Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
Encyclopedia
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (グランツーリスモ5 プロローグ, Guran Tsūrisumo 5 Purorōgu) is a PlayStation 3
exclusive title which was announced at the E3 2007. This short version title was a precursor and sampling of Gran Turismo 5
and replaced Gran Turismo HD Concept
. The "Prologue" suffix is a self-reference to Gran Turismo 4 Prologue which was released one year before the full version of Gran Turismo 4
.
Since October 3, 2008, the game is now referred to as Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III which is the software's version 3.0 title. Since its release, the game has sold 5.09 million copies worldwide making it the second highest selling PlayStation 3 exclusive title of all time being beaten by its successor Gran Turismo 5
.
The game is a budget sale which was first released in Japan on December 13, 2007 (Blu-ray Disc
and PlayStation Store
) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series. It was followed by a Chinese translated version issued in South East Asia on February 1, 2008 through the PlayStation Store, then on Blu-ray Disc on February 15.
An upgraded version dubbed "spec II", also available as a patch for the original version, was released on the PlayStation Store on March 27, 2008 in Australia
, then in Europe
on March 28. However, in Portugal the game was officially launched in stores as early as March 26, 2008 (and unofficially on March 21).
The "Spec II" version was released in North America on April 15, 2008 (Blu-ray Disc) and was released on April 17 (PlayStation Store). The Blu-ray Disc version added value with an exclusive GT-TV video feature called "Beyond the Apex".
The latest update entitled "Spec III" added new cars and further improvements to the gameplay. A separate disc was also released (only in Japan) to coincide with this update that included all updates including Spec III.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III features 16-player online races, over 70 cars (including tuned cars), 6 tracks, 12 layouts, a 60 frames per second frame rate
(during races, replays are displayed at 30 frames per second) and LPCM
7.1ch high definition sound.
's AI
has also improved from previous Gran Turismo games.
Also new to the series is the realistic in-car view feature. It includes functioning speedometers and odometers, reflecting rear-view mirrors, wing mirrors and real time in-car lighting effects (cast shadows). Players driving with both the control pad or the steering wheel have the ability to look left and right in the cockpit of the car by using the D-pad
. This function can be mapped to other buttons on the controller if preferred. Any PlayStation 3 compatible steering wheel works with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. The engine also sounds different according to which view is selected among the available four. Back view is also specific with the in-car views with also the windshield.
Spec II update brings Drift Mode (similar to that of Gran Turismo HD Concept), car tuning adjustments, and head to head two-player racing offline.
for the PlayStation 2
was intended to be an online game but this feature was pulled prior to the game's release to avoid further delays; a beta of GT4 online was even released. Gran Turismo HD Concept
also featured an online feature but only on a Time Trial basis.
The game has a brand new interface, called My Page. It acts as the player's personalized menu for the game. When the game starts up, the player is taken straight to the 'My Page' area and the currently selected car is displayed on screen in a picturesque real-life location. The vehicle is set in a Full HD advanced 3D environment with a 360° camera work and the GUI
's real time zoom-in function enabled.
In the Japanese version 'My Page' icons include;
When the user's PlayStation Network account is signed off, online contents related icons are disabled (1, 2, 3 and 4). The Museum is activated from the My Page interface once the game is in rolling demo mode. This feature provides the players with automakers background and history.
("Climax Digest"), D1 Grand Prix
("Top of the Drifting World") and Best Motoring ("Best Motoring Trailer").
From October 22 to November 30 three GT-TV exclusive HD videos featuring game producer Kazunori Yamauchi premiered in the demo: "First Impression: Lancer Evolution X", "Tokyo Motor Show 2007" and "GT-R Legend Inside Story part I".
The demo was removed from the Japanese PlayStation Store on November 30 and its online functions ended on December 6, however all issued VOD videos were later re-released in the game's retail version through updates, except the SD trailers. "The GT-R Legend Inside Story" part 1 documentary was included in the Blu-ray Disc though. It was later completed by parts II & III, both released through GT-TV updates.
