Gran Turismo 5:Prologue Review

The Gran Turismo series is without question one of the best game franchises out there. They have always had a passion for realism and fun, and they took it to a whole new level in Gran Turismo 5: Prologue. However, the game does feel a little weak… but not too much.

 

Now, although the game is very good, it seems to lack in sheer content. There are only 6 tracks to choose from (although each is beautifully rendered) and only roughly 40 cars. Not to mention the lack of some major car companies, like Lamborghini. Why is this? Well, this whole game is actually a demo of sorts–hence the prologue. The full Gran Turismo 5 game is scheduled for release sometime in March 2010, with realistic damage and over 950 cars and 20 tracks, among other tasty tidbits like NASCAR and WRC racing. But unfortunately, I’m not here to review Gran Turismo 5– I’m here to review Gran Turismo 5: Prologue. So, without any further ado, let’s play!

Now, although the game features a disappointing 4o or so cars, each one is fully enjoyable. The cockpits are rendered very realistically and each car has its own unique feel and sound. Collecting each car is truly wonderful and it actually feels like you are driving. Even details like the navigation screens and the heads-up display (à la Corvette Z06) are included in the cockpits.

Now, GT5 does lack a car upgrade feature like many of its competitors, but I don’t feel like that’s necessary. The cars are so realistic that you get that feeling of speed even if you are going only 100mph. In other car games you can put 1000hp on a Ford Focus and go well over 250, but you still don’t really feel the speed. But with this game the speed comes through very nicely even in a 95hp Suzuki Cappuccino, and I like it.

However, I was sort of lying when I said that there was no upgrade feature. It turns out that when you beat the game (get third or better in every event) you get the ability to customize features on your car without spending money, which in turn increases your performance points. In some events in the S class races (another thing you unlock) you need to keep your car within a certain amount of performance points to participate in the race.

 Overall, I think that Gran Turismo 5: Prologue is a very realistic and solid racing game, and that there is a lot of detail in things like cockpits. However, just due to the fact that there is so little content in the game–I’m giving it a 3.5 out of 5.

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