Hobbies and Entertainment: Game : Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

Release Date: 4/15/2008
Platforms:
PUBLISHER: Sony Computer Entertainment
DEVELOPER: Polyphony Digital
GENRE(S): Racing, Driving
PLAYERS: 16
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: April 15, 2008

Review: Gran Turismo 5: Prologue
Review by Travis Moses

Gran Turismo 5: Prologue is a heavy-hitting race simulator offering more than a taste of all the features to come in the final game. Although purely an appetizer, is it worth $40 before the main course?

Definition: Prologue -noun: a preliminary trial; a preface or introduction.

Note that Gran Turismo 5: Prologue is a "lite" version of Gran Turismo 5, a precursor if you will, to a game that's rumored to arrive in late 2009. "Demo" is the wrong word, but it gets the point across. But this isn't a bad thing because Prologue is an early, extensive hands-on experience that allows players to enjoy abridged features of the final version. Prologue is available on both Blu-ray (April 15th) and the PlayStation Network (April 17th).

Series' favorite High Speed Ring race track returns as one of the six playable courses in Prologue.

The Basics

Available only on the PlayStation 3, GT5: Prologue is the most realistic racing simulation on the market. This is reflected in many ways, from the graphics to the sound to the feel of the racing. Prologue features over 70 cars: you'll see favorites such as the Nissan GT-R, Ford GT, and for the first time in the series, high-end Ferraris including the sporty F40 line. There are six full race courses available, each with alternative and reverse routes. The racetrack scenery remains the same, but switching the route creates a completely different feel and strategy for each track, which actually ups the track count to near a dozen.

Our favorite new feature in Prologue, though, is the interior dashboard view, which puts you in the driver's seat of every car in the game. No more bumper view taglines proclaiming that you're behind the wheel. You really are in GT5: Prologue with fully modeled driver arms and hands that grip the steering wheel of each individual car. I've never sat inside a real Delta Lancia HF Integrale rally car before, and probably never will, but the new in-dash view reveals the actual, physical detail and geometry inside that car. And at 1080p resolution, you couldn't be more in the action.

Press the Select button to cycle through different views. The interior dash view adds even more realism to an already hyper realistic racing sim.

The graphics in GT5: Prologue are even better than Crysis -- they're stunningly realistic. Race replays showcase moments of photo realism you can't find in any other game. The visuals are so crisp, you'll spot blades of grass swaying in the wake of nearby wind currents caused by the speeding cars. The high-dynamic range lighting will remind you of Half-Life 2 as you exit a dark tunnel only to be momentarily blinded by the blinding sunlight. We did notice a difference between the visible "jaggies" between 720p and 1080p resolutions. This is due to the detail of geometry used to model every curve and crevice of the cars. Therefore, the best experience is on a 1080p television. If you're looking for a truly premium experience in GT5: Prologue, we recommend a Sony Bravia or Grand Wega for maximum color vibrancy and sharp definition.

The astonishing detail extends to the game's audio. The sound of each car is individually recorded from every angle, including inside the cockpit for the new interior dash view. This has been a staple since Gran Turismo 3, so hardcore fans should already have a booming 5.1 surround sound system if not better.

If your PS3 is connected to the internet via broadband, you can race online with support for up to 16 players. You can also access Gran Turismo TV, which is a dedicated online channel that delivers exclusive motorsport and manufacturer content, but unfortunately, GT TV is only available in broadcast quality and not HD.

Control Yourself

The controls, as always, are the magic component of any racing game, and in GT5: Prologue the functions are completely changeable between face buttons, analog sticks, and shoulder buttons. We recommend the new Dual-Shock 3 for the rumble effect, because it's not just the motor of the car that will spark up the vibrate function, each track has been felt up for unique grooves of wear and tear. Also, try the analog stick for more realistic gas and break leverage.

Even better, I got my hands on the new Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel exclusively developed for Gran Turismo 5 and Prologue. If you're looking for the ultimate racing experience, this is it. This wheel rocks! It adds a level of difficulty which takes some getting used to, but it makes the in-dash view ten times more fun. And the force feedback is unrivaled. The wheel responds perfectly to your every movement as well as the car's. You can try and hold on to the wheel and fight against a spinout, but you'll probably break an arm in the process.

Now, that's a lot of gameplay and features for a mere demo. "Demo" is the wrong word here, and I hope you see why. But a key question remains: Is Gran Turismo 5: Prologue worth spending $40 dollars for? Absolutely. Yes. Without a doubt. If you purchase the Blu-ray version in stores. Not the PlayStation Network version, however. Why? Because the Blu-ray version comes with an additional HD behind the scenes featurette of the GT franchise called Beyond the Apex. The downloadable PSN version does not, and we'd prefer to see a lower price point of $34.99 or even $29.99. You're not getting extra content, and you're helping Sony with PSN traffic. With a downloadable game, Sony don't even have to print a disc.

There are loads of other features too, such as a new drift mode, car tuning, 2-player split screen, and an arcade mode. You get the picture. Prologue is massive and exactly what the PS3 needs to rev up the install base alongside Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.