Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

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For the full release of this game, see Gran Turismo 5
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

European box art
Developer(s) Polyphony Digital
Publisher(s) Sony Computer Entertainment
Distributor(s) Polyphony Digital
Designer(s) Kazunori Yamauchi
Series Gran Turismo
Engine Gran Turismo 5
Native resolution 720p, 1080i, 1080p (HDTV)
480p, 576p (EDTV)
480i, 576i (SDTV)
Platform(s) PlayStation 3
Release date Blu-ray Disc, Playstation Network
JP December 13, 2007[1][2]
HK February 15, 2008[3]
AUS March 27, 2008[4]
EU March 28, 2008[1][5]
NA April 15, 2008[1]
Download
HK February 1, 2008[6]
NA April 17, 2008
Genre(s) Racing
Mode(s) Single-player, Split-screen, LAN, 16-player online multiplayer
Rating(s) CERO: A
ESRB: Everyone
PEGI: 3+[7]
Media Download, Blu-ray Disc
Input methods SIXAXIS, DualShock 3, GT Force, Driving Force, Driving Force Pro, Driving Force EX, G25 Racing Wheel, Driving Force GT

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 to 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 March 28 2008, the game is now referred to as Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec II which is the software's version 2.0 title[8].

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[9] 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[10]. However, in Portugal the game was officially launched in stores as early as March 26, 2008(and unofficially on March 21).[11]

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".[12]

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec II features 16-player online races, over 70 cars (including tuned cars), 6 tracks, 12 layouts, 60fps (during races), 30fps (replay), Full HD 1080p (only rendered as such during the garage mode) and LPCM 7.1ch high definition sound.[13]

Contents

[edit] Overview

[edit] Gameplay

New to the Gran Turismo series is the ability to race with up to 16 cars at once. According to game developer Polyphony Digital, NPC's AI has also improved from previous Gran Turismo games[14].

Also new to the series is the realistic in-car view feature. It includes functioning speedometers and odometers, reflecting rear-view mirrors, wing mirrors and real time in-car lighting effects (cast shadows). Players driving with both the control pad or the steering wheel have the ability to look left and right in the cockpit of the car by using the D-pad. Any PlayStation 3 compatible steering wheel works with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. The engine also sounds different according to which view is selected among the available four. Back view is also specific with the in-car view.

Spec II update brings Drift Mode (similar to that of Gran Turismo HD Concept), car tuning adjustments, and head to head two-player racing offline/online.[15]

[edit] Interface

My Page interface in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (Japanese version 1.01).
My Page interface in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (Japanese version 1.01).

The game has a brand new interface, called My Page. It acts as the player's personalized menu for the game. opens up a calendar with upcoming race events marked on it, a world map with the player's play area marked in red, weather read-outs for major raceways, motorsports related news, maps, and a clock. When the game starts up, the player is taken straight to the 'My Page' area and the currently selected car is displayed on screen. The vehicle is set in a Full HD advanced 3D environment with a 360° camera work and the GUI's real time zoom-in function is enabled.

In the Japanese version 'My Page' icons include;

  1. News: a regularly updated online log archiving game news such as newly added Online Event Races, VOD programs or technical informations such as server maintenance schedule.
  2. GT-TV: a Video-on-demand service offering free of charge or payable HD content. Available videos are real-life car related such as new model tests, Auto show reports, car documentaries or special event videos). Game videos such as opening and ending movies are also available for download from the Blu-Ray Disc to the console's HDD once unlocked.
  3. Online: Online Events consist of either world scale multiplayer races (from 2 up to 16 players), or online Time Trial. Each event is limited in time, once finished, a ranking board shows the most successful players' scores. Top players replay files are made available for download as ghost. Each week new events with their specific parameters (car class, tyre types, assistance level, etc.) are added to the list while older are closed.
  4. Ranking: an online ranking board for each course archiving the best record per track and car.
  5. Arcade: a single race mode allowing the player to choose a track to race onboard the currently selected car and to compete against 15 AI controlled cars.
  6. 2P Battle: an offline two-player splitscreen mode.
  7. Event: Event Races are championships, time trials and mission races against the AI in various classes. Once completed in Gold, Silver or Bronze level, new, harder classes are made available. Credits are earned by the player as he win the races in top positions. Three basic classes are available Class C, B and A. Once Class A is completed the game's ending movie is available for download in GT-TV and a bonus class called Class S is added.
  8. Garage: where the players' cars are viewed and can be sold to earn credits.
  9. Dealerships: where the player can buy a new car using his Event Race earned credits. Various models from world famous automakers are available for purchase in the showroom. Almost each automaker has its own Event race consisting of a one make race for a specific model. Brand related News are regurlaly provided through online updates.
  10. Replay: saved or downloaded courses are available for watching.
  11. Option: various options settings for the game.
  12. Manual: the game's Playing Manual is displayed on screen.
  13. Save: allows to record the game when the autosave feature is disabled.

