Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

"Forty dollars for this game is a steal"

Sure, people say that it's nothing but a demo, a preview, or even a gimped game. But GT5 Prologue proves to be more than that. It constantly leaves us fulfilled yet even anxious for the utter perfection that will be out next year. Yes, I'm talking about Gran Turismo 5. And to do this, it gives us a taste of what it is, and what a good taste it is.

Graphics (10/10)

Have you ever seen a better looking racing game on a console? The graphics are absolutely incredible from environments, to the framerate, to the meticulous detail of the cars themselves. The environments are absolutely beautiful. Sometimes, you may find yourself driving just to look at the environments themselves. London looks especially impressive, with the graphics being incredibly crisp and detailed, you'll find yourself losing races just to observe all of the detail in London.

The framerate runs at an incredible 60 frames per second, but there is one flaw. There is a bit of screen tearing, but it's usually as small as one line per race - hardly noticeable. Overall, with 16 players, beautiful environments, as well as the meticulous detail of the interiors and exteriors of the car, it makes you wonder how these developers were able to pull it off.

The interiors are another thing - Absolutely incredible. Pressing select a few times will pull you to the in dashboard view. Although not the best way to drive, as it limits vision a bit, it is incredibly exhilarating to look at. However, it does have its flaws - and this includes the shadows. The self shadowing that everyone seems to be using this gen makes the shadows look blocky at certain angles. Nothing too big, and nothing that will detract this game from the experience you'll get.

Gameplay: (9/10)

This is wear it excels. Cars all feel different and handle differently, and this is where Polyphony Digital has nailed it down. You'll find yourself wanting to buy every car just to see how they feel, whether they are great, mediocre, or crappy. To buy cars, you can go to an event and when you win races, you'll get credits. With enough credits, you can shop and build your garage to have the most beautiful and slick ever made.

The AI here has completely had an overhaul as well. Past complaints were about the AI driving perfectly in a set path, but now, they are more dynamic and react to the spot that you're in. They'll try to pass you and find strategic ways doing so.

Online play has finally been implemented here and it's quite well. Matches are quick to find and there is minimal, if any lag. However, there are a few flaws: There is a tendency for other cars to become "ghost" images where other players can get through them whenever there is a sudden jerk in a movement. Also, the online is pretty basic: You can't call a friend in or have voice chat. However, these features will be implemented in an update from what we've been promised.

And also, I highly suggest that you purchase a racing wheel to get the best experience possible.

Sound: (9/10)

The sound is great as well, thanks to the fantastic selection of music and sound effects. The car engine sounds fantastic as ever, especially true when you're speeding up to 150 miles per hour on the Daytona track. A great selection of music as well, giving you the upbeat rhythms while racing, along with the calm, yet elegant piano notes during the wonderful presentation screen.

Buy or Don't Buy:

For GT Fans, this is a must, the game has more content than most other racers out there today, and is only starting at 40 dollars. For GT fans like myself, that's a steal. There is plenty of replayability here, everything from buying all of the cars to build a collection, as well as racing online for the first time in the GT series. Also, you'll get a head start on the game as the files will transfer over to the full game. However, the full game will be coming next year, and if you can wait that long, more power to you.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/18/08

Game Release: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (US, 04/17/08)