The first episode of the BBC
's Top Gear
series 6 is available for free since March 31. In the meantime five videos released in December 2007 have been removed. On April 1, two promotion videos for Super GT ("Fascination for the Super GT") and D1 Grand Prix ("The Drifting World") were added. A first trailer for Video Option
("What is the Video Option?") was also included announcing upcoming releases for this magazine.
On August 1, 2008, GT-TV was completely overhauled with a new interface, layout, and the launch of the PPV (pay-per-view) service. The "GT-R Legend Inside Story (all parts)", "'08 Nurburgring 24h Introduction" and "First Impression Lancer Evolution X" videos stayed free-of-charge. "Fascination for the Super GT", "The Drifting World", and "What is The Video Option?" videos were taken off of GT-TV. The new update added new PPV videos; 8 Top Gear videos, 1 Option video, 1 Super GT video, D1 Grand Prix video, 1 Gran Turismo video, 1 Best Motoring video. Also kept were the opening and ending movies, also staying are free-of-charge. All PPV videos were released at a reduced price at the launch of the service.
In an interview with IGN
on July 17, 2008, when asked whether the GT-TV service could come to the PSP
, Yamauchi answered, "We definitely want to do that in the future." Suggesting that watching GT-TV on the move could become a reality in the future.
The Japanese release in December 2007 featured 37 stock cars (plus the uncredited GT-R "Black Mask"
returning from the free playable demo) from various Japanese, European and American manufacturers including Nissan, Ferrari
and Ford.
Spec II update adds new manufacturers, more stock cars and introduces racing cars, tuners and "Tuned" cars. Total number of playable cars reaches 71.
The North American version of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue brought additional stock and tuned cars, increasing the game's car list to 76 credited cars.
While GT3
and GT4
did have Formula One
cars, GT5 Prologue was the first of the series to feature a fully licensed F1 car, the F2007
.
Four circuits located in Japan, Europe and North America are included in the original game, plus two fictitious tracks: The High Speed Ring and Eiger/Eiger Nordwand. In the absence of suitable roads in the real-life location around Kleine Scheidegg
and the Eiger
, the game developers created the track based on actual hiking trail.
Each track is available in two different layouts. London
, High Speed Ring and Eiger Nordwand
are available in the forward and reverse directions. The Fuji International Speedway is available in both "F1" and "GT" variation; the Daytona International Speedway
has both the Oval and Road Course layouts; and the Suzuka Circuit
has a shorter layout known as the East Course.
Each real-life circuit has an HD video "Course Guide" that documents the location with actual footage and commentary text.
Spec II update adds the Gran Turismo franchise's classic High Speed Ring fictitious circuit (available in both forward and reverse version) which brings the total number of tracks to six (twelve different layouts).
, Driving Force
and Driving Force EX. Limited support for the Logitech G25 Racing Wheel is available; the wheel is not officially supported, but it is possible to re-map the button layout via the Driving Force Pro setup screen and the clutch can be enabled by pressing the triangle button at the start of each race, as soon as you have control of the car.
Support for the logitech G27 is also limited, for example, the paddle shifters do not work in game, although, in the controller configuration screen, the paddle shifters signals are detected (up and down).
. This demo replaced Gran Turismo HD Concept
that was removed from the Japanese PlayStation Store on September 30, 2007.
The demo initially had four playable cars from various Japanese and European manufacturers. The remaining three cars (Mazda ATENZA Sport '07, Lexus IS-F
'07 and Subaru Impreza WRX STI
'07) were unlocked as each one was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. The show also unveiled the release of the Nissan GT-R '07 (replacing the "GT-R Black Mask" with its defining panels concealed). The Black Mask was removed from the car section on October 23 to coincide with its official unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show and was subsequently made available the following day.
.
Compared with the Japanese demo this new version had American cars (Dodge Viper GTS '02 and Ford Mustang V8 Coupe Premium '07
) and tracks (Daytona International Speedway), these were included but not playable in the PSN demo.
