would slow down/screw up many other things. either way, i'm ambivalent ab having it.

500 tracks seems like it oughta cover what i'm looking for.

only halfway done w/ gt4 and haven't seen ferraris yet. as for porsches... rufs don't really count. i like them, but it's not the same. porsche the car company has about 30 amazing racecars they've raced through the years and i'd love be able to take them out for a spin. yes, many of them are older now, but i get kinda bored using calsonic skylines and toyota gt one's all the time.

ruf being what it is means you never get to drive a real race car in the game (they never built/raced any to my knowledge, except for a one-off at pikes peak)... i know there's a bunch of different porsches waiting for me in forza2 so maybe i'll pipe down ab that afterwards

for online racing i'd like to see spec classes in two different formats. one being w/ same cars and identical equipment and another w/ any car you want, but when you enter a race the computer will pit you against other players w/ similar car capabilities. hp/car type etc could be different, but it has to be equalized by a fast car having shitty tires, or more weight, or by just being bone stock vs. a maxed out race version of a lesser car

[Hoser]

There are no Ferraris in GT4, but they are in GT5. I have an F430 right now.

What is the difference with RUF?? Are they some sort of tuner?? Dont know much about them.

[}{arlequin]

simple answer, they're are a tuner.

complicated answer:
when they work on a car, they re-work it to such an extent that there are very few porsche parts left on them. so much so, in fact, that under german laws, the cars aren't porsches anymore. they have ruf vin numbers. they're a company that manufactures rufs.

they have such a longstanding arrangement w/ porsche, that by now they don't even take new cars apart anymore. they just have porsche bodies/parts shipped to them separately across town. they could make pretty good racecars, but they're not interested. besides, it would be hard to out-engineer all of the porsche engineering muscle. conveniently, porsche sells ready-to-race factory built beasts.

to get an idea how serious they are, they had a 6speed transmission in their cars before porsche dreamed of making one. same goes for twin turbos. their cars cracked 200mph long before 959 or f40 ever did. 211 to be exact. they're the real deal.

[Archangel]

That CTR Yellow Bird (based on the 3.2 Carrera, if memory serves) was just plain fucking scary.


Oh, and the McLaren F1 WAS in GT4. As the GTR long-tail race-car. But still.

[TylerDurden]

polyphony has confirmed (i'll find the link later) damage for gt5p/gt5 in an upcoming update. the reasoning it hasn't existed before now is two-fold: 1) technological limits; namely disc space, and 2) getting manufacturers agreement. blu-ray and the addition of a large hard drive to the ps3 eliminates the first obstacle. the second obstacle isn't so simple. because gran turismo has a reputation of being not only visually accurate but also functionally accurate car manufacturers know that many people will base an opinion of a car solely on this game. that said, manufacturers do not want the general public to know just exactly how a jag is going to look when it's crumpled. other games can do this because other games don't look or perform nearly as accurately as the gran turismo series nor are they as simulator-like as the gran turismo series.

[Hoser]

Anyone who based their potential buying opinion on a videogame needs a swift kick to the berries.

[}{arlequin]

it sounds like bs to many people when i say this, but when i used to have an integra, when i made the exact same changes to the game car, it really did feel noticeably similar to the way the real car felt after the changes.

also, i was able to find the exact same set of wheels in the game that my car was sporting so i was happy to be driving 'my car'

[TylerDurden]

Anyone who based their potential buying opinion on a videogame needs a swift kick to the berries.

i would tend to agree with you, but when magazine after magazine reviews a gran turismo game and spouts, "this is as close as you can get without being there," it's not difficult to understand. many times this is as close as most people will get to driving ANY of these cars.

it sounds like bs to many people when i say this, but when i used to have an integra, when i made the exact same changes to the game car, it really did feel noticeably similar to the way the real car felt after the changes.

also, i was able to find the exact same set of wheels in the game that my car was sporting so i was happy to be driving 'my car'

indeed. i and others have had similar experiences and it's really a look at just how far polyphony goes to get it just right.

[Hoser]

i would tend to agree with you, but when magazine after magazine reviews a gran turismo game and spouts, "this is as close as you can get without being there," it's not difficult to understand. many times this is as close as most people will get to driving ANY of these cars.


