Kotaku: GT5

Gran Turismo Academy Kicks Off

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:30:00 MDT

North America, Japan, this doesn't apply to you. But Europe? Pay attention. Sony have provided the first real details on their Gran Turismo/Nissan academy program. Which, to recap, is a GT5: Prologue competition, where the fastest online racers are not only given the chance to race a real 350Z around the Eiger Nordwand, but the fastest drivers from that are given a shot at racing in a 24-hour race in Dubai next year. For real. The competition will kick off on June 2, and will run for seven weeks. So long as you register your PSN ID and can log a time during those seven weeks, you'll be in with a shot.

Nissan GT Academy

Gran Turismo Racing Academy Announced

Brian Crecente — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:16:18 MDT

Details are very sketchy, but SCEE and Nissan just announced the GT Racing Academy, which will give gamers a chance to show if they can drive in real life like they do in Gran Turismo. Every step of the academy will be filmed and later made available on the Playstation Network.

It sounds like it's connected to a contest that will give two luck people a four-month, real-life racing tutorial and then have them participate in the Dubai 24-hour race in January.

The vids will hit starting the PSN on May 23rd.

PlayStation Day Conference [Eurogamer]

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Ready For Download Tonight

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:20:00 MDT

I didn't really warm to GT5 Prologue. Too sterile, too slow, too broken. But hey, what the hell do I know. You might love the series so much you're willing to overlook these flaws and go ahead and drop $40 on it. If that sounds like you, know that the downloadable, PSN version of the game is due to appear for download at midnight tonight if you reside on America's east coast, or 9pm if you live along the fringes of the great Pacific Ocean.

GT Might Get Training Wheels After All

ogood — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:00:00 MDT

Gran Turismo for Boys. Remember that one? Heard word of it back around 2004 and then nary a peep for four years, but now there's word that it might actually happen, just not as a stand-alone game.

ComputerAndVideoGames.com talked to GT creator Kazunori Yamauchi, who said there's hope that GT for Boys will be a feature within Gran Turismo 5. The point of a "for Boys" GT would be to give younger kids — and spazzy adults — a pick-up-and-play version of GT, without the unforgiving realism of the original.

Yamauchi's comment came in a broader interview with CVG about GT5.

Question: Can girls play too? Just askin' ...

Gran Turismo for Boys Still Coming [CVG]

GT5 Prologue To Be Updated After Launch

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:00:00 MDT

When Gran Turismo 5 Prologue launches, it won't let you create private races for just you and your buddies. Nor will it let you indulge in a spot of in-game voice chat. But don't despair, because that stuff's coming later, with these two features (and, most likely, more) to be added to the game in future updates. Certainly sets a new benchmark for those who think games these days are shipping unfinished, but then adding features late is better than never adding them at all. I guess.
Ferrari F2007: GT5 Prologue's "God Mode" [PlayStation.Blog]

GT5 Prologue Goes Platinum In Europe

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:20:00 MDT

Europe don't love Gran Turismo. They love Gran Turismo. Anyone in need of a reminder of this, here's your reminder: SCEE reckon the game's on the cusp of one million preorders, which with the game still a few weeks away will surely make it the first PS3 game to go platinum before it's even been released. Imagine how many copies the actual game's going to sell...
GT5 Prologue pre-orders nearing 1 million in Europe [GamesIndustry]

GT5 Prologue & Bundle Priced, Dated For Europe

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 04:45:00 MDT

SCEE have announced a pair of release dates and a price for Gran Turismo 5: Prologue's European launch. The Blu-Ray version of the game will hit stores on March 28, while the downloadable version will arrive a day earlier as part of the week's PSN update. Those worried there will be discrepancies between the version's needn't, as the only difference is one comes in a box and one doesn't. The game will retail for ₤25/€40, and is joined by the GT5 PS3 bundle (₤300/€400) we mentioned the other week, which will also be appearing on March 28. Presser follows if you're at all interested.

Tuesday March 11, 2008 - Attention all driving fans!! One of the games industry's most legendary titles is about to make its PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) debut! That's right - the real driving simulator that's already sold almost 50 million units is back. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Polyphony Digital are pleased to announce Gran Turismo 5 Prologue™, a prequel title showcasing the forthcoming Gran Turismo™ 5 for PS3, will be available both on Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) on Wednesday 26 March for €39.99 (RRP), and as a download from PLAYSTATION®Network on Thursday 27 March. Launching on the same day as the standalone BD version, a PS3 bundle will be available including a PS3 40GB model, a SIXAXIS™ wireless controller and a Gran Turismo 5 Prologue game, all for just €399 (RRP).
Gran Turismo on PlayStation® is one of the most successful global gaming franchises of the last decade - renowned for its realism, quality of design and in-car physics technology. Now, with the power of PS3 behind it, it's going to be unstoppable. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue features 71 stunning cars - including vehicles by Lotus, Aston Martin, Subaru and, making another striking appearance, Ferrari - for you to race on six seriously realistic tracks: the Eiger Nordwand; the Daytona International Speedway; the London City Track; the Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and the High Speed Ring - all drivable in two layouts and all rendered in incredible High Definition graphics. There's also all-new driving physics for the most lifelike driving experience ever and new, improved, opponent artificial intelligence for the toughest race challenge yet.