An American tuner car, the Art Morrison Corvette '60
SEMA version 2006, was added to the selectable vehicles. This vehicle was later added to the retail game with update "Spec II".
On October 9, 2008, it was announced that Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III will be released for a limited time only, bundled with the new 80GB PS3 model released only in Japan. The new model will have a choice of 3 colours; black, silver, and white, and will also come with the DualShock 3 controller as standard. Spec III introduces gameplay improvements and 3 new cars. New packaging has also been shown, showing the GT by Citroën car on the front instead of the Nissan GT-R. The bundle was released on October 30, 2008.
version of the North American release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. This documentary was filmed and edited over four months by director Greg Harvey. It features behind-the-scenes footage of the development of the game along with an interview with series creator, Kazunori Yamauchi
.
The "Moon Over the Castle" theme song from the Gran Turismo series is featured, arranged and performed by Rocky IV
and The Transformers: The Movie
composer, Vince DiCola
. DiCola stated in an interview with Music4Games
that he recorded two versions of the theme, one for use in-game and the other for the soundtrack album. This new version of the song was re-recorded in Los Angeles
, California
, USA.
The soundtrack also featured the first new music from Weezer
's 2008 Weezer (The Red Album), a remix of their new song "Automatic."
The European and Japanese releases of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue featured the song "SURV1V3" by Jonathan Underdown/Daiki Kasho as the opening theme song whereas the North American release featured the LA Riots remix of "Automatic" by Weezer.
, the game has a score of 80/100, based on 67 reviews. Hyper
s Eliot Fish commends the game for "looking and feeling fantastic". However, he criticises it for having "no damage model".
By April 30, 2008, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue had shipped 2.23 million worldwide according to Sony Computer Entertainment and Polyphony Digital, with 270,000 units in Japan, 550,000 in North America, 1.38 million in Europe, and 30,000 in Asia. As of August 2009, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has shipped 3.94 million copies worldwide, with 690,000 copies in Japan, 820,000 in North America, 2.33 million in Europe, and 100,000 in Southeast Asia.
As of December 2010, the games has sold 5.2 million copies making it the second highest selling PlayStation 3 title of all time being beaten by its successor Gran Turismo 5
.
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
exclusive title which was announced at the E3 2007. This short version title was a precursor and sampling of Gran Turismo 5
Gran Turismo 5
is the fifth edition of the Gran Turismo racing video game series. Developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, it was released for PlayStation 3 on November 24, 2010...
and replaced Gran Turismo HD Concept
Gran Turismo HD Concept
Gran Turismo HD Concept was the first installment of the Gran Turismo racing series to be released on the PlayStation 3. It was made available as a free download which was released on the PlayStation Store on December 24, 2006...
. The "Prologue" suffix is a self-reference to Gran Turismo 4 Prologue which was released one year before the full version of Gran Turismo 4
Gran Turismo 4
is a racing simulator for the Sony PlayStation 2 which was developed by Polyphony Digital. It was released on December 28, 2004 in Japan and Hong Kong , February 22, 2005 in North America , and March 9, 2005 in Europe , and has since been re-issued under Sony's 'Greatest Hits' line...
.
Since October 3, 2008, the game is now referred to as Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III which is the software's version 3.0 title. Since its release, the game has sold 5.09 million copies worldwide making it the second highest selling PlayStation 3 exclusive title of all time being beaten by its successor Gran Turismo 5
Gran Turismo 5
is the fifth edition of the Gran Turismo racing video game series. Developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, it was released for PlayStation 3 on November 24, 2010...
.
The game is a budget sale which was first released in Japan on December 13, 2007 (Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc is an optical disc storage medium designed to supersede the DVD format. The plastic disc is 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm thick, the same size as DVDs and CDs. Blu-ray Discs contain 25 GB per layer, with dual layer discs being the norm for feature-length video discs...
and PlayStation Store
PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable game consoles via the PlayStation Network. The Store offers a range of downloadable content both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games,...
) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series. It was followed by a Chinese translated version issued in South East Asia on February 1, 2008 through the PlayStation Store, then on Blu-ray Disc on February 15.
An upgraded version dubbed "spec II", also available as a patch for the original version, was released on the PlayStation Store on March 27, 2008 in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, then in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
on March 28. However, in Portugal the game was officially launched in stores as early as March 26, 2008 (and unofficially on March 21).
The "Spec II" version was released in North America on April 15, 2008 (Blu-ray Disc) and was released on April 17 (PlayStation Store). The Blu-ray Disc version added value with an exclusive GT-TV video feature called "Beyond the Apex".
The latest update entitled "Spec III" added new cars and further improvements to the gameplay. A separate disc was also released (only in Japan) to coincide with this update that included all updates including Spec III.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III features 16-player online races, over 70 cars (including tuned cars), 6 tracks, 12 layouts, a 60 frames per second frame rate
Frame rate
Frame rate is the frequency at which an imaging device produces unique consecutive images called frames. The term applies equally well to computer graphics, video cameras, film cameras, and motion capture systems...
(during races, replays are displayed at 30 frames per second) and LPCM
LPCM
Linear pulse-code modulation is a method of encoding audio information digitally. The term also refers collectively to formats using this method of encoding...
7.1ch high definition sound.
Gameplay
New to the Gran Turismo series is the ability to race with up to 16 cars at once. According to game developer Polyphony Digital, the NPCNon-player character
A non-player character , sometimes known as a non-person character or non-playable character, in a game is any fictional character not controlled by a player. In electronic games, this usually means a character controlled by the computer through artificial intelligence...
's AI
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as "the study and design of intelligent agents" where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its...
has also improved from previous Gran Turismo games.
Also new to the series is the realistic in-car view feature. It includes functioning speedometers and odometers, reflecting rear-view mirrors, wing mirrors and real time in-car lighting effects (cast shadows). Players driving with both the control pad or the steering wheel have the ability to look left and right in the cockpit of the car by using the D-pad
D-pad
A D-pad is a flat, usually thumb-operated directional control with one button on each point, found on nearly all modern video game console gamepads, game controllers, on the remote control units of some television and DVD players, and smart phones...
. This function can be mapped to other buttons on the controller if preferred. Any PlayStation 3 compatible steering wheel works with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. The engine also sounds different according to which view is selected among the available four. Back view is also specific with the in-car views with also the windshield.
Spec II update brings Drift Mode (similar to that of Gran Turismo HD Concept), car tuning adjustments, and head to head two-player racing offline.
Online
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is the first mass-produced Gran Turismo game to feature online multiplayer. Up to 16 players can play online at once in GT5 Prologue. Since Gran Turismo 5's development cycle is so long, GT5 Prologue's servers are no longer available after two years of being online and the gaming only serving as a prologue.ref> Gran Turismo 4Gran Turismo 4
is a racing simulator for the Sony PlayStation 2 which was developed by Polyphony Digital. It was released on December 28, 2004 in Japan and Hong Kong , February 22, 2005 in North America , and March 9, 2005 in Europe , and has since been re-issued under Sony's 'Greatest Hits' line...
for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
was intended to be an online game but this feature was pulled prior to the game's release to avoid further delays; a beta of GT4 online was even released. Gran Turismo HD Concept
Gran Turismo HD Concept
Gran Turismo HD Concept was the first installment of the Gran Turismo racing series to be released on the PlayStation 3. It was made available as a free download which was released on the PlayStation Store on December 24, 2006...
also featured an online feature but only on a Time Trial basis.
Interface
Gui
Gui or guee is a generic term to refer to grilled dishes in Korean cuisine. These most commonly have meat or fish as their primary ingredient, but may in some cases also comprise grilled vegetables or other vegetarian ingredients. The term derives from the verb, "gupda" in Korean, which literally...
's real time zoom-in function enabled.
In the Japanese version 'My Page' icons include;
- News: a regularly updated online log archiving game news such as newly added Online Event Races, VOD programs or technical information such as server maintenance schedule.
