Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
Playstation 3
Rating: 5/5
If Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is only a taste of things to come, the future of gaming looks finger-licking good.
Next generation racing has finally arrived on the Playstation 3, and the newest instalment of Gran Turismo is certain to redefine the prolific series.
The entire game is presented in stunning 1080p high definition, and the 71 cars featured in the prologue version are all stunning and spot on recreations of their real-life twins.
An entirely new physics engine allows precise handling, and puts the polish on a title that finally feels ‘brand new’, and not just a pretty upgrade.
But perhaps the biggest improvement in GT5 is the AI.
In previous Gran Turismo titles, I’ve never felt under threat by the AI driving techniques, but the new title throws caution to the wind.
Hurtling side-by-side into a hairpin corner, AI drivers now refuse to brake and simply allow players to overtake.
Instead, I lost count of the number of times AI drivers sent my vehicle spinning off the circuit as they actively defended their inside line into tough corners.
It makes the game infinitely more enjoyable.
Other new features include comprehensive car tuning, drift mode, 16-player online play and access to Gran Turismo TV, a download channel that will allow players to watch motoring programs from around the world.
The tracks available to race on in the prologue mode are Eiger Nordwand, Daytona International Speedway, London City, Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and the High Speed Ring.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue races onto store shelves on 27 March, and will also be available as a Playstation Store download for $59.95.
