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Gran Turismo 5 Prologue price and release date set photo

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue for the PS3 will finally be dropping here in the States on April 17th. The game will go for $39.99 and you will have the choice of downloading the game from the PlayStation Store or buying the disc copy. The hard copy will come with a bonus behind-the-scenes video called "Beyond the Apex".

There will be over 60 cars to choose from and will support up to 16 players online all at a beautiful 60 frames per second and 1080p.  The new cockpit view will allow you to see all of your gauges and animations in real time adding more realism to one of the most realistic racing games on the market as it is. GT5P will of course utilize the new DualShock 3 controller when it finally comes out here too. Finally, GT5P will also be launching Gran Turismo TV, which is a dedicated online channel that will have motorsport programming and manufacturer content.

Maybe it's because I'm so easy to please, but little bits of detail like real time gauge simulation gets me excited. They have put in so much detail and realism as it is that it just blows my mind to see them even do something like this. Hit the jump for the PR and let us know how happy you PS3 owners are now that you're getting a triple A title finally.  

Gran Turismo(TM) 5 Prologue Races to North America on April 17 Exclusively on 
                               PLAYSTATION(R)3
     Billion Dollar Selling Franchise Sets Date and Price for the Racing 
                         Phenomenon's Next Iteration
    FOSTER CITY, Calif., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment 
America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the April 17 North American ship date for 
Gran Turismo(TM)5 Prologue, available exclusively on PLAYSTATION(R)3 
(PS3(TM)).  Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will 
be available for $39.99 SRP on Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BD) and as a download via 
PLAYSTATION(R)Store.  The BD version will offer added value with an exclusive 
behind-the-scenes High Definition (HD) video feature called "Beyond the Apex."
    Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, an intense precursor to Gran Turismo(TM)5, 
features over 60 meticulously detailed vehicles from manufacturers such as 
Ferrari, Audi and Nissan.  Users will experience the vehicle-specific physics 
technology and intricate graphical rendering that Polyphony Digital is 
renowned for.  Additionally, for the first time in the history of the 
franchise, users can race online -- at 60 fps (frames per second) in stunning 
1080p HD* -- with up to 16 vehicles at a time on beautifully rendered tracks 
from around the globe, including Daytona International Speedway(R) and a 
London City track.
    "Ten years following the introduction of Gran Turismo(TM) on PS one(R), 
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue delivers the most realistic and technologically 
advanced racing experience on any platform," said Jeff Reese, director, 
software marketing, SCEA.  "With 1080p graphics, revolutionary online features 
like Gran Turismo(TM) TV and the new in-cockpit racing view, the world's
best-selling racing franchise will once again set the standard for racing 
games."
    Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will feature various innovative and revolutionary 
modes to harness PS3 system's capabilities while further developing an 
automotive lifestyle and global community.  Among them is Gran Turismo(TM)TV, 
a new dedicated online channel available exclusively from 
PLAYSTATION(R)Network that delivers worldwide motorsport programming and 
manufacturer content.  Additionally, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will support 
online racing events to foster community competition.  A new in-cockpit view 
will provide a unique perspective for racers and features real-time gauges and 
human animations that accurately represent the true performance and handling 
of each vehicle.  To extend the realistic driving experience, Gran Turismo 5 
Prologue is also compatible with the new DUALSHOCK(R)3 controller, which has 
vibration functionality.

 


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47 comments | showing # 1 to 47

Niero's Avatar
Niero at 01/29/2008 17:42
My anticipation for this game has gone from apex to:

BahamutZero's Avatar
BahamutZero at 01/29/2008 17:43
I pooped my pee
razerangel's Avatar
razerangel at 01/29/2008 17:43
When will it come out in the uk? I need moar Top Gearssss!
cryocide's Avatar
cryocide at 01/29/2008 17:45
I'll wait for the full version.
Magesx's Avatar
Magesx at 01/29/2008 17:45
I don't like Gran Turismo.

What kind of loser actually uses the brake to go around sharp corners? Not me.
Shin Oni's Avatar
Shin Oni at 01/29/2008 17:45
eh just relase the damn game already. it's been pushed back enough.

Though with a 40 buck price tag AND the ability to either buy the hard copy or download, you really can't complain about constant pushbacks.
BahamutZero's Avatar
BahamutZero at 01/29/2008 17:46
no seriously, this is why I bought a ps3. they better have a decent racing wheel. the car interiors are some of the best I've ever seen.
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar
EternalDeathSlayer at 01/29/2008 17:46
While it's good news, we already have a Triple A title CTZ:

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune.

