Gran Turismo 5 Prologue - Review at SPOnG: 81%

Review by Martin Olsen, 24 Dec 2007 - Conclusion:

"By nature it's no heavyweight, but Gran Turismo 5 Prologue shows the series moving forward, which is great news. We're still waiting for the online features, but if they live up to their potential, Prologue will get a lot of playtime over Christmas.

Playing Prologue has rekindled my interest in Gran Turismo 5, which was probably Sony's main motivation for releasing this – to keep everyone aware of the progress Polyphony Digital is making. View it as a luxury purchase for GT fans, though, not as a full-fledged game with the depth of Ridge Racer 7."

SPOnG score: 81%

[PStriple703]

good score for a big demo

[resistance100]

Mart Is lack of damage the only thing you xbox fanboys can dig agaisn't this game, i mean come on. Surely its just your jealousy showing.

Also reading the review they haven't reviewed it as a demo, but as a full game.

[lockload]

@resistance100 -

No lots of things..

AI in GT5 Prologue is no better than GT4 simply following pre determined paths (confirmed on the 1up podcast)..

Major issues with shadow popin and tearing..

Very basic online system that is yet to be delivered..

No upgrading of cars in this version..

This budget game will do more harm than good. Just identifies the areas where it is lacking.

Charging $40 for two tracks and a selection of cars..(only two of the tracks are new others have already been in the demos..serisously this game is only $20 less than a full priced game and you get very little in it.

"they haven't reviewed it as a demo, but as a full game. "

And rightly so demos are free this is $40!

[Kyur4ThePain]

Have you played the demo?
What happens when you slam on your brakes down the straight?
Do the AI cars just slam into the back of you?

[resistance100]

'AI in GT5 Prologue is no better than GT4 simply following pre determined paths (confirmed on the 1up podcast).. '

Yet, this review here contradic's it, and the fact that after playing the game for hours can tell you its not the same, sure its not going to win any awards in the Ai department, but it is an improvement

'Major issues with shadow popin and tearing.. '

Really im yet to notice any of these 'major issues'

'Very basic online system that is yet to be delivered..'

So you have seen the online system before its been implemented and any one has seen it, wow im impressed

'
No upgrading of cars in this version.'

Its no more than a taster to keep GT fans like me happy, just like they did with GT4: Prologue

'Charging $40 for two tracks and a selection of cars.'

Err make that 5 tracks, each can be reversed aswell so in essence 10 tracks. 40 Cars. 16player online, the best visuals this gen, the best handling of cars in a game ever. Yep $40 to me is justable.
The thing which bothers me the most is that you have no real interest in this game, was never going to buy it anyway YET, seem to taking alot of interest in its negitive points.

and like every xbox fanboy here using 1UP as the godly source for this game

[kewlkat007]

as a SIM genre type game you want the game to be as close as realism as you can.

While the graphics are there but a sim should be as close as possible to the real thing and this is where the gameplay comes in.

After the graphics reviewers and not only Mart, will pick that part.

[mistertwoturbo]

say what you will xbox fanboys. GT5 is going to own in sales and sell PS3's. GT5 is made for adults anyway. Not people like TheMart who all he does is post on N4G and feels like his life has any significance.

[zapass]

GT5 is last gen tech, sure dude, we're all so envious of forza2 and pgr4, riiiight, microsoft did't screw its customers, absolutely true...

you jealous zealots are droolin in secret and it makes for some great entertainment! your denial is almost cute at this point, guys, I think theMart is ripe, it's only a matter of time when you're gonna have change that name, ha!

[Bubble Buddy]

MART: Microsoft Action Response Team

is back

[MaximusPrime]

2 xbots approved so far.

a game that doesnt yet have online support is given 81%. Why wait for the add-on to appear before you review?

[toughNAME]

Why release an unfinished game?

[CrazzyMan]

Because it`s finished demo and ONLINE will be used only for those who care about online, THROUGH INTERNET. The demo is COMPLETE.

[scrillakiller]

who cares im still gettin it and it doesnt change the fact that it has better graphics than any xbox360 full game.mart call us back when ms give u demos with 40 cars 5 tracks and 16 players online

[MaximusPrime]

Approval so far. Mostly Xbots.

Lex Luthor (1) - 0 minutes ago
Kar33m (2) - 12 minutes ago
Zhuk (1) - 26 minutes ago
TheMART at Xboxkings (2) - 30 minutes ago

[Salvadore]

I previously owned an Xbox and I am not planning on buying a 360, instead I will be buying a PS3 because it suits me better.

[CRIMS0N_W0LF]

He said Mostly.

Lex Luthor (1) - 0 minutes ago (Proven Xbot)
Kar33m (2) - 12 minutes ago (You, which i actually never saw XD)
Zhuk (1) - 26 minutes ago (Proven Xbot)
TheMART at Xboxkings (2) - 30 minutes ago (King of Xbots)

[toughNAME]

TnS is the biggest xbot.

