Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is a PlayStation 3 exclusive title which was announced at E3 2007. This short version title is a precursor and sampling of Polyphony Digital's planned Gran Turismo 5 and replaces Gran Turismo HD Concept. The "Prologue" suffix is a self-reference to Gran Turismo 4 Prologue, which was released one year before the full Gran Turismo 4. Since October 3rd, 2008, the game is now referred to as Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III, which is the game's version 3.0 title.
The game was first released in Japan on December 13th, 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 1st, 2008 through the PlayStation Store, then on Blu-ray on February 15th.
An upgraded version, dubbed "Spec II", also available as a patch for the original version, was released on the PlayStation Store on March 27th, 2008 in Australia, then in Europe on March 28th. However, in Portugal, the game was officially launched in stores as early as March 26th, 2008 (and unofficially on March 21st).
The "Spec II" version was released in North America on April 15th, 2008 (Blu-ray Disc) and was released on April 17th (PlayStation Store). The Blu-ray Disc version offers added value with an exclusive GT-TV video feature called "Beyond the Apex".
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec II features 16-player online races, over 70 cars (including tuned cars), 6 tracks, 12 layouts, 60fps (during races, replays are 30fps), Full HD 1080p, and LPCM 7.1ch high definition sound.
==Overview==
===Gameplay===
New to the series is the ability to race with up to 16 cars at once. According to Polyphony Digital, the AI has also been improved from the previous titles.
Also new to the series is the new interior view feature, that included functional speedometers and odometers, reflecting rearview mirrors, wing mirrors, and real time in-car lighting effects (casting shadows). Players driving with either the DualShock 3 or a steering wheel now have the ability to look left and right in the cockpit by using the D-pad. Any PlayStation 3 compatible steering wheel works with the game. The engine also sounds different according to which view is selected among the available four. Rearview is also specific with the in-car view.
The Spec II update brings Drift Mode (similar to HD Concept), car tuning adjustments, and head to head two-player racing.
===Interface===
The game has an interface called My Page. It acts as the player's personalized menu, with a calendar with upcoming race events marked on it, a world map with the player's play area is marked in red, weather read-outs for racetracks, motorsports related news, maps, and a clock. When the game starts up, the player is taken straight to the 'My Page' area and the currently selected car is displayed on screen. 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 is enabled.
The '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 such as new model tests, Auto show 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.
#Online: Online Events consist of either world scale multiplayer races (from 2 up to 16 players), or online Time Trial. Each 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. Each week new events with their specific parameters (car class, tire 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.
#2P Battle: an offline two-player split-screen 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. Almost each automaker has its 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 courses are available for watching.
#Option: various options settings for the game.
#Manual: the game's Playing Manual is displayed on-screen.
#Save: allows you to save the game if 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 through online download. 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.
====December 2007 (1.11)====
Although distribution of additional GT-TV contents (at first re-releases from the PSN demo then unreleased material) started on December 13th together with the activation of the online news service (My Page calendar included), the game was first updated on December 25th, 2007 when the Japanese version's online game modes were activated.Guide to “GT5 Prologue” update Update 1.01 was completed on December 27th with the release of a minor patch fixing matching the communication process in Online mode."アップデートのご案内（２）" Additional contents include; 
#Online mode
#Ranking mode
#Museum feature
#Options (updated)
#Manual (updated)
#8 GT-TV videos ("First Impression Lancer Evolution X", "Tokyo Motor Show 2007", "The GT-R Legend Inside Story" parts II & III, "Gran Turismo TV Digest", "Gran Turismo 10th Anniversary Christmas Movie" in Japanese, English & German)
====March 2008 (2.0 / spec II)====
The PAL version, released in March 2008, has been upgraded from the original version adding various features as well as providing new cars and a new circuit.GT5 Prologue - line-up now confirmed[GT5 Prologue - Complete Car List] Early versions of the game got the "Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec II" update through a patch download on March 28th. Additional contents include:
#1 circuit (High Speed Ring, available in Normal and Reverse layout)
#4 automakers (Aston Martin, Citroën, Jaguar, Mini)
#5 tuners (Amuse, Art Morrison, Blitz, Mine's, and Polyphony Digital as "Concept by Gran Turismo")
#22 stock cars
#12 Tuned cars, one of them being the Ferrari F2007.