But I'm happy to hear it's coming soon. It's certainly the most realistic and well polished racing game I've ever played.
that1dood's Avatar
that1dood at 01/29/2008 17:50
DO WANT!... this is one of the two reasons I will buy a PS3... the other one is FFXIII.
AgentMOO's Avatar
AgentMOO at 01/29/2008 17:52
Sweet, I'll definitely be picking it up but it makes no sense to me why Sony is releasing this way. I understand they are desperate to get the game out there, but how far away is the full game?
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 01/29/2008 17:59
I already have Forza 2. What else is this game going to bring to the table aside from Top Gear?
iRaf 's Avatar
iRaf at 01/29/2008 18:01
So, if it supports rumble, then rumble is coming SOON!?
Guagloves's Avatar
Guagloves at 01/29/2008 18:08
I'll wait for the full game. I don't get why sony is releasing 1/2 a game before the full game other than to tide fans over until the game actually comes out.
BahamutZero's Avatar
BahamutZero at 01/29/2008 18:08
alex just look at gameplay videos side by side of the two games; apart from the obvious 1080p difference the graphics are just miles ahead of forza (pun intended). The physics and control are probably better too; more cars, more varied types of racing, every car has its interior modeled, and frankly, I've always felt GT to be more fun than forza. and I loved/own both forza games.

iraf - not sure exactly when but yes. its already out in japan and if you're that impatient you can import. many games already support rumble.
Hamza CTZ Aziz's Avatar
Hamza CTZ Aziz at 01/29/2008 18:08
Uncharted is a fantastic game, but not a AAA title.
Magesx's Avatar
Magesx at 01/29/2008 18:11
Wait, what the hell does AAA even mean?
that1dood's Avatar
that1dood at 01/29/2008 18:18
AAA=Amazingly Awesome Abomination....
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar
EternalDeathSlayer at 01/29/2008 18:18
Yes, then what the hell does AAA mean? You mean because of it's high profile? I'm assuming so, because Drake's Fortune kind of flew under the radar.

But, it's certainly the best game you can get right now on the PS3.

I get what you mean I think. Still, I'm honestly more excited for Uncharted's definitely happening sequel.
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 01/29/2008 18:18
The problem with GT is that it never changes. And I've had a big problem with them not trying to figure out consequences for hitting walls or other cars. Forza does an extremely good job. It takes a simple approach and that's damage. You do not want to hit a wall in Forza.

Not only does Forza do good with that, but it actually has a community. The community is held together by race tournaments, livery designs/the auction house, and it's immense data tracking. I don't see GT having any of that. The only thing they've managed to change are the graphics. Plus, the whole reason for the toned down graphics was to get the physics as precise as possible, and it is. The game is extremely well done in that regard.

I can't enjoy Gran Turismo because of that. Especially when you can't make any changes to cars except for color and wheels. The track Nurburgring in Forza is the most intense track I've ever played on because of the damage. You hit the grass and send your car into a wall and it's over. So you take every corner with ease and care. I sweat buckets out of my hands during those races.
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar
EternalDeathSlayer at 01/29/2008 18:26
@ Vexed Alex: Nurburging is real and is just as insane in real life, in case you didn't know.

But as for Forza being better, it's not quite there in terms of actual driving realism. GT has better gameplay and graphics and the full versions have insane replay value and tough races. It's quite the challenge, getting all of the licenses and beating every fucking race.

But like I said, it all boils down to the realism. It doesn't have damage and shit like Forza, but it's actaul driving is second to none.
nopk's Avatar
nopk at 01/29/2008 18:26
@vexed_alex

Although forza might excel in the damage area, that's when it starts to lose it's ground.

Gran Turismo is fun. It might not be as good as Forza in terms of realism, or community, but it's mainly a single player experience.

Forza doesn't have the volume of cars that GT does, it also doesn't sport the wicked locales you can find in GT either, from the hills of japan rally, to Sweden, all the way to frances great race circuits.

Plus Polyphony just signed a deal with Top Gear, so now I will be able to race around on the Top Gear track, which makes me wet. With anticipation.
DaTgUy's Avatar
DaTgUy at 01/29/2008 18:27
also with GT the tracks are completely pre-rendered. What this means is lighting and shadows are not done well, its like blob shadows...Forza has amazing shadows and detail.