[TheXgamerLive]

.

[Drillin]

What is the difference who approved it? I am sure you would not complain about it being approved if the score was 90% or above. So only scores that make the game look good should be allowed in your opinion? And if this was a 360 game it would be nothing but PS3 users approving it like in the past.

[TheExecutive]

Well, since most cars will have damage in the full game I dont see what the big deal with this demo is. It has better graphics than any game on the 360, and they will only get better. Expect that when this game is released it will have damage (but not on all cars).

[lockload]

Since when do demos cost $40?

[TheExecutive]

demos arent defined by cost. Is GT5 done? what is GT:5 prologue then? Its a demo because its just a taste of the final product.

[actas123]

Don't buy the demo then, wait for the final product.. do u need someone to shout at you to shut the hell up..

[scrillakiller]

youre right.bettergraphics than any game on 360 and its a prologue.like i saidim buying and u know what he most fun for me this game will bring.its watching my xbox friends look blue cuz ps3 kicking 360 in the nuts graphically on a regular basis

[lockload]

Which had better graphics ps2 or xbox?

Before you answer just remember how the PS2 "had pretty good graphics and was affoardable so was successfull"

[PirateThom]

81%

This demo, that has more content than most racing games, is a flop... oh t3h noes.

Metacrtic shows Gran Turismo 4 Prologue (which had less content than this one) got an average of 70... Gran Turismo 4 then went on to get 89 and is widely considered the worst in the series.

GT5 should blow everything away, like this demo is already doing.

[PimpHandHappy]

and i dont mean the stuff you see....

what i mean is when you run into a wall doesnt the car drive like it hit a wall. The car will start to pull to one side and all

i know the last GT had that

anyway for this reviewer to even put Ridge Racer in the same catergory as GT5 just lost me

Merry X-mas

[Polluted]

Ya what's up with the Ridge Racer comparison? Ridge Racer is an awful game and it's nothing like GT.

[PimpHandHappy]

dont worry

08 is going to be hell for the 360camp

When Allen Wake and Huxely come out they will be faced with a sad truth

MS gave them a machine like the last xbox. A system with a 2 year life span

[Drillin]

Ya ya we heard it all before. PS3 users were saying the same thing in 2006 about the 2007 games and look how that turned out.

[pornflakes]

The cars look so gread in GT5P but thats it. I think 1up Preview is totaly ok. The AI is really not that good. and the feeling isnt there for a racing simulator. Who played Forza2 knows that its the best Simulator out right now and stop always mention graphics.

You ps3 guys did that with Halo3 now you talk ONLY about gt5's graphics and of course the copies sold of the GT series. Is this all you can mention?

Gameplay > all, and thats the point where xbox360 games win with big succsses also in copies sold.

[resistance100]

'I think 1up Preview is totaly ok. The AI is really not that good. and the feeling isnt there for a racing simulator'

So you have the game aswell then? Add me and i will race you tomorow PSN: resistance100

[pwnsause]

i guess you never played the demo. They are very aggressive on the track. More Agressive than in Forza.

[zapass]

what we did with halo3 can't be described in a decent, moderated forum like this, you don't want to know, kid. Watching you "hardcore 360 gamers" suck peter moore's dik reminds me of watching 12 years old teenage girls attending a britney spear concert: you girls can be loud and numerous, you girls are all wet and excited, you girls think a pop concert is way kewl in 2007, you girls think britney is hip and everything prior is retard, you girls are the perfectly predictable marketing prays, and then you girls grow a brain and we can all have a good laugh.

it's ok, we understand... sure, GT5 is a flop, woahahaha!

[Dareaver1]

If you are a car enthusiast, then Forza 2 is your game. It's so deep and involving, you can't help but to see the care they took in making the game. Forza might not have the best graphics, but by far it has the best gameplay.

I was playing it the other day, and i just noticed that when the ABS is kickin in you can hear each time the wheels almost lock up, and then the next time around on the track i saw my tire marks where the ABS was doing it's thing. Not only that, throughout the race your grip increases as the tire temp increases, there is no novelty physics in Forza 2.

GT 5 Pro, probably will sell, but is it the better game, at this stage in development and judging from the feedback of those that have played it, i don't think it is. The AI is lacking, the physics are lacking, the realism is lacking. The graphics on the other hand are beautiful. But if you love cars, you need more than graphics.

Forza 2 induces this level of car lust that just becomes infectious. You have to personalize your car, it's not about car collecting, it's about car creating. The extensive mod list, and the fact that there are consequences to the mods that you add to your car. It's so deep, most people never grasp the whole reality of the game and it's possibilities.