- GT-TV: a Video-on-demand service offering free of charge or payable HD content. Available videos are real-life car related videos such as new model tests, Auto showAuto showAn auto show, or motor show, is a public exhibition of current automobile models, debuts, concept cars, or out-of-production classics. It is commonly attended by automobile manufacturers. Most auto shows occur once or twice a year...
reports, car documentaries or special event videos. Game videos such as opening and ending movies are also available for download from the Blu-ray Disc to the console's HDD once unlocked. However, premium content was discontinued on December 29, 2009 to move focus on to the release of the full game. - Online: Online Events consist of either multiplayer races from 2 up to 16 players (some of which are world scale), or online Time Trial events. cEach event is limited in time, once finished, a ranking board shows the most successful players' scores. Top players' replay files are made available for download as ghost replays. Each week new events with their specific parameters (car class, tyre types, assistance level, etc.) are added to the list while older are closed.
- Ranking: an online ranking board for each course archiving the best record per track and car.
- Arcade: a single race mode allowing the player to choose a track to race onboard the currently selected car and to compete against 15 AI controlled cars. Credits are not earned in this mode.
- 2P Battle: an offline two-player splitscreen mode.
- Event: Event Races are championships, time trials and mission races against the AI in various classes. Once completed in Gold, Silver or Bronze level, new, harder classes are made available. Credits are earned by the player as he win the races in top positions. Three basic classes are available Class C, B and A. Once Class A is completed the game's ending movie is available for download in GT-TV and a bonus class called Class S is added.
- Garage: where the players' cars are viewed and raced also can be sold to earn credits.
- Dealerships: where the player can buy a new car using his Event Race earned credits. Various models from world famous automakers are available for purchase in the showroom. Some automakers have their own Event race consisting of a one make race for a specific model. Brand related News are regularly provided through online updates.
- Replay: saved or downloaded replays are available for watching.
- Option: various options settings for the game.
- Manual: the game's Playing Manual is displayed on-screen. The Manual is almost always updated with a software update.
- Save: allows to record the game when the autosave feature is disabled.
When the user's PlayStation Network account is signed off, online contents related icons are disabled (1, 2, 3 and 4). The Museum is activated from the My Page interface once the game is in rolling demo mode. This feature provides the players with automakers background and history.
Updates
Updates are available on game boot through online download and they are all free. Game contents such as new cars, game modes or GT-TV videos are added with each update. Some elements such as BGMs are regionally exclusive due to licensing issues. As Polyphony Digital are currently focused on Gran Turismo 5, they have stopped applying updates for GT5 Prologue.GT-TV
The Gran Turismo TV feature was introduced in the free playable demo version. The VOD service was activated on October 22, 2007 providing free SD trailers for three upcoming GT-TV programs, Super GTSuper GT
The Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
("Climax Digest"), D1 Grand Prix
D1 Grand Prix
The , abbreviated as D1GP and subtitled Professional Drift, is a production car drifting series from Japan. After several years of hosting amateur drifting contests, Option magazine & Tokyo Auto Salon founder Daijiro Inada, and drifting legend Keiichi Tsuchiya hosted a professional level drifting...
("Top of the Drifting World") and Best Motoring ("Best Motoring Trailer").
From October 22 to November 30 three GT-TV exclusive HD videos featuring game producer Kazunori Yamauchi premiered in the demo: "First Impression: Lancer Evolution X", "Tokyo Motor Show 2007" and "GT-R Legend Inside Story part I".
The demo was removed from the Japanese PlayStation Store on November 30 and its online functions ended on December 6, however all issued VOD videos were later re-released in the game's retail version through updates, except the SD trailers. "The GT-R Legend Inside Story" part 1 documentary was included in the Blu-ray Disc though. It was later completed by parts II & III, both released through GT-TV updates.
