The Gran Turismo Story: Part 6 – The GT5 Preview

The long awaited release of the next chapter of the longest running racing game is finally falling upon us. Over the past 13 years, Polyphony Digital has provided us with the most advanced racing games that we deemed possible. From the array of graphics brought along with Gran Turismo 1. To the mass amount of vehicles achieved through Gran Turismo 2. Followed by the enhanced gameplay features of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec. To the superior improvements in Gran Turismo 4. Pursued by the addictive online mode of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. What can Gran Turismo 5 possibly do to surprise us? What about dramatically improving all of these features plus more? The game has cost $60 million; approximately 50 times as much as it took to make the original Gran Turismo game. So will it be 50 times as good?

Gamemodes?

The game modes featured on Gran Turismo have vastly changed with each game. Arcade mode and Simulation mode are the only two to have frequently featured on each game. With different names and details on each, what will feature in the 5^th main instalment? As per usual, a single player and split screen mode will feature. A time trial is a certainty; allowing for leader boards from around the world on each track. The obvious game modes will have sub-modes. World Rally Championship, NASCAR, Formula 1 and Super GT licenses will be featured for the first time in the Gran Turismo franchise. This should allow us to be able to pick a specific mode in which to play. WRC would allow us to drive rally vehicles with all the licensed slogans and adverts pasted onto the vehicles. NASCAR would mean the famous box styled vehicles racing around tracks such as the Oval of Daytona. The possibility of the F1 mode will most likely only consist of the amazing vehicles racing along tracks unfamiliar for their speeds. The game will also feature the Japan styling of the Super GT. Using the vehicles featured on tracks such as the Fuji speedway will provide mass attention.

Simulation, or GT mode, will be very similar to the previous versions. Racing for licences as well as credits which will allow you to buy more expensive cars, fighting your way to the top. The GT Mode will include ‘World Map’ ‘My Garage’ ‘Car Dealer’ Tuning Shop’ ‘Car Wash/Oil Change’ ‘Championship’ and ‘Licence Test’. Photo mode will also feature exactly the same as it is seen in Gran Turismo 4; witnessing a race for you to take photos of.

The online mode of Gran Turismo 5 will feature for the first time in a full game. Racing the best vehicles against anyone from around the world. This will include ‘Open Lobby’ ‘Voice Chat’ and ‘Private Rooms’ as well as an album for your photos and replays.

Vehicles

The new release has announced the release of at least 900 vehicles and possibly breaking the 1000 milestone. The release will also feature the first appearance of the Lamborghini and the Bugatti (Veyron perhaps). Also featuring are the latest models of the big brands as well as the McLaren F1 road car. A new range of vehicles being released with Gran Turismo 5 is the electric car, meaning for much greener and ecological racing (sort of). When Gran Turismo 5 appears in the stores, expect to see many different classes, shapes and sizes. A feature that is returning with the 5^th instalment is vehicle damage. This will include mechanical and external damage. The creators used models that will process model deformation according to the speed and angle of impact. All the vehicles featured will receive damage, although the racing cars will have more advanced damage. Other production vehicles will only receive scratches and mechanical damage. A video was released showing some of the ways the vehicle would be damaged; Showing doors being lost, crumpled corners and the bonnet being raised. Sony also revealed that it would be possible to overturn the cars.

Tracks

Gran Turismo 5 is set to feature over 20 track locations with 70 variations. This means that the tracks will be reversed and shortened to allow for the perfect race depending on the event. All the locations have yet to be revealed, although many have been speculated or seen. Gamescon 2009 featured the Tokyo Route 246; with tracks such as Daytona, Indianapolis, Rome and Madrid being expected. A 10 minute long video of the McLaren F1 racing round the Nurburgring was released. A surprising track was announced on the BBC in 2007 from Britain’s most watched car show; Top Gear. Countless amounts of the world’s fastest cars and celebrities have raced around their local track, Dunsfold Park. Now you can race around it. Performing your own tests and setting a personal leader board for your home. Each track that will be released will provide the best of entertainment. From the fast straights and corners to the difficult hairpins and chicanes, the game is expected to be spectacular.

Extra Details

It was announced that night racing will reappear to Gran Turismo 5, with every course having the option of it. Weather effects might possibly feature in the release, although the creators are debating whether the weather will affect the quality of the final game. The effects should feature in the final game, providing experiences of rain, sun or snow. Polyphony has also revealed that you can now upload replays to YouTube via the internet. The High Definition replays will be imported to show the world your incredible driving skills.

The Playstation Eye will also play a part in the game. You will be able to turn your head naturally while sitting and have a 3D cockpit view. A new feature which will only affect a small amount of people is the GPS configuration. In certain new, real life cars such as the Toyota FT-86G, you will be able to enjoy a track day at a course that will feature in Gran Turismo 5, take out a memory card, insert into your PS3 and a video will upload of your race. A ghost video will appear for you to race against and beat.

Gran Turismo 5 has been scheduled for many different release dates. Most recently it was pronounced as being delayed in Japan. This meant that the March release was less probable. However Polyphony Digital announced that that did not affect the European release. The mass amount of news for EU’s release date has speculated around autumn. For the UK and the USA, we will have to wait another 221 days from Sunday 21^st February 2010.

Gran Turismo 5 is expected to be an incredible game; the amazing graphics, impressive vehicle physiques, astounding detail. Overall, Gran Turismo 5 will be mind-blowing and will definitely compete for game of the year.

If you have any questions about this or any of the other 5 parts, do ask in the comments or reply to the following thread on the forums.