GT 5 Pro, to me is a mistake, giving gamers not even a half-assed demo of a game, no modding. GT made it's staple on moding your car. If they couldn't include that, then they shouldn't even have put this game out.

[PimpHandHappy]

and if you take the dude Shane out of this podcast these guys wouldnt have one good thing to say about a PS3

and thats the truth

every point made gets a counter point in favor of a 360

every point

Sales of AC are so much bigger on a 360! Really huh! Then Shane says when you compare install base the buy rate it is a very slight different. The other guys dont say a word about his point

i just deleted these fools off my itunes and IGN will contiune to be my main sleepy time podcast

[scrillakiller]

why are 360 people here.please go bac to playingur low rez killerapps.leave the real high def gaming to us

and before u start 1280 by 1080 is native high def
ma oh man i need this.hurry up with nrth america

[PimpHandHappy]

so you have played the game?

Did you see the screen tearing in half like they said on the last 1up podcast? Did the shadows pop so hard that it distracted you from the game play?

ADD ON dude under me

have you played GT games? I ask because if anything drives like a brick it would be a game like Dirt. This brick would be floating on water because that game got these great reviews but when i drive it it feels like the wheels dont touch the ground.

Remember ppl Trolls cant feed without bubbles

@ Resistance...Thanks for the reply because i wanted to hear it from a guy that isnt paid to get website hits. When they said SCREEN TEARS IN HALF i had a serious problem with that. I feel like the American360 sided Media has jumped all over anything PS3. Look at OB for a prime example. Was it 1up that called it a slide show? anyway GT is a must buy for me. I think i will download this game

[resistance100]

I have the game (see attached image)

Im yet to experence or notice anyway any screen tearing (im running it at 1080i if that makes a difference)

The shadows do pop very slighty some of the time, but its not half as bad as 1UP made out and it doesn't distract you from the race at all.

[paul_war]

Thanks for the views resistance, I'll get it when its out in the UK.

[AliC]

The problem with GT is that the game really hasn't evolved since the first game on the PSone. Sure the graphics look nice but for a game that prides itself of realism, why is it the cars still handle like driving a brick.

There have been so many good driving games released since GT that this is starting to look like they keep releasing the same game over and over again but with slight shinier graphics, The series is going the way of FIFA only with out the yearly releases.

[Kleptic]

this is exactly where the ignorance surrounding the GT series really shines...

I often get a strong impression that a lot of you guys that trash this series "physics"...have either A. never driven a car in their life...B. have not one clue about car handling and behavior on a track...and C. are overall not very smart...

if there is one place that every GT game has always been the best of its kind in...it is the realism of car handling, and the ability to adjust it...its the games biggest strength, and always had been...if you mess around with rebound and spring rates...soften or harden dampers...thicken a rear sway bar...change to different compound tires...etc...the effects are immediately noticeable...not only that but the effect the car realistically...if its a rear heavy 911 (so far its only been Ruf iterations of that car...still same drive train layout), a hardened rear suspension effects it much differently than say a DC5 Type R ...

if you find the game 'boring'...so be it..don't buy the game...but if you are under the impression that there are more realistic games when it comes to true car tuning (putting a riced out wing and doubling the power of the car with a turbo in Forza does not count)...it has stood alone in that regard for roughly 10 years...

[titntin]

I enjoyed the review and thought it was pretty fair. For the large demo it is, it needs to be half the price they are charging. At this price it deserves to be marked as a full game and the unfinished features mean that 81% is actually a pretty high score.

I have admit, all the guys credability went out the window for me, when he compared it with the 'depth of Ridge Racer 7'. I mean, I like the Ridge Racer games, but to mention it in the same breath as GT is sacrillage to me! :)

Unfinished or not, I'll be getting a version of this on release. I have Forza 2, and you can tell me 'its the best sim ever' as much as you like, its boring, and it simply doesn't retain my interest. GT has always hit the spot of me and I fully expect that this will keep me amused till we get the real thing!

[eddispider]

I think if you want a game that dosnt tear and drop in framerate ,get forza 2. AT LEAST it runs on a steady 60fps. Xbox is the better platform PERIOD!!!

[Chaos Striker]

so you've played prologue and saw the fps drop? If not, then I rest my case.

[resistance100]

Hey eddispider why don't you join me and pornflakes (since he obviously has the game aswell) in a race tomorow - PSN: Resistance100

...... thought not

[scrillakiller]

and then u woke up

[Rice]

Wat a Bullsh*t review!

[x440Magnumx]

If the game being reviewed has the same price as a full game, it should be reviewed as a full game. I'd even argue that if it's much above $30.00 (Well above the price of the average XBLA arcade or PSN game) it should be reviewed as a full game.

I'm glad this guy is taking a level-headed approach to it. As I suspected, the physics and AI still aren't on-par with Forza 2, but they've got some time to sort it all out.