I used to be a gran turismo guy, but Forza 2 changed my mind
brainderailment's Avatar
brainderailment at 01/29/2008 18:41
If AAA means "really really good game with tons of critical acclaim" then I guess COD4 must've been missed. Yeah, it's not exclusive, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Don't act like PSTrizzle Gotz no Gayymez> because people with their heads on straight know ps3 has plenty of games.
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 01/29/2008 18:42
"Gran Turismo is fun. It might not be as good as Forza in terms of realism, or community, but it's mainly a single player experience."

But that's entirely the whole point of these games. It's to be real. It's a racing simulator. And the whole measurement of which one is more realistic really needs to get thrown out of the window because no one can really know. From my personal experience at a Playstation demo kiosk, I prefer the way the cars feel in Forza than in Gran Turismo. Maybe it had something to do with the rumble, but you can tell from the minute you roll a car onto the track, what type of car it is. Whether it be AWD, RWD, or FWD.

I can't have fun without the damage (or something that serves the same purpose), especially in an online race where people are going to be using me as a rebound. That's what used to happen in the original GT. If there was a person behind you he'd just use you so he wouldn't have to brake in the turns. It felt like Project Gotham Racing.

And while I do agree that Gran Turismo packs a tad more content (not including this version), if I'm not going to have fun, I don't care if it has a metric shit-ton of cars and tracks.
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 01/29/2008 18:45
Sorry, I didn't mean original GT. I meant 4.
Hamza CTZ Aziz's Avatar
Hamza CTZ Aziz at 01/29/2008 18:50
brainderailment: Just talking about exclusives here. COD4 is awesome.
brainderailment's Avatar
brainderailment at 01/29/2008 18:52
Yes, yes it is.
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 01/29/2008 19:04
One more complaint! Just one! Last one! Sorry!

I hear the A.I. for the game is still set to a specific line and is completely oblivious to you.
Kalakaua's Avatar
Kalakaua at 01/29/2008 19:09
@BahamutZero

If it keeps the same compatibility with the japanese version, the wheel to get is Logitech's G25. I don't know if they are making a PS3 specific version of that wheel or a newer version but that wheel does work with it. Picked it up for $250 at BestBuy when I got my hands on the japanese version of Prologue.

Plus the clutch will work with it. You have to press triangle to engage that ability but it does work with the game.
BahamutZero's Avatar
BahamutZero at 01/29/2008 19:55
shit dude I already own one! awesome.

Alex - for the sake of argument it will have rumble when it comes out, you can use wheels not just made by sony (apparently) and GT certainly has comparable car physics to forza, except in the damage department. I agree, that is annoying, and I would spend hours customizing cars in forza, but like others have said they different games.
Y0j1mb0's Avatar
Y0j1mb0 at 01/29/2008 20:17
Yall can nitpick all you want..I'm Buying this. 1080p, 60 frames per sec? That this expanded demo blows away Forza 2 is a telling tale. My HDTV is getting a boner already. No brainer purchase.

Forza 2 isn't a racing game..it's a custom create your own car game aka Pimp my Ride 2.

Oh and for the full version it has been confirmed that they will have a damage on cars.
RoMeRtHeGaMe's Avatar
RoMeRtHeGaMe at 01/29/2008 20:20
This is a must buy for me, do want! GT5P FTW!
nopk's Avatar
nopk at 01/29/2008 20:37
@vexed_alex
I understand about the realism thing, and you're right; F2 does feel much better than GT5 ATM.

But it's the car unlocks, the tracks, and the ability to progress through the game... although forza does it, in GT, it just feels better.

I love cars. I love games. I have Every forza and gran turismo. And I like my sims too, GTR2 is on my plate right now.

But even though F2 executes the simulation aspect correctly, GT is always... more fun for some reason.