#8 Event Races (2 per class)
#5 Dealer Events
#2P Battle (offline split-screen)
#Drift Trial (returning from Gran Turismo HD Concept)
#Driving Line 
#Quick Tune 
#Performance Point (PP) 
#Real time adjustments (4WD, Anti-lock Braking System, ASM, Brake balance, and TCS)
#Judgment Penalty (updated)
#Driving Options (updated)
#Options (updated)
#My Page interface (updated)
#Event interface (updated)
#Manual (updated)
#1 GT-TV video ("Top Gear" series 6 episode 1)
====April 2008 (2.10)====
The North American version that was released on April 15th is an updated "Spec II" version bringing bugfixes, some enhanced gameplay aspects and adding new BGMs. Additional contents include;
#Flag/Region feature (Online)
#Performance Point (PP) system (updated)
#Credits system (updated)
#Manual (updated)
#10 BGMs (including Weezer, The Mars Volta, and DJ Shadow)
#1 GT-TV video ("Beyond the Apex")
====August 2008 (2.20)====
On August 1st, 2008, the fourth update to the game was released. It was considered a major update, consisting of a brand new Gran Turismo TV layout and its official pay-per-view service, various bug fixes and fixes on penalty judgments during online and offline races. Portions of videos on GT-TV still stayed free of charge but some became pay-per-view, with new videos being added. The improvements in download speeds feature has not been implemented with the update because the required PlayStation 3 Software Update had not yet been released. The full list of additions and improvements is as follows:
#Improvements in download speeds for online updates and content.
#Start of pay-per-view service on Gran Turismo TV. (GT-TV)
#It's now possible to fast forward, rewind, pause, and skip chapters when viewing video content. (GT-TV)
#It's now possible to have 8 simultaneous background downloads running at the same time. (GT-TV)
#Individual downloads can now be paused and resumed. (GT-TV)
#Instant distribution feature of My Page backgrounds added.
#Improvements in penalty judgments. (Race)
#Improved physics in Online races. (Race)
#The tire selection in Arcade time trials changed from “S2” fixed, to “N1-S2” respectively. (Time Trial)
#It is now possible to display top lap times in all courses in a list. (Ranking)
#Improvements to the user interface. (Ranking)
#Improved control when using S1-S3, and R1-R3 tires. (Vehicle Physics)
#Changed calculation rules for performance points. (Vehicle Physics)
#Added 'Standard Definition (SD) Display' size in 'Display Settings'. (Options)
#Moved the 'Temperature' unit setting from 'Network' to 'Units'. (Options)
#Added Expansion Data settings and Advanced Download Option settings in 'Network'. (Options)
#6 BGM tracks added. (Sound)
#Added port 5658 to the ports used in Online races.
#Players raced in Online races are now added to the 'Friends' → 'Players Met' menu within the Playstation 3.
#The time and score from replays of time trials, drift trials, and distributed demo replays are now displayed after their replay.
#Manual updated.
====October 2008 (3.0 / Spec III)====
On October 3rd, 2008, Polyphony Digital released the fifth update to coincide with the GT by Citroën concept car unveiling at the Paris Motor Show. The contents of the update is as follows:
#In Time Trial events, speed penalties have been removed, and instead incurring such a penalty now invalidates the lap time for that particular lap.
#Race events have tweaked difficulty levels and increased earnings for winning a top spot.
#Improved responsiveness when using the wireless controller & added key assignments for controller 2 in device.
#Improved sound volume balance for sound effects and music.
#Drift Trial races now feature a rolling start.
#Corrected a problem where the steering controller moves while at a standstill.
#Manual updated
=====New cars For Spec III=====
This is the first update for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue to add new cars to the game. Three new cars were added (the GT by Citroën, the Ferrari California, and the Lotus Evora). They all have to be acquired by completing rank A, B, C and D.
The Platinum and Greatest Hits (with the redesigned PS3 logo) releases of the game comes with the Spec III update.
====Autumn 2008 (planned)====
On April 4 the series creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, declared "There are still a lot of things we have left un-done in GT5 Prologue, so by fall this year there will be another major update to the game".
Earlier on March 18, 2008, the North American version producer, Taku Imasaki, already announced planned updates involving online community features would be available after April 17: "Private races with buddies and in-game chat are all in the works… but will not be ready from day one. Will keep you posted on the progress!" This was later confirmed by Yamauchi himself: "The major things that we're planning for the update will be to add community building features such as communication between players."
During a press event in London on April 4, Martin Robinson from IGN has reported in an interview with Kazunori Yamauchi that vehicle deformation (damage modelling) will be added to Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec II through a future update. "Maybe by Fall [2008] we'll be able to implement it" Yamauchi mentioned.
The same day Yamauchi explained to CVG's Mike Jackson that "in terms of quality and features of the game, and in terms of functionality, GT5 Prologue will ultimately reach an equivalent level to GT5. I think the major difference between Prologue and GT5 will be the number of cars and courses that will be included within the game, in that there will be many more."
During an interview with IGN on July 17, 2008, when asked about the progress on the damage patch, Yamauchi answered, "Our plans haven't changed, and we're working on it. But this is Gran Turismo, so it might be a little bit late." This suggests that the update could miss its Autumn release date.
In October 2008, the 'Spec III' update was released for GT5 Prologue. This was a major update, thus adding further doubts to there being a new update released in the Autumn; seeing as two large updates are rarely released so close to each other.