No upgrade system at all is too bad as well, this one really won't fill the huge hole in the PS3 line-up yet for a sim racer. And no split-screen multiplayer really seals the deal for me.

Looks like more waiting for the Sony camp. I wonder how much extra time they wasted on this that could have been spent getting GT5 out earlier. Too bad they know so many people would buy both that they couldn't help but "pre-release" a baby version of it.

Just take a minute and set your preconceived notions aside, and remember that you're paying plenty of money for a very stripped down game. Don't get so caught up in your fanboyism that you don't realize you're on the losing end here.

[pacman615]

than what you are paying for xbox live remember that...basically they are stealing a game from you every year that you could have bought sad troll get a life bro

[CRIMS0N_W0LF]

so many people talk out of their arse. Resitance100 has proven he has the game. Can you prove you have it too before you start talkning sh!t

Ah so many bubbles to take away. I don't like ignore i want to see what fanboys have to say but I love taking bubbles away.

Bubbles for Restitance100 for every informative post and proof he is not BS unlike 98% of the people.

[Spike47]

you xbots are just mad jealous like always.

jealous that this demo already exceeds you're crappy xbot racers in graphics.

they reviewed this demo as a game, so stfu and deal with it.

GT series wil always rule the racing genre.

[x440Magnumx]

Just kind of funny how it's all flipping around now.

Remember when they said GT5 Prologue was going to cost money?

Then everybody asked "Why would they make you pay money for a demo?!"

And you were probably among those who would have responded with "ITS NOT A DEMO XBOT."

Yet here you are.

Remember, you're paying money for it, and you even admit it's a demo. Meanwhile I paid money for a full-fledged game with awesome physics, damage, a great car list, maybe not quite as nice of graphics, but stronger in every department otherwise than your demo.

Remind me, who's jealous again?

[CRIMS0N_W0LF]

They where talking in the Demo of Prologue which didn't cost money.

GT4 Prologue costed money too.

From what I can see you are jealous that a non full game of a game that has 1 year development is better then your forza motorsport 2.

[Mars Attacker]

Sony is desperate. Why else would they sell a demo of a beta build? Also, how long was the full GT5 release delayed in order to take time out and produce this beta demo for sale? I'm thinking Sony realized that the full GT5 wasn't going to be available for summer release, so they threw out a bone for fanbois. Meanwhile the full GT5 won't be out until Christmas 08.

Shame. Forza 2 will have been out for EIGHTEEN MONTHS by the time GT5 comes out. Not to mention PGR4. Two birds in hand are WAY better than one in the bush. We could see Duke Nukem' before the full version of GT5.

[CRIMS0N_W0LF]

They did the same with GT4 thus your argument is invalid.

Bubbles taken for talking out of your arse.

[Kleptic]

haha yeah...Gt4 was a 2004 release and they did the same thing...

just out of curiosity...how desperate was Sony back then also?...I vaguely remember the PS2 outselling anything MS offered by something like 100 million units...

[DarkSniper]

Gran Turismo is one of the several million selling franchises that can only be experienced on the PLAYSTATION 3® Home Entertainment Console. Polyphony Digital has provided Playstation owners with the most complete racing experience since the late 90's.

Dark Sniper has viewed above comments from the likes of the Mart and has a sharp comment and fact on the issue. Sniper knows jealousy when he sees it, and he can see it thoroughly through all of the Mart's posts. But what is not seen to the naked eye is why this gentleman is jealous over the success of Gran Turismo. Dark Sniper will explain why.

Over the course of time, each iteration of Gran Turismo has easily cleared the sales of the top 20 best selling console games of all times. Which means Gran Turismo 5 will also do the same as far as increasing PS3 sales and once again setting the record for 5 straight bestselling games. Where the jealousy is shown is the simple fact that not one XBOX nor XBOX 360 game has reached this feat of reaching the top 20.

Comparing numbers, The Gran Turismo series has sold approximately a whopping 44.61 million copies worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, the highly advertised Halo series has only sold an abysmal 18 million througout the span of three games.

Dark Sniper has efficiently listed the reasons of why TheMART at XBOXKINGS feels the need to protect his little green dumpster juice console that couldnt. He's well aware of what Gran Turismo sales will do in relevance to hindering and damaging any foward progress for the XBOX 360.

Dark Sniper would like to strongly suggest that all of the Sony Snipers ensure that theMART's bubbles are taken away and be sure to report all of his comments as spam. By doing so, you will make n4g.com a better place for all Sony Snipers worldwide.

Thank you for your support.

$niper

[pacman615]

just got one word for you bro ..... AMEN preach on brother

[spiderfish]

Most of your post is spot on but writing it in the 3rd person doesn't mean you are not an asshole.

[Kleptic]

he is like a polar opposite of Zhuck...they both give me the impression they are robots...