But that's not all - for the first time in the history of Gran Turismo, you'll be able to race online. Thanks to PLAYSTATION Network, up to 16 players will be able to go head-to-head on some of the world's best racetracks - all you need to get racing is a broadband connection and a PS3. Once you're up and revving, Global Online Rankings will leave the world in no doubt as to just who is the best at Gran Turismo.

And then there's Gran Turismo™ TV - a dedicated online channel available exclusively from PLAYSTATION Network and packed with some of the greatest content that motorsport has to offer.

And, when you're done watching live coverage, you can take a more sedate browse through the Gran Turismo museum, where you'll find virtual exhibits on the history of many of the world-class car marques that have starred in Gran Turismo.

Key Features:

* The first ever Gran Turismo title with online racing: drive online against up to 16 other Gran Turismo aces
* Race a total of 71 stunning, high-performance cars
* Race the Eiger Nordwand, the Daytona International Speedway, the London City Track , the Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and the High Speed Ring - and then race them in alternative layouts
* All-new physics engine means true next-generation vehicle handling
* All-new and improved opponent AI opponents for a nail-biting race experience
* Access to Gran Turismo TV : a world of great motoring TV programming online
* In-game museum featuring the history and heritage of the top car manufacturers
* My Garage - a personalised homepage feature with calendar, clock and map & weather of major race circuits worldwide
* Quick Tune facility allows you to adjust power, tyres, suspension and more
* All in stunning High Definition at 1080p

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Additional Features for Europe:

* Drift Mode - The player's drifting technique is measured based on drift angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various turns on the course.
* In Depth Car Tuning - Players have the ability to adjust the vehicle's performance, including power, tyres, suspension and the ability for quick tuning whilst racing.
* Two-player Split Screen Racing - Allows players to race head-to-head offline.
* New Race Events - Online racing fans can join in on a new set of scheduled events and time trials.

The complete Gran Turismo 5 launches in 2009. Until then, there's enough ultra-realistic, high-speed racing in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue on PS3 and it's out now! To find out more, visit www.granturismoworld.com.

New Nvidia Series Catering To The Great Unwashed

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:30:00 MST

The usual strategy for releasing new graphics cards is as follows: company releases ridiculously expensive graphics card, few can afford it, then as its technology ages it gets cheaper and trickles down to the lower ends of the market. Nvidia's strategy for its new GeForce 9600 GT is a little different: it's being pitched directly into the massmarket. The 9600 GT is the first card in Nvidia's GeForce 9 series, and instead of coming in at a silly-expensive price will launch in the entirely reasonable $169-189 range. Bold new territory for a graphics hardware company, then, but it also shows Nvidia are serious about this whole PC gaming alliance deal, as it gives a good slap in the chops to the "upgrading is too expensive" argument.
[Nvidia Product Page]

Logitech's New Gran Turismo Wheel Is Terribly Official

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 04:30:00 MST

Racing nutcases will probably already own the "true" Gran Turismo wheel, Logitech's ludicrously expensive G25. If that's a little pricey for you, though, or if you'd prefer your GT racing wheel to be officially official, then that's OK. Try this: the Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel. Unveiled today (it's due in both the US and Europe in May), and designed in conjunction with GT creators Polyphony Digital, it's over $100 cheaper than the G25 at USD$150, and includes bells and whistles like an adjustment dial, which will let you adjust things like traction control from your wheel instead of the in-game menu. You'll also be pleased to hear that, yes, unlike Microsoft's wheel this baby allows for full 900-degree rotation and - vitally - includes a Gran Turismo-badged horn, for when ramming your rivals is just a little too unsporting.

Week in Games: Bizarre Mix Edition

fdemarco — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:00:00 MST

It's a bizarre mix of games this week and seeing as I am busy unpacking a myriad of boxes, much of this week will be devoted to that rather than gaming. Although I'm sure I'll be able to sneak some in here and there. Are any of this week's releases going to make on your shopping list?

FlatOut: Head On (PC, PSP)
Crash cars and blow stuff up.

Samurai Warriors: Katana (WII)
Swing your katana in this Samurai Warriors spin off.

Rail Simulator (PC)
You can make trains too, just like the big boys.

Furu Furu Park (WII)
More mini games for the Wii.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Hard Evidence (WII)
The TV show comes to your Wii in game form.

Nanostray 2 (DS)
Part two of the trippy shooter

Nitrobike (WII)
Rocket bikes! Need I say more?

Miami Nights: Singles in the City (DS)
Virtually explore the hot, hot hot Miami singles scene.

Corvette Evolution GT (DS)
Race car driving on your DS.

Sony Gives Gran Turismo HD Concept For Cmas

Brian Crecente — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 15:09:32 MST

Sony today announced that Gran Turismo HD Concept is hitting the Playstation store for free on Christmas Eve in North America too. They had previously announced the deal for Japan.