===GT-TV===
The Gran Turismo TV feature was introduced in the free playable demo version. The VOD service was activated on October 22nd, 2007 providing free SD trailers for three upcoming GT-TV programs, Super GT ("Climax Digest"), D1 Grand Prix ("Top of the Drifting World") and Best Motoring ("Best Motoring Trailer").
From October 22nd to November 30th, three GT-TV exclusive HD videos featuring 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 30th, and its online functions ended on December 6th. 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 I" 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 BBC's Top Gear Series 6 is available for free since March 31st. In the meantime, five videos released in December 2007 have been removed. On April 1st, 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, staying 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. This may potentially be culminated with the existence of Gran Turismo's official YouTube channel, where certain GT-TV videos are reuploaded.
===Contents===
====Cars====
The Japanese release in December 2007 featured 37 stock cars (plus the uncredited GT-R "Black Mask" returning from the free playable demo). The Spec II update adds new manufacturers, more stock cars and introduces racing cars, tuners and "Tuned" cars, resulting in the total number of playable cars reaching 71. The North American version brought out additional stock and tuned cars, increasing the game's car list to 76 credited cars.
====Tracks====
Five circuits are included in the original game, with two fictitious tracks: High Speed Ring and Eiger Nordwand.
Each track is available in two different layouts. Both London and Eiger are available in the forward and reverse directions, the Fuji International Speedway is available in both its "F1" and "GT" variations, the Daytona International Speedway has a Road Course version, and the Suzuka Circuit has the East Course. Each real-life circuit has an HD "Course Guide" video that documents the location with actual footage and commentary text.
The Spec II update added the High Speed Ring circuit (available in both forward and reverse version) which brings the total number 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, including the Driving Force Pro, GT Force, 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.
==Playable demos==
=== 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 20th, 2007 and November 30th, 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 Show. This demo replaced Gran Turismo HD Concept that was removed from the Japanese PlayStation Store on September 30th, 2007
The demo initially had four playable cars. The remaining three cars (Mazda Atenza Sport 25Z '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.
===SEMA Show 2007 demo===
The North American version of the Gran Turismo 5 Prologue demo was unveiled at Sony's booth during the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Compared with the Japanese demo, this new version had American cars (the Dodge Viper GTS '02 and the Ford Mustang V8 GT Coupe Premium '07) and tracks (Daytona International Speedway), these were included but not playable in the PSN demo.
An American tuned car, the Art Morrison Corvette '60, was added to the selectable vehicles. This vehicle was later added with the 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 240fps and at a resolution of 3840x2160. The game normally runs at 60fps and at 1920x1080 resolution. The game needed four PlayStation 3 consoles to run and it was projected onto a 220-inch 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, around 8.3 million pixels were displayed.
==Release with the 80GB PlayStation 3 in Japan==
On October 9th, 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 Citroen car on the front instead of the Nissan GT-R. The bundle was released on October 30th, 2008.
==Documentary==
Beyond the Apex is an 18-minute GT-TV documentary included in the Blu-ray 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 Kazunori Yamauchi.
==Official soundtrack==
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue's soundtrack was released in Japan on February 20th, 2008. The CD is published by Village Music and includes 18 tracks.
"Moon Over The Castle" is featured, arranged and performed by Rocky IV and 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. The soundtrack also features the first new music from Weezer since 2005's Make Believe, a remix of their song "Automatic."
The European and Japanese releases of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue featured "SURV1V3" by Daiki Kasho, performed by Jonathan Underdown, 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.
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 June 2008, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has shipped 270,000 copies in Japan, 610,000 in North America, 1.45 million in Europe, and 40,000 in Southeast Asia.
==External Links==
thumb|center|461 px|Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (JAPAN) Video
* Gran Turismo® 5 Prologue at PlayStation.com
*Official Gran Turismo Prologue site for Japan
*Official Gran Turismo Prologue site for Asia
*Official Gran Turismo Prologue site for Europe & Oceania
*Official Gran Turismo Prologue site for North America
==Trivia==
*Two additional cars, the Nissan XANAVI NISMO Z (SUPER GT) '06 and the Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V • spec (R33) '97, were originally planned to be available in the game, as evidenced by some early in-game footage and menu assets depicting the two cars. However, both are absent in the final version.
*In the Spec II version of the game, the copyright screen when starting the game up originally contained a Logitech logo as well as copyright related text on the bottom (also appears in GTHD Concept); however in the Spec III version, it was removed for unknown reasons.
GT5P Copyright Screen (Spec II).jpg|The Copyright Text as it appears in GT5P in the Spec II version of the game.
GT5P Copyright Screen (Spec III).jpg|The Copyright Text as it appears in GT5P in the Spec III version of the game, note of the absent of the Logtech logo and the copyright related text.
**In the same version, three songs; "Naomee - Twieky 4", "Naomee - Vanish from Angel" and "Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Six Barrel Shotgun" was also removed from the race/replay music for unknown reasons.
==Notes==
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Category:PlayStation 3 games
Category:Gran Turismo 5 Prologue