[PimpHandHappy]

keep it up Sniper

[Death]

1. Super Mario Bros. (40.23 million) NES
2. Super Mario World (20 million) SNES
3. Super Mario Bros. 3 (18 million) NES
4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (15 million)PS2+
5. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (14.87 million) PS2
6. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (12 million) PS2
7. Grand Theft Auto III (12 million)PS2+
8. Wii Sports (11.86 million Wii
9. Super Mario 64 (11 million) N64
10. Gran Turismo (10.85 million) PS1
11. Super Mario Bros. 2 (10 million) NES
12. Final Fantasy VII (9.8 million, includes Final Fantasy VII INT) PS1
13. Gran Turismo 4 (9.52 million) PS2
14. Gran Turismo 2 (9.37 million) PS1
15. Mario Kart 64 (8.47 million) N64
16. GoldenEye 007 (8 million) N64
17. Halo 2 (8 million) XBOX
18. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (7.6 million) N64
19. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (7 million) PS2
20. Pac-Man (7 million) Atari 2600
21. Tomb Raider (7 million) PS1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

Very impressive numbers for the Gran Turismo series on both PS1 and PS2. With a much smaller PS3 user base, the sales numbers won't be as high. Just a thought from out of left field, but I wonder if GT5 is done, but they are waiting for the install base to grow? This would be a reason to release a "Prologue" to keep interest up and not affect sales with a smaller user base. I may be 100% wrong, but it seems weird the game is done enough for a very large demo, but not a full release. If all they are adding is track and car info, how much longer can that really take?

-Death

[R M Spender]

you post these same qweer sony ps3 trademark posts like you get paid to do it. if you do cool and i take it all back...really. but otherwise you sound borderline nuts. "only on ps3, the superior home entertainment system..." how can you go so far to hype a system with jack for games. will gt5 out sell forza 2? no matter what excuse as to why its obvious. they say some cars could have damage but some wont cause the car makers wont allow it. sound like they tried to make the cars so pretty they cant do it, thus true to ps3...make it look good so any fool will buy it. anyone who comments about graffics before game play dont know games. still thinnk ps3 is top? well where are all of the games, sales and delivered promises? huh? your just using your time now not playing games to make some alter ego here amongst a bunch of morons for the most part. this post isnt just for you its for every one. give up on the freakin console war and play games or add comment which could be considered news. remember...?N(news)4G(not geeks!)

$pender!!!!!!!!

[vloeistof]

god 360 fans why are you here this game is not on your system so why care
i mean you have so many AAA titels go play them this is a ps3 game so why bother .you wont be playing it just like mgs4 ff xiii and versus

[kamakazi]

lol....spong????? it seems every time this site is brought up is to bash PS3 games with low scores. again lol.....spong.

[eddispider]

I have played both. I think gt5 is better but was dissepoited with the framerate. Its just whem sony boasts 120 fps, they at least get it running on 60. To many people here are defending sony and thats not right when they lie!!!

[resistance100]

Please name the track and the car you were using when you experienced these framerate problems and i will try them out now.

Remember for your example i hope that you are saying these after playing the real version of GT5: Prologue, not the demo.

the fact that you mentioned the 120fps framerate leads me to believe you have in fact not played the game and are just having a dig at the game and sony, As for saying GT is now better than forza aren't you just trying damage control to protect your bubbles, as it seems alot different than what you were saying before

----------------------------- ---

@Muff1nB4k3r
-> to resistance, what other ps3 games do you have?
and is there really a demo for gt5 prologue? i'd really like to try it out

- Time Crisis4, uncharted, GHIII, R&C, Resistance, COD4, warhawk, PES2008, motorstorm and a few others. However note that i will only be online til jan 3rd then i back at uni for a couple of months where i can't get ps3 online ¬_¬

As for the demo, there was a demo of Gt5: Prologue on the jap store however it appears to have been taken down now

[Muff1nB4k3r]

Your comment is simply a fabrication, even a person that doesn't own the game like myself could tell you were lying, or at least making !@#$ up. Sony said it was possible to display 120 fps on the ps3, they didn't say they were all going to be 120 fps or even for a game. as for 60 fps that is pretty good, some of the better looking games today don't run on more than 30fps or are locked at 30fps. please get your facts straight before YOU lie.

-> to resistance, what other ps3 games do you have?
and is there really a demo for gt5 prologue? i'd really like to try it out

Cheers

@ resistance100

Thanks a lot, feel free to add me. my PSN ID is Muff1nB4k3r

i've also got COD 4, motorstorm, ratchet and clank, and RFOM
I'm off vacationing right after christmas until right before new years, then i'm the same as you (school stuff)for jan 2nd actually. hope to see you online sometime!

[IQUITN4G]

That must be the worst spelling ever of the word disappointed "dissepoited" .It's not even close.I'm not the world's greatest speller and that's why i use the spell check provided.