When the user's PlayStation Network account is signed off, online contents related icons are disabled (1, 2, 3 and 4). The Museum is activated from the My Page interface once the game is in rolling demo mode. This feature provides the players with automakers background and history.

[edit] Updates

Updates are available on game boot through online download. Game contents such as new cars, game modes or GT-TV videos are added with each update. Some elements such as BGMs are regionally exclusive due to licensing issues[16].

[edit] December 2007 (1.11)

Although distribution of additional GT-TV contents (at first re-releases from the PSN demo then unreleased material) started on December 13 together with the activation of the online news service (My Page calendar included)[17], the game was first updated on December 25, 2007 when the Japanese version's online game modes were activated[18]. Update 1.01 was completed on December 27 with the release of a minor patch fixing matching communication process in Online mode[19]. Additional contents include;

  1. Online mode
  2. Ranking mode
  3. Museum feature
  4. Options (updated)
  5. Manual (updated)
  6. 8 GT-TV videos ("First Impression Lancer Evolution X", "Tokyo Motor Show 2007", "The GT-R Legend Inside Story" parts II & III, "Gran Turismo TV Digest", "Gran Turismo 10th Anniversary Christmas Movie" in Japanese, English & German)

[edit] March 2008 (2.0 / spec II)

The PAL version released in March 2008 has been upgraded from the original version adding various features to the core as well as providing new cars and a new circuit.[20][21]. Early versions of the game got the "Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec II" update through patch download on March 28[22]. Additional contents include:

  1. 1 circuit (High Speed Ring available in Normal and Reverse layout)
  2. 4 automakers (Aston Martin, Citroën, Jaguar, MINI)
  3. 5 tuners (Amuse, Art Morrison, Blitz, Mine's and Polyphony Digital as "Concept by Gran Turismo")
  4. 22 stock cars
  5. 12 Tuned cars, one of them being the Ferrari F2007.
  6. 8 Event Races (2 per class)
  7. 5 Dealer Events
  8. 2P Battle mode (offline splitscreen)
  9. Drift Trial mode (returning from Gran Turismo HD Concept)
  10. Free Run mode
  11. Driving Line feature
  12. Quick Tune feature
  13. Performance Point (PP) system
  14. Real time adjustment (4WD, ABS, ASM, Brake balance and TCS)
  15. Judgment Penalty (updated)
  16. Driving Options (updated)
  17. Options (updated)
  18. My Page interface (updated)
  19. Event interface (updated)
  20. Manual (updated)
  21. 1 GT-TV video ("Top Gear" series 6 episode 1)

[edit] April 2008 (2.10)

The North American version that was released on April 15 is an updated "Spec II" version bringing bugfixes, some enhanced gameplay aspects[23] and adding new BGMs[24]. Additional contents include;

  1. Flag/Region feature (Online)
  2. Performance Point (PP) system (updated)
  3. Credits system (updated)
  4. Manual (updated)
  5. 10 BGMs (Weezer, The Mars Volta, DJ Shadow, etc.)
  6. 1 GT-TV video ("Beyond the Apex")

[edit] Autumn 2008 (planned)

On April 4 the series creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, declared "There are still a lot of things we have left un-done in GT5 Prologue, so by fall this year there will be another major update to the game".[25]

Earlier on March 18, 2008, the North American version producer, Taku Imasaki, already announced planned updates involving online community features would be available after April 17[26]. This was later confirmed by Yamauchi himself "The major things that we're planning for the update will be to add community building features such as communication between players."[27]

During a press event in London on April 4, Martin Robinson from IGN has reported in an interview with Kazunori Yamauchi that vehicle deformation (damage modelling) will be added to Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec II through a future update. "Maybe by Fall [2008] we'll be able to implement it"[28][29] Yamauchi mentioned.