The first episode of the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
's Top Gear
Top Gear (current format)
Top Gear is a British television series about motor vehicles, primarily cars. It began in 1977 as a conventional motoring magazine show. Over time, and especially since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous style...
series 6 is available for free since March 31. In the meantime five videos released in December 2007 have been removed. On April 1, two promotion videos for Super GT ("Fascination for the Super GT") and D1 Grand Prix ("The Drifting World") were added. A first trailer for Video Option
Video Option
was introduced in March 1988 by Sunpro as a monthly direct-to-video magazine version of the long running Option magazine.The video has always being presented by Daijiro Inada, who do many of the tuner car road tests, either on a test track, on public road with Daijiro's adventures at Bonneville...
("What is the Video Option?") was also included announcing upcoming releases for this magazine.
On August 1, 2008, GT-TV was completely overhauled with a new interface, layout, and the launch of the PPV (pay-per-view) service. The "GT-R Legend Inside Story (all parts)", "'08 Nurburgring 24h Introduction" and "First Impression Lancer Evolution X" videos stayed free-of-charge. "Fascination for the Super GT", "The Drifting World", and "What is The Video Option?" videos were taken off of GT-TV. The new update added new PPV videos; 8 Top Gear videos, 1 Option video, 1 Super GT video, D1 Grand Prix video, 1 Gran Turismo video, 1 Best Motoring video. Also kept were the opening and ending movies, also staying are free-of-charge. All PPV videos were released at a reduced price at the launch of the service.
In an interview with IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
on July 17, 2008, when asked whether the GT-TV service could come to the PSP
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
, Yamauchi answered, "We definitely want to do that in the future." Suggesting that watching GT-TV on the move could become a reality in the future.
Cars
Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R is a sports car produced by Nissan released in Japan on December 6, 2007, the United States on July 4, 2008, and the rest of the world in March 2009.-History:...
returning from the free playable demo) from various Japanese, European and American manufacturers including Nissan, Ferrari
Ferrari
Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles as Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947...
and Ford.
Spec II update adds new manufacturers, more stock cars and introduces racing cars, tuners and "Tuned" cars. Total number of playable cars reaches 71.
The North American version of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue brought additional stock and tuned cars, increasing the game's car list to 76 credited cars.
While GT3
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is considered a critical and commercial success for Sony in Japan, Europe, and North America. The game is highly praised by game reviewers and players as one of the best racing games ever made. GT3 also received a Platinum Award from Electronic Gaming Monthly...
and GT4
Gran Turismo 4
is a racing simulator for the Sony PlayStation 2 which was developed by Polyphony Digital. It was released on December 28, 2004 in Japan and Hong Kong , February 22, 2005 in North America , and March 9, 2005 in Europe , and has since been re-issued under Sony's 'Greatest Hits' line...
did have Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
cars, GT5 Prologue was the first of the series to feature a fully licensed F1 car, the F2007
Ferrari F2007
The Ferrari F2007 is a Formula One motor racing car, with which Ferrari competed during the 2007 Formula One season, it being the fifty-third single-seater car which the team have built to use in Formula One...
.
Tracks
Kleine Scheidegg
The Kleine Scheidegg is a high mountain pass below and between the Eiger and Lauberhorn peaks in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. It connects Grindelwald with Lauterbrunnen. The name means "minor watershed", even though it is actually higher than the neighbouring Grosse Scheidegg...
and the Eiger
Eiger
The Eiger is a mountain in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. It is the easternmost peak of a ridge crest that extends across the Mönch to the Jungfrau at 4,158 m...
, the game developers created the track based on actual hiking trail.
Each track is available in two different layouts. London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, High Speed Ring and Eiger Nordwand
Eiger
The Eiger is a mountain in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. It is the easternmost peak of a ridge crest that extends across the Mönch to the Jungfrau at 4,158 m...
are available in the forward and reverse directions. The Fuji International Speedway is available in both "F1" and "GT" variation; the Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
has both the Oval and Road Course layouts; and the Suzuka Circuit
Suzuka Circuit
, Suzuka Circuit for short, is a motorsport race track located in Ino, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan and operated by Mobilityland Corporation, the subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd..-Introduction:...
has a shorter layout known as the East Course.