Iv'e always spelled it with the one p but spell check suggests two.

Come on lazy sods put some effort into your comments

[icechai]

at the end of the day it really boils down to: is it a fun game? Forget comparisons to Forza, do you like the GT experience? Does the new additions (hey resistance i'd like to hear about the simulation mode racing type ppl mention, is it different feeling?) and improvements really warrant a look? What happened to the good days of PS2 and PSOne when people wouldn't compare it constantly to a competitor console's games?

[resistance100]

I presume you mean the professional mode.

Its the mode i use and is far more realistic and better over the standard mode. I find having all the driving aids turned off and using S1 tires and the physic's level surpasses all other racers on the market imo, and by a fair distance at that.

The physisics level in each car on this game is far more impressive that the visuals imo. Each car feels different e.g. when cornering you really can feel the difference when you are using a light or heavy car.

Overall the standard mode is great and i recomend it to anyone whos either new to GT and when you first play this game. However professional mode is where the real racing is at.

[bootsielon]

You approved this, so I assume you will make another one of your typical comments containing the word "undoubtedly", "entertainment", "rallying" and other hyperbolic words. Of course, who knows what you'll do... be predictable, or be easily manipulated by NOT saying these particular words? Or will you not speak in favor of your endorsement, like a true coward?

[Kleptic]

I'll do it for him...

Zhuck writes:

once again the Xbox 360 shows its undeniable power over the PS3, and that it is the only true next gen gaming console. The 360 version of GT5 prologue is not as washed out and does not suffer framerate problems. 2008 will just be yet another year the Xbox 360 increases its dominance over the lacking playstation 3.

[killer_trap]

thank you for a job well done

[Gamingisfornerds]

I don't care how great it looks or how many cars are in there, for that money I want atleast 10 tracks.

Also, this game has to have a proper damage system to call itself a driving simulator. It's just that simple. People keep on bashing Forza 2 for it's graphics, but meanwhile it does most other stuff very well. It certainly does a hell of a lot more than GT5 Prologue, that's for sure. And I can find Forza 2 new on the shelves for 50 bucks at most.

GT5 looks amazing and easily trumps any other racer out there in that regard, but how about things like: AI, damage (visually and how it affects performance), physics calculation, online features etc.

Now I'm not saying the final GT5 version won't excell in these features, but we haven't seen any of it either. All the PS3 fanboys just look at the pretty graphics and claim it will be the best racer out there while completely disregarding any of the features that make it a true sim-racer. GT5 P simply doesn't have these features. Perhaps GT5 will, but GT5 P is getting way too much credit because of the pretty graphics it showcases.

I do feel that the car handling is spot on, the graphics are jaw dropping and the AI is decent as well. But that's not enough to claim "ultimate console driving simulator". GT5 will have to step it up and add those missing features to reclaim the title from Forza 2.

Also, I'd like to add to that, that I generally prefer previous GT's approach. Which is putting more emphasis on more varied enviroments and tracks and having a very robust SP career experience. I don't care all that much for the tech side of things (physics calculation etc), but I feel Forza 2 is being discredited for what it does and GT5 is getting way too much credit for what it (so far) ultimately isn't doing. That's what bothers me and it should bother any true gamers out there.

[TheExecutive]

I too think that 40 bucks is a little expensive for 5 tracks. 16player online might make it worth it though. We shall see.

The reason why sony fans are saying it will be the best is because of polyphany digitals prior history. Now I am not saying its going to be the best, but to not take into account the pedigree of a company is not a good idea.

They have already stated in a few articles after the release of prologue that they are working with damage modeling as we speak. They also said that all the cars wouldnt have it because the companies that make certain cars dont want to see them damaged. Judging from PD's pedigree and their anal retentive nature, I am pretty sure that the damage modeling will be unbelievable.

As for reclaiming any titles... I am not sure that Forza ever took any title from the GT series. Sure they are the first out of the gate this generation but that doesnt entitle them to a 'title'.

[Gamingisfornerds]

It's physics calculation system, realtime damage calculation that realistically infuences performance from tyre wear to engine failure, realistic AI behaviour, in depth mechanical and visual tuning features etc etc. It's quite impressive actually. No other racer on a console can claim all this.

Ok, so the visual damage is pathetic and the graphics are mediocre at best and the amount of tracks and enviroments (mearly 10 enviroments) is a bit of a letdown as well. But it has the important aspects of a sim-racer well covered!

I'm not doubting PD's pedigree, but I always like to see it before I believe it. It's just common logic. Bioware's pedigree is also undeniable, yet Mass Effect was a letdown in many aspects as well.

PD have confirmed damage, but we will just have to wait and see how it turns out to be. I just get the feeling people don't even realise or care what the competition does, or what GT5 doesn't do. GT5 always wins because it's on PS3.