Well I just can't agree with that.

-6H9mYUX5yw

[Archangel]

There's a picture-in-picture vid of either Stuck or Röhrl driving an M3 GTR on GT4 and on the real Nürburgring.

It's pretty close, and the man himself seemed impressed.

[}{arlequin]

the problem w/ the real life application is the human. self preservation, as well as lack of funds for wrecked machinery, sometimes prevent us from going completely bonkers in real life. i am certain that most will leave 3-5 seconds on the table when trying to drive the real track vs. virtual. it's just the way it is.

[Archangel]

Here's the video I talked about earlier.

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/bmw-m3-gtr-hans-joachim-stuck-2004-nurburgring/4188323077

[}{arlequin]

famous vid. pretty much the best 'ring vid in existance. there's one using a radical that might top it, but just barely.

wonder how he did in the video game comparo.

[Gary_Busey]

I used to sit and race the Ring in GTR2 for hours.

[Hoser]

I used to sit and race the Ring in GTR2 for hours.

GTR2 > any racing game up to this point

[Ocelot]

In preparation for GT5, I wanted to nab myself a racing wheel. From the chatter on this thread a few months back, it seems like the G25 is the way to go, but how does that compare to the Driving Force GT (the official wheel of Gran Turismo)? Both are made by logitech, but is there really a definitive loss of experience by not spending a bit more cash for the G25 (be it in terms of force feedback, wheel responsiveness/texture, etc)?

Also: the g25 is definitely my wheel of choice when i go for it, but i've become quite good at making minute adjustments to the analog stick on the controller. the newest update from polyphony made the controllers even more accurate (though i can't really tell the difference).

Do the control adjustments translate over to the how the wheel controls? I ask because the Driving Force GT has those little nobs on the wheel to tweak the parameters and controls further. I wonder if those controller tweaks could throw off the G25's feel or control (or if there is a way to modify the wheel parameters as there is in the Driving Force GT).

If the official GT wheel is "good enough" I'll settle for that. If I'd definitely be missing out by not opting for the G25, I'd probably be willing to make the investment.

[Gary_Busey]

You want the G25. Trust me. I used to own the Driving Force Pro which is pretty similar to the GT and the G25 is far and away better than those. The force feedback is amazing, your really fight with it like you would in a real car. The main selling point for me was the inclusing of the H-shifter and the clutch, which is essential for a racing simulation. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra cash on the G25, it's so worth it.

[Kerjack]

In preparation for GT5, I wanted to nab myself a racing wheel. From the chatter on this thread a few months back, it seems like the G25 is the way to go, but how does that compare to the Driving Force GT (the official wheel of Gran Turismo)? Both are made by logitech, but is there really a definitive loss of experience by not spending a bit more cash for the G25 (be it in terms of force feedback, wheel responsiveness/texture, etc)?

Also:

Do the control adjustments translate over to the how the wheel controls? I ask because the Driving Force GT has those little nobs on the wheel to tweak the parameters and controls further. I wonder if those controller tweaks could throw off the G25's feel or control (or if there is a way to modify the wheel parameters as there is in the Driving Force GT).

If the official GT wheel is "good enough" I'll settle for that. If I'd definitely be missing out by not opting for the G25, I'd probably be willing to make the investment.

The biggest difference is the H gated shifter. If the thought of only having a sequential shifter doesn't make you horribly sad I'd go with the Driving Force GT.

The G25 has a larger wheel, better feedback, the H-gated shifter, and the clutch pedal. All great things, but I think 98% of the populace would be more then happy with what the GT wheel offers. The g25 is for the hardcore. I love the areas where it excels but I personally find it wanting in a few key categories over the GT as well, button placement is considerably worse imo on the g25, they sacrificed function for looks in that regard. Then cabling, the cables are way to short on the G25, and they all hook up UNDER the base of the wheel. Makes things look tidy but it also makes the setup that much more of a pain in the ass, expesially when you have to waste your presious cable on doing a loop under it so it lines up with the dimples in the base. And mounting the shifter, now again this could just be me but I've never been happy with how I end up having to mount the shifter. I'm sure it would be 1000x as awesome as the GT wheel if I actually built a stand for my wheel to allow the shifter to sit low to my side like a real car but I never have. So I find myself annoyed because its too high and to far over ect, to make shifting fun.