The same day Yamauchi explained to CVG's Mike Jackson that "in terms of quality and features of the game, and in terms of functionality, GT5 Prologue will ultimately reach an equivalent level to GT5. I think the major difference between Prologue and GT5 will be the number of cars and courses that will be included within the game, in that there will be many more."[30]

[edit] GT-TV

The Gran Turismo TV feature was introduced in the free playable demo version. The VOD service was activated on October 22, 2007 providing free SD trailers for three upcoming GT-TV programs[31], Super GT ("Climax Digest"), D1 Grand Prix ("Top of the Drifting World") and Best Motoring ("Best Motoring Trailer").[32][1].

From October 22 to November 30 three GT-TV exclusive HD videos featuring game producer Kazunori Yamauchi premiered in the demo: "First Impression: Lancer Evolution X"[33], "Tokyo Motor Show 2007"[34] and "GT-R Legend Inside Story part I"[35].

The demo was removed from the Japanese PlayStation Store on November 30[36] and its online functions ended on December 6[37], however all issued VOD videos were later re-released in the game's retail version through updates, except the SD trailers. "The GT-R Legend Inside Story" part 1 documentary was included in the Blu-Ray Disc though[38]. It was later completed by parts II & III, both released through GT-TV updates.

The first episode of the BBC's Top Gear series 6 is available for free since March 31[39][40]. In the meantime five videos released in December 2007 have been removed. On April 1, two promotion videos for Super GT ("Fascination for the Super GT") and D1 Grand Prix ("The Drifting World") were added[41]. A first trailer for Video Option ("What is the Video Option?") was also included announcing upcoming releases for this magazine[42].

[edit] Official car and track lists

[edit] Cars

Two GT-R "Black Mask" on truck.
Two GT-R "Black Mask" on truck.

The Japanese release in December 2007 featured 37 stock cars (plus the uncredited GT-R "Black Mask" returning from the free playable demo) from various Japanese, European and American manufacturers including Nissan, Ferrari and Ford.[43]

Spec II update adds new manufacturers, more stock cars and introduces racing cars, tuners and "Tuned" cars. Total number of playable cars reaches 71.[44]

The North American version of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will bring additional stock and tuned cars, increasing the game's car list to 76 credited cars.[9].

[edit] Tracks

GT5P introduces the Daytona International Speedway to the franchise.
GT5P introduces the Daytona International Speedway to the franchise.

Five real-life circuits located in Japan, Europe and North America are included in the original game. Every track is available in two different layouts, either in forward/reverse (uphill/downhill) way, like London or Eiger Nordwand. The Fuji International Speedway is available in both "F1" and "GT" variation, the Daytona International Speedway has a Road Course version, and the Suzuka Circuit has an alternative layout known as East Course.[45]

Each real-life circuit has a "Course Guide" that documents it with an HD video based on actual footages with commentary text providing some background on the track. This Arcade mode feature is exclusive to the Blu-ray Disc release though[46].

Spec II update[9] adds the Gran Turismo franchise's classic High Speed Ring fictitious circuit (available in both forward and reverse version) which brings the total number of tracks to six (twelve different layouts).[47]

[edit] Episodic content

Famitsu magazine's latest update[citations needed] reveals that the game will employ a special rewards system similar to Achievements in Xbox 360 games. These new rewards will be added to the game episodically. Upon completing certain challenges, bonus cars, tracks, and content will be unlocked. The extra cars and tracks include vehicles and courses from Motor Toon Grand Prix and the mech from Omega Boost, both being Polyphony Digital classic games. The additional bonus content includes making-of videos, television commercials, and "ghost" races against development team members' best times. Full versions of Omega Boost, Motor Toon Grand Prix, and Motor Toon Grand Prix 2 will eventually become available as downloadable rewards for special online racing events.[citations needed]

[edit] Input device support

The Gran Turismo 5 Prologue free playable demo was the first PlayStation 3 release supporting both Dual Shock 3 controller vibration and racing wheels force feedback feature. Logicool, the Japanese branch of Logitech which is releasing official racing wheels for the Gran Turismo series has launched the G25 Racing Wheel for the PlayStation 3 on October 25, 2007.[48][49] This wheel is a rebranded version of the Logitech G25 Racing Wheel. On February 20 2008 Logitech announced a new Gran Turismo official wheel, the Driving Force GT will be launched in May to coincide with the game's western release[50]. Previous official Gran Turismo wheels are supported, these include the Driving Force Pro, GT Force, Driving Force and Driving Force EX. However support with USB to PS2 adapters has been limited to only the menu screens.

