Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

[zemmix]

Anyone else here playing this yet?

So far I think this one will be the best one in the series. The graphics even on my lowdef 32" screen are incredble. The dash view is awesome and the controls seem better to me than 4 did.

I also love the new L2 and R2 button redesign on the sixaxis and DS3 controllers. The triggers make much better accelerator and brake pedals than just the little x button. It's something I came to love with Sega GT on the Dreamcast and Xbox. I haven't tried it with my Logitech force pro wheel yet though.

Easily makes the $450 I spend for everything (system, ds3 and prologue) worth it. Now I need a hi-def LCD!

My new system:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/zemmix/IMG_5307.jpg

[lendelin]

I'm looking forward to Gran Turismo HD as well when it finally comes out this spring. (I'm not online and played only shortly the new GT in a store.)

It sure will be a polished game again. I love developers like Polyphony that don't rush games to store shelves and take their time to release high quality titles.

I'm playing Forza 2, and while I enjoy it the title certainly needs some more work (physics engine, graphics) and is again one class (or lap) behind Gran Turismo. We already have Forza 2, but we'll probably wait another year for Gran Turismo 5. Good.

The first Forza was hyped to death even though it couldn't compete with GT4. It was a good simulation racer, but nothing outstanding, the same goes for Forza 2 although it has an improved physics engine; both simulation games undoubtedly the best on their xbox consoles, but that doesn't say much.

GT 5 will be a feast. For ten years now GT is one of the most polished, high class series for which a developer actually takes time to improve the game and to impress gamers again and again.

...and PLEASE get a high def LCD TV!! :)

[diskoboy]

I had no Idea it was even close to being released... Here, or in Japan.

I downloaded the demo on PSN, immediately after I set my PS3 up. I have to say, I'm impressed with it so far.

And yes, you do need a HDTV. I'm playing the demo on a 55" 120hz 1080p TV, and the game looks absolutely breathtaking. A few jaggies, here and there. But still very impressive. Hopeflly, Polyphony Digital will tweak the anti-aliasing on the final version.

[Willem]

Grand Tourismo 5 Prologue was released early december 2007 in Japan. If my memory is correct it will hit the US shores around March and EU around May 2008.

No release date set on the full version of GT5 in any area

[s1lence]

Yeah if you have a Japanese PS3 account you can download it. Its not on my HK account yet.

My only gripe is that the cars look WAY to shiny.

[diskoboy]

Grand Tourismo 5 Prologue was released early december 2007 in Japan. If my memory is correct it will hit the US shores around March and EU around May 2008.

No release date set on the full version of GT5 in any area

According to IGN, the US release date is Febuary 15th. So that's not as far off as I thought...

Need to find me a Logitech Force Feedback wheel. And soon...

[alexkidd2000]

According to IGN, the US release date is Febuary 15th. So that's not as far off as I thought...

Need to find me a Logitech Force Feedback wheel. And soon...

I am glad you brought that up. I want a good force feedback wheel for my PS3. Is this the one to get?

[zemmix]

I am glad you brought that up. I want a good force feedback wheel for my PS3. Is this the one to get?

There are really only two that are worthy. The first/best one is the newer $250 Logitech G25 wheel with 6-speed shifter and the other is the older Logitech Driving Force Pro which can be had for $100 or so. I have the Driving Force Pro and it is a superb wheel. I am still debating whether or not to ever get the G25. I'd like it but fit's just too much $ for me right now.

G25:
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-963416-0403-G25-Racing-Wheel/dp/B000GP8448

Driving Force Pro:
http://www.amazon.com/Playstation-2-Driving-Force-Wheel/dp/B0000DC64H/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1199847949&sr=8-1

[coreys429]

The only problem I have with the Gran Turismo series is that it doesn't show damage. Why have a car racing game if your not going to show damage. That is why I will choose Project Gotham. If I wanted car with no damage I will go to a museum.

[Stark]

^Clearly the guy above is an arcade racer never to relish in the greatest racing game series because he thinks damage and flashy sparkle effects are what racing fans want. GT5 is life not a mere game so you sir are forbidden to even look at a copy of the game when it hits the shelf. MWAHAHAHAHAH!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The only problem I have with the Gran Turismo series is that it doesn't show damage. Why have a car racing game if your not going to show damage. That is why I will choose Project Gotham. If I wanted car with no damage I will go to a museum.

Why no damage? Well, I believe that the essence of the series has always been :

A.) Get the best selection of actual licensed automobiles in a driving simulation / game.

B.) Produce the most realistic handling versions of the actual licensed automobiles in a driving simulation / game.

In order to allow for both of the above, the folks at Sony/Polyphony have always needed to promise the car companies that they wouldn't allow for damage modeling on their cars because :

A.) Gaging how a car "realistically" handles with random impact damage would require far more research than anybody was willing to do for this type of "showcase" driving sim.

B.) No car company wants to see their top makes/models in a beautiful, high-resolution race replay all smashed up! That's hardly a "showcase".

... however, if memory serves, the cars in the GT series since the 2nd installment do pick up road dust and can be taken to a car wash for detailing.

[diskoboy]

Bump.

Anyone in the US pick this up today? Is it worth the $40, or should I wait for the full GT5?

[b0ub0u]

I hope it can compete with Forza 2 in the physic departement.

Sorry guys, but right now, as far as driving simulation goes, Forza 2 is the standard.

Gran Turismo NEVER got the phyisics rights. They have more cars and tracks, yes... but it is no where as realist as Forza is. Have you ever bumped into a car in GT ? LOL, you can even use that tactic to turn a corner faster.. Try that with Forza ;-)

If GT5 can have the damage and good physics, maybe it will stand up to Forza 2.

Don't get me wrong, I am a huge GT fan, I have the first 4 games and I played the hell out of them, but since Forza came, things are different.

But let's see it that way... without much competition, nothing really improve !

My 2 cents

Stephane

[s1lence]

Bump.

Anyone in the US pick this up today? Is it worth the $40, or should I wait for the full GT5?

Well, I have the import and I would say if you are a racing fan, get it. If you aren't "big" into the GT franchice then I would pass on it. Its about 20% of the total GT5 game is suppose to be.

[diskoboy]

Picked it up....

I'm totally speechless. It's beautiful. It controls well, even with a regular controller. Cockpit view is beyond words - especially running in 1080p.

It does have a few filtering and shadowing issues I hope they iron out before the full game comes out, and the car upgrading isn't very deep, at all, but I know it will be more in depth with the final release... But otherwise, I'm impressed.

[Stark]

Forza 2 looks great but thats it. It's not in the same league as GT5. I don't hate Forza 2 but its missing alot. GT5 Prologue is a nice little teaser and worth every penny.

[Leo_A]

I'm looking forward to Gran Turismo HD as well when it finally comes out this spring. (I'm not online and played only shortly the new GT in a store.)

GT HD has been out in demo form for download for quite sometime, the full game isn't coming out, was cancelled in favor of the GT5 project. And GT5 is not due for release this spring, it likely won't be out until 2009 the developers say. This Prologue GT5 demo basically represents the project at 50% completion Kazunori Yamauchi says.

[zemmix]

I stopped playing my copy back in February. With no customization, low amount of cars and tracks there just wasn't enything more to do with it besides play online with people that are more interested in playing bumper cars than actual racing. Now my dusty white ps3 only gets turned on to play blu ray movies.