In short, unless you are truly hardcore, go witht he GT wheel and save yourself a bundle. Hell can't you buy two for the price of a G25? Do that and play with a friend.

[Kerjack]

PS. I've never had the pleasure of trying out those tuning knobs on the GT wheel (I have the earlier Driving Force Pro model) but those always looked like the sex. Course I would not expect any other game to make us of them :(

[Gary_Busey]

Don't listen to Kerjack, he's a virgin.


I love the fact that you can mount the shifter seperately. Allows you to create your own cockpit. Simply put, the clutch and the shifter make the G25 superior to the GT/Pro.

[Kerjack]

Which is awesome, but no one but the hardcore make their own cockpit. And in my experience lacking that cockpit the GT wheel (or Driving Force Pro) is more comfortable on a standard table.

Although I knew you would not agree with me and never will, because you sir are one of those hardcore people. :P

[Gary_Busey]

Which is awesome, but no one but the hardcore make their own cockpit. And in my experience lacking that cockpit the GT wheel (or Driving Force Pro) is more comfortable on a standard table.

Although I knew you would not agree with me and never will, because you sir are one of those hardcore people. :P
I'm really not. You're absolutely wrong as far as "more comfortable on a standard table". I used both the Driving Force Pro and the G25 on the same desk, nothing fancy, just a solid flat desk. The G25 was superior in every way. You just mount it next to the steering wheel. The clutch and the H-shifter improves the experience ten-fold. I would never go back to a sequential shifter. However, if you get the chance to own a cockpit or custom stand, the G25 gives you that flexibility to mount the shifter in a more realistic position.

[Kerjack]

You play Race 07 and such, yer hardcore!

[Gary_Busey]

What the fuck is Race 07?

[Kerjack]

Its like a newer better expanded GTR2

[Gary_Busey]

Its like a newer better expanded GTR2
Haven't played it yet.

[Kerjack]

Wow SimBin really pumps out the titles. Guess their newest out is GTR Evolution, and soon will be a Volvo racing game.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SimBin_Studios

[Ocelot]

I figured if I am going to get a wheel, I might as well do it right. The G25 it is. I've been watching some reviews, and it does seem to be the better wheel. I didn't know the Driving Force wheel didn't have an H-shifter, which I imagine will be a lot better than the sequential.

http://www.fanatec.de/webshop/new_usa/images/rsc3m_en_02.jpg
This would be fun to have. Unfortunately it's $995 and it only includes:


Cockpit frame
Black race seat with fibreglass bucket
Screws
Manual

Doesn't include: Racing wheel, pedals, monitor stand, keyboard holder, monitors, console / PC
Pretty serious, but I don't think it's quite in my budget.

Link: http://www.fanatec.de/webshop/new_usa/product_info.php?ref=3&products_id=45&affiliate_banner_id=1

[Gary_Busey]

If you have any manufacturing skills, building your own cockpit would be pretty cheap.

[Willam]

If you have any manufacturing skills, building your own cockpit would be pretty cheap.


I know a guy that built one for flight-sim games. Pretty cool.

[Hoser]

I have seen a ton of them built. PVC seems to be the cheapest and lightest. If I had the room I would be all over it. Maybe next summer as a weekender.

Does the Pro/GT have 900 degree turning? That is a big thing for me with the G25.

[papillon]

I have seen a ton of them built. PVC seems to be the cheapest and lightest. If I had the room I would be all over it. Maybe next summer as a weekender.

Does the Pro/GT have 900 degree turning? That is a big thing for me with the G25.
The GT does have 900 degree turning.

I'll be buying a wheel this fall, probably the GT. The G25 seems significantly better, but the cost is too high for me to justify. My previous wheel was a Logitech Wingman Formula Force. I had paid $299 (CAN) for it and loved it. If the GT can give me a similar FF experience I'll be happy.

A full cockpit build wouldn't be practical at my place. But a home-welded copy of the Wheel Stand Pro (http://wheelstandpro.com/) system is definitely possible.

[zeromaint]

So is the PS2 GT Driving force compatible with the PS3 games?

[Gary_Busey]

It should be.