Just think about it: What would all the PS3 fanboys be flaming about on GT5 if it were a 360 exclusive, and Forza 2 was a PS3 exclusive? All you have to do is switch the 360 fanboys and PS3 fanboys around and there's your answer. It's "simple" fanboy "logic".

[TheExecutive]

I am not bashing forza by any stretch of the imagination. I have played it and its fun.

I am also going to wait to see what PD comes out with. I am not going to say its the best ever if I havent played it. I will say that I have faith that PD will make a great game.

Its a waiting game. I could guess what sony fanboys would say about GT if it were a 360 game. They would say the exact same thing the 360 fanboys are saying. For all of their "differences" fanboys are exactly the same. They are exactly the same, they have the same personalities. So a 360 fanboy and a sony fanboy have A LOT in common when you think about it. Sad really, its like hating on someone because they are similar to you.

LOL i literally just read the last part of your statement. thats funny, bubbles for you. Look everyone you can actually have a decent conversation on forums... take notes.

[Gamingisfornerds]

"For all of their "differences" fanboys are exactly the same. They are exactly the same, they have the same personalities. So a 360 fanboy and a sony fanboy have A LOT in common when you think about it. Sad really, its like hating on someone because they are similar to you."

Hehe, yeah. That's classic right there. Bubble worthy stuff indeed! :)

It's nice to have an "intelligent" conversation on these boards for a change, I agree. ;)

[killer_trap]

the problem that we will have with most reviews with prologue is that reviewers will always know in the back of their minds that they are not getting the full experience with this game. they know this is just a teaser from sony. and if any reviewer had some integrity he would re review the game after the online mode is activated.

as always the sub GT games are targeted by those hardcore GT fans who can't wait for the full game. sony released prologue, they will add online to it and get the feedback. this will help shape up GT5 to be the complete game. all we need is demand what we wants in the game.
weather effects, damage and full online will be implemented in the real GT5.

i knew reviews will range between 80 to 90 max. and the price tag is expensive for what they offer. but still, it is a GT game and a true GT fan like myself will get it, play it and enjoy it. and to the 360 fanboys, go play forza it's a really great game.,i know cause i have it.

[tk]

GT5:P sucked compared to the final GT4 product. GT5:P is just that - half complete Prologue to the full game. It is a demo of the already stable features in the game - and it already is better than most "full" products out. It already is the best looking driving game.

Go enjoy Forza 2. I will enjoy GT5:P until the full game is available. They did the same with GT4:P. Give us a taste of what is to come, and I am happy to pay $40 to get a preview of the full game - given that it already has more than most other full games.

To the trolls who seem to have nothing better than to look for negative news - like the Microsoft Action Response Team members in the stuffy basement - can we send you guys pizzas or something. I mean - it must be really bad not to have a real job and having to collate all negative news just to post on forums and masquerade as angry gamers, frustrated drag queens and happy xbots. No one believe that it is a single person account anymore - given that it is manned 24/7. Go find yourself a real job loser.

[eagle21]

Graphics 7.0: "jaggies, jaggies, and more jaggies. At times I feel this is LEGO forza 2. The bland colors and weak environments don't help. But 60 fps is welcomed". The closing comment was it just isn't exciting. Go read it yourself.

[eagle21]

Graphics 7.0: "jaggies, jaggies, and more jaggies. At times I feel this is LEGO forza 2. The bland colors and weak environments don't help. But 60 fps is welcomed". The closing comment was it just isn't exciting. Go read it yourself.

[wil4hire]

The only problems =

1. No online
2. No damage
3. All the stuff 1up made up.

Online is coming in a few days. And Damage is coming as well. GT5 is one of the most beautiful titles out, and its just a friggen demo. The game plays in HD, at 60fps and has dips and screen tearing. Like any other game out. Uncharted plays at less standards, and has been acclaimed as the best looking game out this year. (WAY below Crysis Of course) 1up claims its unplayable. Yeah Visit the forums @ neogaf with people that own it and arent fanboy douchebags.

I'll just say the only one that cares about reviews of GT5 are xbots. I'll be part of the millions of people that are going to use vacation time to get through. It will suck that in the wake of the system wars an amazing second to none Title like GT5 wont get a good score.

Everyone who likes console racers should give this one a spin. I am a huge driver nut. GTR2-LEGENDS/RFACTOR/Live For Speed. However I am never as excited for any of those, as I am for the KING!

And lets stop acting like graphics don't matter. Not all entirely, correct.(mass effect) But GT5 is the best looking "Driving" game out right now. Forza has it beat with its current list of features(vs Prologue). Physics is preference. TopGear Prefers GT, Xbots and Nascar drivers (who know how ferrari's/sports cars Handle... and have a TV show about them driving/review...wait.. no thats Top Gear. Nm) I've yet to be unimpressed by PD. I mean.. this is what everyone was expecting:

http://media.playstationpro...

and this is what we got

http://i17.tinypic.com/6y1f...