Oh, and don't worry about damage. In GT4 they toyed with a 5 second delay for every crash you had, which they're going to beef up and use for GT5 to make it so you can't play bumper cars :)
DarkTetsuya's Avatar
DarkTetsuya at 01/29/2008 20:39
The realistic interiors is something that I felt has been lacking in racing games since the original Need For Speed back on the 3DO. I'm happy to see it back, but I dunno if I'd plunk $500 on a PS3 just for that and MGS4...
Fading Star's Avatar
Fading Star at 01/29/2008 20:40
Yay.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 01/29/2008 20:43
Thanks for breaking my mind with that pic, Niero.
mix's Avatar
mix at 01/29/2008 22:33
I will be buying this as I enjoy the Gt series, a nice relaxing drive in HIGH DEF! *Bells and whistles explosion*
NightDehumidifier's Avatar
NightDehumidifier at 01/29/2008 22:58
You gotta love Sony's methods of mayhem on this. It's not wrong that you're spending forty bucks on an unfinished game, it's wrong that a lot of people are gonna spend forty bucks on an unfinished game.
mistic's Avatar
mistic at 01/29/2008 23:55
might be trying it out if i ever get a PS3, untill then, Forza2 with the racing wheel it is!
Kalakaua's Avatar
Kalakaua at 01/30/2008 00:31
As nopk stated, if your worried about bumper cars online, don't worry about it. In the Japanese version if you hit the other person or run off the track you get penalized. You can only go so fast for a limited time (like 20 mph), no idea what it says as it's in japanese except for the countdown.

I accidentally slammed into someone's GT-R and went from 3rd to second to last... I was on the last lap too! I was pissed. :(
Vitamin Awesome's Avatar
Vitamin Awesome at 01/30/2008 02:32
I wrote a blog about this earlier in time with the GTHD demo and FM2 in comparison. I do enjoy the varied race types that GT has to offer, I've always been a rally nut, but I also enjoy the AI of FM2 and the Damage Modelling that can make or break a race. the cars in GT4 acted more like a train than anything else. I know I'll be getting a PSTriple one of these days, but Methinks that day is going to be when GT5 is actually fully out. My interest has been piqued at 16 player multi and cockpit view, now sony just needs to get in cahoots with someone to make a badass racing wheel with belt driven force feedback and a 900 degree turning radius, and a 3 pedal setup with shifter, or at least finger shifters. I don't want the fact that I'm using an analog stick to steer to hold me back from being immersed. Same goes to MS. I'll shell out whatever's needed for that kind of controller so long as it's worth it.
A Ton of Berries's Avatar
A Ton of Berries at 01/30/2008 04:00
I believe Logitech has already made your dream come true, Vitamin! I believe this is what you are looking for. .

Nono, no need to thank me. Your everliving soul wil suffice.
Kurapica's Avatar
Kurapica at 01/30/2008 05:01
Cool, can't wait to see that cool car damage model and bump into cars to take fast turns and break.
Vitamin Awesome's Avatar
Vitamin Awesome at 01/30/2008 05:49
Ton of Berries, That is amazing. Unfortunately my soul is in posession of this guatemalan kid that I exchanged for a pack of gum. he got the shaft on the deal, that's fer true. Does the clutch work all proper like when shifting? I'm glad that I make very little money and claim 0 on my taxes so I get a big fat check for things like this. Still going to hold out for the actual game itself, though. I'm plenty cool with my 360 at the moment. Now if only those pedals were force feedback as well, I would totally make that kid take his pack of gum back....
Dahk's Avatar
Dahk at 01/30/2008 08:16
Top Gear track in GT5 gives me the hots for this game. Eh I can't say too much about Forza 2, because to be honest, I've never played it.

But aside from damage, I always thought the GT series have produced the best car physics in a driving simulator. With insanely tweakable ride heights, ballasts, downforce, suspensions, gear ratios, camber, turbo stages, and like 10 million of the most minute details, it's always been the greatest at customization and actually simulating those performance differences.

Once I got the Driving Force Pro (want the G25 now though) GT4 was frickin' insane.

And now there's online AND Top Gear! (and other TV shows). $40 isn't too bad considering the ton of content they loaded onto it.
DrXym's Avatar
DrXym at 01/30/2008 08:55
$40 is a lot for a half finished game. I'm sure what is finished will be polished and fun, but why buy this when the whole thing will be out before long?
matmanx1's Avatar
matmanx1 at 01/30/2008 08:56
First $40 for this much content is a deal. Compare it to Motorstorm when it released and you'll see what I mean.

Secondly the AI is much more realistic on the hardest mode and if you are into racing sims this is the mode you want to play with. Turn off all the assists and ramp up the AI and you will not find a more realistic home console racing experience, period.

Thirdly the graphics and level of detail in GT5 put Forza to shame. I've spent extensive time with both games and I know what I'm talking about. Forza does great with it's customization and damage modeling but after spending so much time with the cockpit view in GT5 I just cant go back to a game without it. The driving experience just doesnt feel as authentic without it.

Finally, the overall level of quality and attention to detail the Polyphony put into this product is astounding. If you have a PS3 and are at all into driving/racing games then YOU NEED THIS GAME.
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