The Gran Turismo series continues with Gran Turismo 5: Prologue, a release oozing with style and computer graphic splendor, but lacking in the captivating game-play department.
GT5 was taken for a spin on the Sony PS3, it’s lone platform for release. The game was played with the new Logitech Driving Force GT (a steering wheel and pedals) and Sony’s new DualShock3, which sadly does not deliver the best gaming experience.
GT5 launches to a smooth and jazzy piano riff, instead of a Linkin Park blast or some other loudness. This grown-man approach to gaming continues throughout, and no second-guesses about the fact that this video game title is not targeted toward the white-knuckled gaming teen.
While these are not one’s father’s Oldsmobiles, GT5 does seem like a father’s video game: It’s mature, refined, technical and almost on the brink of being a tad dull.
The graphics are gorgeous. The engines of the in-game cars growl and purr with precision. And the force feedback on the Logitech controller was impressive as well. But this is game is like a homage to the automobile - and not a nod to the pure fun that racing games can be.
Careening around the curves behind the wheel of a 2004 Honda Integra in an early “Class C” race showed that the car didn’t lean or sway enough. It was as if the game physics did not give it enough heft. Perhaps this was the most accurate representation of the real Integra, but it just didn’t feel game-like. There was something antiseptic about it.
Gamers need to finish in the top three to snag a trophy in each Class C race in order to move on to Class B, and later Class A. Each ensuing class demands better cars, which are purchased using credits earned through high race finishes.
The vehicle showed no damage even when plowed into walls and other cars. Also absent was the usual fun enticing bumper-to-bumper clanging and the gnashing of metal. The user car was spun out frequently by AI opponents tapping from behind, but it was a benign experience at best.
Those seeking a bit more adrenaline on the track, can go online hunting for real opponents.
Using single player winnings, users can purchase new cars like a spunky little 2006 Ford Focus or a 2000 Clio Renault Sport. The “Online” option houses several other race options. Once connected to the server, other drivers online pop up and the user can head for the starting lineup.
Online races improve the gaming experience of GT5 tremendously. That is because; human players make more mistakes than the game’s AI drivers. While racing in online mode the game put forth a few glitches in some races. The opponents’ cars appeared to jump and blink around a section of track, fading in and out and burning rubber. The reason for so could have to do with a poor host connection or a software bug, but it only happened once.
The online races are undoubtedly the most fun element in the game. There’s also a feature called Gran Turismo TV, an in-game online channel that delivers video content to the PS3 via download. There is also a feature on the making of GT5 and the history of the Gran Turismo series. Another video features a look at the new Lancer X automobile.
Most of these added elements have little practical use and their value as in-game content is pretty low. It’s nice that the game has these added features, but that does nothing to the entertainment quotient.
The Gran Turismo games are under the direction of Kazunori Yamauchi, who is featured prominently in those videos. He’s meticulous and unsmiling about the making of the game. He’s seriously into cars, so much so that he may have overlooked a crucial fact: he’s not making cars, he’s making a game and games are supposed to be fun.
This game is an accurate accomplishment and a detailed driving simulator, but the good times hardly ever break out. Big thumbs, however, up for the Logitech Driving Force GT and the DualShock3 controllers, for injecting a little life into the experience.
-AP