[demolitionX]

GT5 is the king or all races! bring it on polyphony

[Bladestar]

Why the forza bashing? ohh don't worry about forza.. the game reviews were very positive... won "the best racing game of the year" and sold more copies than most PS3(i.e. encharted) game can ever wish...
focus on GT... don't blame forza if this game is not getting good reviews... because the there is nothing you can do or this game to change the success forza had... unless you have a time machine.

[GUNS N SWORDS]

the plants and grass look crappy, why spend so much resources on the cars.

[SKullDugger]

I own the import copy the landscapes and tracks are out of this world it runs 1080p @ 60fps controls are very tight EA could take lessons for their next nascar game drafting at Daytona is spot on..

[MK_Red]

SPOnG reviewed Burnout Paradise's demo not long ago and now reviewed import version of a prologue / demo for GT5 with both of them having scores. What's next? Giving score to DLC content for UT3? Reviewing next PS3 firmware?

[TheExecutive]

I kinda agree. It is only a demo, however it is an expensive demo. When we start having to pay for demos reviews are nice. They shouldnt review a demo that hasnt revealed its major cards yet (online 16player)

[CrazzyMan]

i don`t think so..
BUT the demo WILL HAVE ONLINE by the end of this year. So the final product, which will PLAY gamers is Better then 81%.

[Drillin]

There is no reason to change the review. They should have the online now or at least charge less. Critics should never review based on things that could happen in the future but what the game is selling for NOW.

[CrazzyMan]

so how then other reviewrs whould review NOW game, which HAS online?
or ALL reviewrs MUST NOW review game without online, because online wasn`t available for ONE week? It`s STUPID, you know?

This review STATES, that the GAME HAS NO ONLINE, BUT, by the time of release in USA it will have ?
Well if they just reviewed JAPAN version, and then will also review USA version, then WHO CARES about JAP. ver scores. =)) BUT if not, then they are just STUPID.

[Honor_in_Armor]

"TheMarmot: What a disappointment, I knew this would happen. You pstards couldn't possibly think GT5 could mess with the likes of Forza 2? 81%, what a flop. Nobody knows this, but Bill Gates is my father, so as his son I will nibble on the pieces of cheese that he feeds me so I can survive.

DarkStripper: Playstation 3(R) is known to deliver the utmost graphics. DarkStripper can't lie, Forza is a true competitor in the physics field but not in graphics. DarkStripper is a Graphics whore and he enjoys all the eye candy, Darkstripper can get. DarkStripper will go bare with bare with Sony till Sony removes DarkStripper from the state of hypnotism and threats."

This message was approved by the FPF (Fanboy Preventive Force).

Stop Fanboy on Fanboy Crime.

[xg-ei8ht]

Its a decent enough review. 81%, not quite sure what they were expecting.

Anywayz, where is a free demo where you get 5tracks and many cars to play with? Nope 360 doesn't have one. err nope wii doesn't either.

Sorry to inform anyone that hasn't played prologue, Graphically, it pisses on any racing game either on pc,360 whatever.

Its like ppl talk about realism,is Forza Realistic, slightly? Does it look realistic, nope!

Let me ask you, does Dirt which is on 360/PS3/PC, it looks kinda good, but how does it handle, not very good. The way you can stop on a dusty surface is terrible.

So for a demo that is as said unfinished, with 5tracks,Reversible as well, a nice amount of cars and brilliant graphics @1080p, How can you say its not worth 40$. Sorry but 40$ is 20quid and that is cheap.

So before moaning, try the game out. And then choose.

Enjoy!

[FirstknighT]

Looks like this game needs more than just 5 years of development. They put to much time on making the trees look pretty when they should of worked on the gameplay.

Forza 2 is the real vehicle simulation. Real physics and control that is godly real. Anybody that has played both will agree with my statement.

[PirateThom]

I have, I own Forza 2 and have the demo of Prologue.

Froza 2 is a sham. It's not as graphically impressive, handles like ass and they forgot one key thing.

It's not fun.

[level 360]

Physics simulation on Forza 2 is quite good, but it seems a lot of important ( driving features ) to make me experience the feeling of { virtual } realism were left for some wasteful add-ons.

The shops here in Sydney said GT5: Prologue - in Blu-Ray disc format would be released around March.
It will be a big disappointment that damage-mode is ( now - not* ) included on the disc, when before they said it would be for the Prologue version.
But would still be getting this game, and will eagerly wait for the complete and "real deal" GranTurismo 5 - with more cars, damage-mode and from what I'ved been reading on the 'net is that weather physics is also in the works ( great if they will add this feature - ala PGR4, which actually works )