Each real-life circuit has an HD video "Course Guide" that documents the location with actual footage and commentary text.
Spec II update adds the Gran Turismo franchise's classic High Speed Ring fictitious circuit (available in both forward and reverse version) which brings the total number of tracks to six (twelve different layouts).
Input device support
The Gran Turismo 5 Prologue free playable demo was the first PlayStation 3 release supporting both DualShock 3 controller vibration and racing wheels force feedback feature. On February 20, 2008 Logitech announced a new Gran Turismo official wheel, the Driving Force GT will be launched in May to coincide with the game's western release. Previous official Gran Turismo wheels are supported, these include the Driving Force Pro, GT ForceGT Force
GT FORCE or Driving Force is the name of a line of Gran Turismo official steering wheels designed by Logitech in collaboration with Polyphony Digital...
, Driving Force
GT Force
GT FORCE or Driving Force is the name of a line of Gran Turismo official steering wheels designed by Logitech in collaboration with Polyphony Digital...
and Driving Force EX. Limited support for the Logitech G25 Racing Wheel is available; the wheel is not officially supported, but it is possible to re-map the button layout via the Driving Force Pro setup screen and the clutch can be enabled by pressing the triangle button at the start of each race, as soon as you have control of the car.
Support for the logitech G27 is also limited, for example, the paddle shifters do not work in game, although, in the controller configuration screen, the paddle shifters signals are detected (up and down).
Japanese PSN demo
A free demo (グランツーリスモ5 プロローグ 無料体験版) was made available for download between October 20, 2007 and November 30, 2007 in the Japanese PlayStation store with the Suzuka Circuit and seven playable cars. The demo unlocked cars as they were unveiled at the 40th Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo Motor Show
The is a biennial auto show held in October-November at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association , it is a recognized international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs...
. This demo replaced Gran Turismo HD Concept
Gran Turismo HD Concept
Gran Turismo HD Concept was the first installment of the Gran Turismo racing series to be released on the PlayStation 3. It was made available as a free download which was released on the PlayStation Store on December 24, 2006...
that was removed from the Japanese PlayStation Store on September 30, 2007.
The demo initially had four playable cars from various Japanese and European manufacturers. The remaining three cars (Mazda ATENZA Sport '07, Lexus IS-F
Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is a series of entry-level luxury cars / compact executive cars sold by Lexus since 1998. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model slotted below the ES in the Lexus lineup...
'07 and Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI, has the highest trim in the Subaru Impreza compact car line, produced by Japanese automaker Subaru.In the late 1980s, Subaru created the Subaru Tecnica International division to coordinate development for the FIA World Rally Championship and other motorsports activities...
'07) were unlocked as each one was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. The show also unveiled the release of the Nissan GT-R '07 (replacing the "GT-R Black Mask" with its defining panels concealed). The Black Mask was removed from the car section on October 23 to coincide with its official unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show and was subsequently made available the following day.
SEMA Show 2007 demo
The North American version of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue demo was unveiled at Sony's booth during the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
.
Compared with the Japanese demo this new version had American cars (Dodge Viper GTS '02 and Ford Mustang V8 Coupe Premium '07
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was initially based on the second generation North American Ford Falcon, a compact car. Introduced early on April 17, 1964, as a "1964½" model, the 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A...
) and tracks (Daytona International Speedway), these were included but not playable in the PSN demo.
An American tuner car, the Art Morrison Corvette '60
Chevrolet Corvette C1
The Chevrolet Corvette is the first generation of the sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced late in the 1953 model year and produced through 1962. It is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension didn't appear until the 1963...
SEMA version 2006, was added to the selectable vehicles. This vehicle was later added to the retail game with update "Spec II".