The limited time free download supports 1080p and includes the Eiger Nordwand course. After unlocking ten cars in the time trial mode, players have access to ten more tuned cars as well as a Drift Trial mode.

While it sounds like the game doesn't support online play, it does allow you to upload your times and view the top 10 ranking for each car and mode. You can also play and save replays online.

Here's the list of the cars included in the freebie, in order of appearance:

— 1995 Suzuki Cappucino
— 1989 Mazda Eunos Roadster
— 2004 Honda Integra TYPE R
— 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR
— 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe
— 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR
— 2005 Lotus Elise 111R
— 1994 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Vspec II
— 1995 Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car
— 2006 Ferrari 599

Hit the jump for the full release. Brian Crecente

PLAYSTATION(R)Store Offers Gran Turismo(TM) HD Concept Free for
PLAYSTATION(R)3 Owners This Holiday Season

World's Most Popular Driving Videogame Franchise Available in Full HD*

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment
America (SCEA) announced today the December 24 North American release of Gran
Turismo(TM)HD Concept, available for free download, exclusively on the
PLAYSTATION(R)Store (PS Store) for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer
entertainment system. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., this driving game
features an all-new course for players to be the first to drive a Ferrari on a
PS3, as well as have the option to select a car from nine other worldwide
manufacturers that include Infiniti, Lotus, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Suzuki.
Available only for a limited time, Gran Turismo HD Concept takes full
advantage of the PS3 PLAYSTATION 3 hardware performance by providing full HD
1080p* resolution and next-generation car physics ushering in a new era of
racing for the gaming industry.
"Gran Turismo HD Concept provides PS3 and automotive fans a glimpse into
the future of Gran Turismo," states Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the
Gran Turismo franchise. "With the power of the PS3 technology, the world of
Gran Turismo is refined by its full HD visual presentation and unique
interactive experience, resulting in an even more realistic and true driving
simulator."
Upon downloading Gran Turismo HD Concept, PS3 users have access to the
Eiger Nordwand course and can compete in Time Trial races to collect and
unlock new cars. Upon unlocking the initial 10 cars, the player has access to
10 more "Tuned Cars," as well as access to a new driving mode called "Drift
Trial."
In the "Drift Trial" mode, the player can master the art of drifting and
achieve ultimate control of their car. Furthermore, when connected to the
PLAYSTATION(R)Network (PS Network), the player can upload their times and view
the Top 10 rankings for each car and mode, as well as play and save replays
online.

Featured Automobiles in Gran Turismo HD Concept (Year, Manufacturer,
Model)
In order of appearance in game (available in stock and "tuned" versions):

Additional Information About The Game Modes in Gran Turismo HD Concept
In "Time Trial" mode, the player selects a car and must complete the Eiger
Nordwand course within the target time indicated at the top of the screen.
Each time the player beats the target time, a new car is unlocked and made
available for selection. As stated, upon unlocking all of the cars, the
player can access tuned cars, along with the option to race Eiger Nordwand in
the opposite direction.
In "Drift Trial" mode, the player's drifting technique is tested, rather
than their lap time. The player earns drift points based on their drift
angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various
turns on the course. For each evaluation zone, the results are based on the
number of flags and a numerical figure. The point total from all zones
determines the player's drift points for the lap and is counted toward the
rankings.
The following settings are available during gameplay: 1)
Transmission — the player can select either Manual or Automatic. 2)
Stability Management (SM) — the player can turn this ON or OFF during
gameplay. ASM is designed to prevent vehicle skidding by controlling each of
the four wheel brakes independently. 3) Traction Control (TC) Level — the
player can set the TCS level, which senses drive-wheel slip and prevents wheel
spin. 4) Tires — the player can select front and rear tires from nine types
of brands.

About Gran Turismo
With more than 45 million units sold worldwide, the award-winning Gran
Turismo franchise for the PlayStation(R) platforms serves as the racing game
of choice amongst the automotive and gaming audience due to its true-to-life
graphics, physics and real-life cars and tracks. Since the inception of the
Gran Turismo franchise, famed creator - Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony
Digital Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it
today. His offerings provide the gamer with the most true-to-life driving
simulation within the industry and a unique medium for automobile
manufacturers to showcase their products. In Motor Trend Magazine's February
2005 and 2006 issue, Yamauchi was selected as #17/50 most powerful people in
the automotive industry. For more information, please visit
http://www.gran-turismo.com .
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated
all Gran Turismo properties "E" for Everyone. For more information about the
ESRB, please visit www.esrb.org.

Asphalt: Urban GT 2 Sucking Up PSP, DS

Brian Crecente — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 16:00:11 MDT

Ubisoft today announced that they will be publishing Gameloft's Asphalt: Urban GT 2. for the PSP and DS. I sure hope it's better than the original Asphalt for the DS, that game sucked.

The game will include six game modes, tuning, 30 tracks and 36 licensed cars and motorcycles. It also include music by Moby and the Pussycat Dolls.

The DS version hits in November and the PSP version hits in March 2007. Brian Crecente