[edit] Playable demos

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue demo cover.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue demo cover.

[edit] Japanese PSN demo

A free demo (グランツーリスモ5 プロローグ 無料体験版) was made available for download between October 20, 2007 and November 30, 2007[51] in the Japanese PlayStation store with the Suzuka Circuit and seven playable cars.[52] The demo unlocked cars as they were unveiled at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. This demo replaced Gran Turismo HD Concept that was removed from the Japanese PlayStation Store on September 30, 2007[53]

The demo initially had four playable cars from various Japanese and European manufacturers. The remaining three cars (Mazda ATENZA Sport '07, Lexus IS-F '07 and Subaru Impreza WRX STI '07) were unlocked as each one was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. The show also unveiled the release of the Nissan GT-R '07 (replacing the "GT-R Black Mask" with its defining panels concealed).[54] The Black Mask was removed from the car section on October 23 to coincide with its official unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show and was subsequently made available the following day .

[edit] SEMA Show 2007 demo

The North American version of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue demo was unveiled at Sony's booth during the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.[55]

Compared with the Japanese demo this new version had American cars (Dodge Viper GTS '02 and Ford Mustang V8 Coupe Premium '07) and tracks (Daytona International Speedway), these were included but not playable in the PSN demo.

An American tuner car, the Art Morrison Corvette '60 SEMA version 2006, was added to the selectable vehicles.[55]. This vehicle was later added to the retail game with update "Spec II".

[edit] Documentary

Beyond the Apex is a 18-minute GT-TV documentary included in the Blu-ray version of the North American release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. This documentary was filmed and edited over four months by director Greg Harvey[56], it features behind-the-scenes footage of the development of the game along with an interview with series creator, Kazunori Yamauchi[57]

[edit] Official soundtrack

A Gran Turismo 5 Prologue soundtrack was released in Japan on February 20, 2008. The CD is published by Village Music and includes 18 tracks.

The "Moon Over The Castle" theme song from the Gran Turismo series is featured, arranged and performed by Rocky IV and Transformers: The Movie composer, Vince DiCola. DiCola stated in an interview with Music4Games that he recorded two versions of the theme, one for use in-game and the other for the soundtrack album.[58] This new version of the song was re-recorded in Los Angeles, California, USA.[59]

The soundtrack also features the first new music from Weezer since 2005's Make Believe, a remix of their new song "Automatic."

[edit] Reception

 Reviews
Publication Score
Edge 7/10 [60]
Eurogamer 8/10
GameSpot 7.5/10
IGN 8.5/10
Official PlayStation Magazine (UK) 7/10
Compilations of multiple reviews
Compiler Score
Metacritic 83%
Game Rankings 81.3%

According to SCEE's ThreeSpeech blog, the game has reached the one million mark in pre-orders from PAL territories making it the first PlayStation 3 game to reach Platinum status before its release.[61] On Metacritic, the game has a score of 83/100, based on 38 reviews.[62] Some people have found the online play mode being marred by bad drivers behaviour and hence a call for private online rooms arose.[63][64][65][66]