Downshift Session 2008
This was an event held in October by Polyphony Digital to celebrate ten years of Gran Turismo. The main attraction in the show was Gran Turismo 5 Prologue running at a resolution of 3840x2160. The game normally runs at 60 frame/s and at 1920x1080 resolution. The game needed four PlayStation 3 consoles to run and it was projected onto a 220 inches (5.6 m) screen using an expensive Sony projector. Each PS3 handled the rendering of one quarter of the screen. With one PS3 system, approximately 2.1 million pixels would be displayed, but with this special high resolution display, approximately 8.3 million pixels were displayed. A separate demo ran with the original resolution but at 240 frame/s.Release with 80GB PlayStation 3 in Japan
Documentary
Beyond the Apex is a 18-minute GT-TV documentary included in the Blu-rayBlu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc is an optical disc storage medium designed to supersede the DVD format. The plastic disc is 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm thick, the same size as DVDs and CDs. Blu-ray Discs contain 25 GB per layer, with dual layer discs being the norm for feature-length video discs...
version of the North American release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. This documentary was filmed and edited over four months by director Greg Harvey. It features behind-the-scenes footage of the development of the game along with an interview with series creator, Kazunori Yamauchi
Kazunori Yamauchi
is a Japanese game designer, professional racing driver, and most notably, CEO of Polyphony Digital and producer of the Gran Turismo series. He became the president of Polyphony Digital after designing his first game Motor Toon Grand Prix, a cartoon-inspired racing title similar to Mario Kart...
.
Official soundtrack
A Gran Turismo 5 Prologue soundtrack was released in Japan on February 20, 2008. The CD is published by Village Music and includes 18 tracks.The "Moon Over the Castle" theme song from the Gran Turismo series is featured, arranged and performed by Rocky IV
Rocky IV
Rocky IV is a 1985 American film written by, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the fourth and most financially successful entry in the Rocky franchise...
and The Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie is a 1986 animated feature film based on the animated series of the same name. It was released in North America on August 8, 1986 and in the UK on December 5, 1986....
composer, Vince DiCola
Vince DiCola
Vince DiCola is an Italian-American composer, keyboardist, and arranger best known for his work on the The Transformers: The Movie, Staying Alive and Rocky IV soundtracks...
. DiCola stated in an interview with Music4Games
Music4Games
Music4Games was a video game music information site originally launched in 1999. It focused on the video game soundtrack industry and claimed to target dedicated gamers, game music fans, audiophiles, students, composers, developers, publishers, producers, audio directors and music executives as a...
that he recorded two versions of the theme, one for use in-game and the other for the soundtrack album. This new version of the song was re-recorded in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, USA.
The soundtrack also featured the first new music from Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
's 2008 Weezer (The Red Album), a remix of their new song "Automatic."
The European and Japanese releases of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue featured the song "SURV1V3" by Jonathan Underdown/Daiki Kasho as the opening theme song whereas the North American release featured the LA Riots remix of "Automatic" by Weezer.
Reception
According to SCEE's ThreeSpeech blog, the game has reached the one million mark in pre-orders from PAL territories making it the first PlayStation 3 game to reach Platinum status before its release. On MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
, the game has a score of 80/100, based on 67 reviews. Hyper
Hyper (magazine)
Hyper is a multi-platform Australian video game magazine. Australia's longest running gaming magazine, it has been in publication since 1993, and was released the same month as the better known UK magazine Edge...
s Eliot Fish commends the game for "looking and feeling fantastic". However, he criticises it for having "no damage model".
By April 30, 2008, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue had shipped 2.23 million worldwide according to Sony Computer Entertainment and Polyphony Digital, with 270,000 units in Japan, 550,000 in North America, 1.38 million in Europe, and 30,000 in Asia. As of August 2009, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has shipped 3.94 million copies worldwide, with 690,000 copies in Japan, 820,000 in North America, 2.33 million in Europe, and 100,000 in Southeast Asia.
As of December 2010, the games has sold 5.2 million copies making it the second highest selling PlayStation 3 title of all time being beaten by its successor Gran Turismo 5
Gran Turismo 5
is the fifth edition of the Gran Turismo racing video game series. Developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, it was released for PlayStation 3 on November 24, 2010...
.