SCI FI PI

Finally, the PS3 gets to show its chops with the Gran Turismo platform. The clamouring of GT fans has been so loud that the game is actually being released in 'prologue' form, a 'bare bones' form of the full game which will be released in a year's time. If you've never played a GT game, then you'd be forgiven for not knowing that it's generally considered the premiere driving game available on consoles, with an emphasis on the driving 'feel' of each specific car and gorgeous graphics. So what do you get in GT 5 Prologue? Let's have a quick squizz.





First off, don't let the 'prologue' get you down. You can choose from 71 cars, all in high def, all can be tuned with tyres, power and suspension. The big step up for the first GT on the PS3 is the online factor - you can now race against up to 16 other rev heads.





When you start driving around on the tracks (seven of them at this stage) the first thing that strikes you is how good they look. London's streets have been replicated exactly, right down to the restaurants lining the road, and the sun sparkles across your paint job as you take the corner in the Swiss Alps. Driving is very much a simulation, with little forgiveness for point and turn gaming driving. You do need to learn how to drive properly to avoid spinning off like a retard.





The AI has allegedly been pumped up, making your racing experience more realistic when it's just you and the drive-bots at home. You can also get access to Gran Turismo TV, online programming that includes stuff from Top Gear.





The only set back for GT5 Prologue is that despite the hard core driving physics, there's no damage modelling. If you go off the track and onto the grass, you don't churn up the high-def daisies. You don't crack your windscreen and you don't ding your door. Which is somewhat surprising given the detail in the rest of the game. That said, racing formats (you don't just join up to 'same car' leagues but similar class leagues) are varied and interesting, and there is that addictive 'just one more' factor that will hook you. The only other thing to consider is that the full GT 5 will be coming out in a year or so, with over 300 cars and 30 tracks. For GT fans, Prologue is a must have now must have. For gaming drivers, also yes. If you've also got a new high def 1080p TV (like say, a Sony 46 inch XBR LCD), then it's a hell yess must have!