As of April 30, 2008, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has shipped 2.23 million worldwide according to Sony Computer Entertainment and Polyphony Digital, with 270,000 units in Japan, 550,000 in North America, 1.38 million in Europe, and 30,000 in Southeast Asia.[2][1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Gran Turismo" Series Software Title List. Polyphony Digital (April 2008). Retrieved on 2008-05-29.
  2. ^ a b Sony Computer Entertainment (2008-05-09). "Gran Turismo Series Shipment Exceeds 50 Million Units Worldwide". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-05-29.
  3. ^ "『GRAN TURISMO 5 Prologue』Chinese Downloadable Version will be released on PLAYSTATIONStore on 1st February"
  4. ^ Games Release Schedule
  5. ^ Bramwell, Tom (2008-03-11). European GT5 Prologue dated, priced. Eurogamer. Retrieved on 2008-03-11.
  6. ^ "『GRAN TURISMO 5 Prologue』Chinese Downloadable Version will be released on PLAYSTATIONStore on 1st February"
  7. ^ PEGI rating.
  8. ^ Gran Turismo official website
  9. ^ a b c Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Features Announced (2008-03-06). Retrieved on 2008-03-17.
  10. ^ "A Statement from Sony on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue"
  11. ^ www.techzonept.com
  12. ^ Official US Prologue Release
  13. ^ Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Tokyo Game Show Video (PlayStation Store)
  14. ^ Gran Turismo 5 Prologue official website - Introduction]
  15. ^ "“Spec II” Update Information"
  16. ^ "New GT5 Prologue Details"
  17. ^ "『ＧＴ５プロローグ』商品概要とスケジュールのご案内"
  18. ^ Guide to “GT5 Prologue” update
  19. ^ "アップデートのご案内（２）"
  20. ^ GT5 Prologue - line-up now confirmed
  21. ^ [GT5 Prologue - Complete Car List]
  22. ^ "“Spec II” Update Information"
  23. ^ "“Spec II” Update Information (2)"
  24. ^ "Gran Turismo5 Prologue Provides Fans With Ultimate Racing Soundtrack"
  25. ^ "Kazunori Yamauchi Interview"
  26. ^ "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!"
  27. ^ "Kazunori Yamauchi Interview"
  28. ^ "Kazunori Yamauchi Q&A"
  29. ^ "Vehicle deformation could arrive as soon as Autumn says Yamauchi."
  30. ^ "Kazunori Yamauchi Interview"
  31. ^ "“Gran Turismo TV” promotional videos added to Free Downloadable Demo"
  32. ^ Gran Turismo 5 Prologue official website - TV
  33. ^ Free Downloadable Demo - “First Impression Lancer Evolution X” program added
  34. ^ Free Downloadable Demo – “Tokyo Motor Show 2007” program added
  35. ^ New program: “THE GT-R Legend INSIDE STORY Part 1”
  36. ^ "無料体験版　オンラインサービスの終了時期について"
  37. ^ 無料体験版　オンラインサービスの終了時期について2007年11月05日
  38. ^ "『ＧＴ５プロローグ』商品概要とスケジュールのご案内"
  39. ^ "番組追加「トップ・ギア」(期間限定無料配信)"
  40. ^ "『Spec II』アップデートのご案内"
  41. ^ "番組追加「SUPER GT」紹介ムービーなど計3本"
  42. ^ Japanese official website - GT-TV
  43. ^ Vehicles, Tracks and Additional Features Confirmed for Gran Turismo5 Prologue in North America (2008-03-06). Retrieved on 2008-03-17.
  44. ^ [ ]
  45. ^ "IGN: Gran Turismo Download Schedule Announced"
  46. ^ "New GT5 Prologue Details"
  47. ^ Gran Turismo official website - tracks
  48. ^ ロジクール、PLAYSTATION3対応ステアリングコントローラ「G25 Racing Wheel」を発売
  49. ^ IGN: GT25 Racing Wheel to Launch with Prologue
  50. ^ "Logitech Unveils Official Wheel of Gran Turismo for PLAYSTATION3"
  51. ^ Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Demo (2007-10-18). Retrieved on 2008-03-24.
  52. ^ "GT5 Prologue" Free Downloadable Demo and Target Release Date Announced (2007-09-20).
  53. ^ ダウンロード終了と当サイトのランキング更新終了のお知らせ (2007-09-20). Retrieved on 2008-03-24.
  54. ^ Free Downloadable Demo - Unveiling news (1) (2007-10-23). Retrieved on 2008-03-24.
  55. ^ a b GT Awards at SEMA Video. Retrieved on 2008-03-22.
  56. ^ "Go Beyond The Apex with Gran Turismo"
  57. ^ Gran Turismo Behind-the-Scenes, Beyond the Apex (2008-03-21). Retrieved on 2008-03-22.
  58. ^ Music4Games Interview with Composer Vince DiCola (2008-01-21). Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  59. ^ Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Official Soundtrack (2008-01-21). Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  60. ^ "Edge Magazine -Gran Turismo 5: Prologue Review - Edge staff"
  61. ^ "Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Set To Be PS3’s First Pre-release Platinum Title"
  62. ^ Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (ps3: 2008): Reviews
  63. ^ Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (clean online racing, no bumping)
  64. ^ sign up for clean GT5 prologue online races
  65. ^ GT5 online has got to be the worst THE WORST!!!! online game EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Gran Turismo - Official PlayStation Community -PlayStation.com
  66. ^ GT5P's online functionality? - Gran Turismo Series - PlayStation.com Forums

[edit] External links

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Gran Turismo series
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Gran Turismo · 2 · 3: A-Spec · 4 · 5
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Concept · 4 Prologue · 4 Online · 4 Mobile · HD Concept · 5 Prologue
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