24.11.2010

Gran Turismo has always been something of a luxury. Whilst there are plenty of other driving games available across all video game formats, there is a common misconception about which is the more real, which 'feels' better, which looks better, and thus I feel many games are wrongly criticised when, in fact, the player has misjudged the style of product. This has been all too common with Gran Turismo, and the split in the audience between those who see it as the pinnacle of the driving experience, and those who can't stand the A.I is particularly annoying if you want to get a clear outline of the game.This series is first and foremost a simulation; that being its re-creating the driving experiencein an engaging manner - for one who appreciates the beauty of these machines.As soon as you receive your Collectors Edition of GT5, you'll understand why this took years to make. The whole package is dabbled with stylistic touches, but non more prevalent than in the 'Apex' booklet that comes in this product. What you'll receive is;- Gran Turismo 5 (Standard game, 1 x Disc, in its normal case. Features manual and voucher for free goodies)- 'Apex' Magazine/Booklet- 5 art-cards/postcards of different cars within the game- Free Goodies (5 x Chrome-line Vehicles, as shown on the Amazon product page, plus s PS3 Dynamic Theme)- Posh slipcover to house all these.So lets break down each element.If you buy the Standard version Gran Turismo, then all you will receive is the game in its normal Blu-Ray case, as listed above. It contains a single disc, a slim manual, and depending where you bought the game from may include a voucher. Some stores have had offers on for free cars should you purchase from them, but you will have been told about this prior to purchase.In this Collectors Edition, you will receive 5 free 'Chrome Line' cars than can be obtained through entering the voucher inside the game case, as well as a PS3 Dynamic Theme. Again, rather than describing each car, they are shown and listed on the product page. After using the voucher, they immediately go into your 'Garage'. Excellent! Of course, if you're only just starting the game then you can happily use them in the Sunday Cup before purchasing your first car.Managing your Garage is straight forward and has a vast array of options, from being able to Demo the car, to giving them as presents to you PSN friends. In no time at all, your Garage will be filled Standard cars. This is the beauty of Gran Turismo; you'll find yourself swimming through cars as the game invites you to learn from each.Consider for a moment that the free 5 cars are part of a tier system with GT5; 'Premium' and 'Standard'. Because they are part of the Premium tier, this means that, graphically, they are without a doubt photo realistic and have had no expense spared in production. However, somewhat disappointingly the other 70% of cars in this game, the Standard tier, aren't much better graphically than GT3 for the PS2. If its any consolation, gaining a Premium car is all the more special!Also, Premium cars are more often than not new models or 'classics', which are bought either brand new or, rarely, Used Dealership. Standard cars can be classed as 'everything else', which is the Marmite and Beet-root.The highlight of this Collectors Edition however is the 'Apex' Magazine. Well, despite being named a magazine, it's actually an astonishingly detailed booklet that contains over 230 pages. As a recipe, this 'booklet' is a mixture of a Haynes car manual, a Prima video game guide and the cool modernity of Apple products. It is an immersive treat that covers every aspect of driving, car transmission and efficient driving. To call it a 'game guide' however is difficult, for this booklet takes the guise (or narrative) of being a real 'magazine', as if the Gran Turismo world was real. Therefore, it never mentions anything to do with your PS3 console, disc or products - purely the Gran Turismo world.As far as art-cards go, I consider them fairly expendable. You often get these things free with special offers at stores and such, so I certainly wouldn't consider them to be a 'pulling factor'. Nice to maybe dot around your bedroom, but definitely just a cheap freebie to throw in.One of the first differences you'll note with GT5 is the option to install game data on your Hard Drive - that being between 6 and 8GB. Its a reminder of the amount of work that has gone into this project, and for the 50 minutes that it takes to install, you'll have a good chance to flick through 'Apex'. You don't have to install game data, but doing so supposedly speeds up loading processes. Despite this installation, you're still prone to many 'Installing' logo's upon flicking through the menu features, and these are apparently done 'on the fly'. After a few weeks, these Installation messages will disappear.The interface of GT5 is consolidated and neat. Upon entering GT mode, you are presented with a dashboard of many, many options and modes that makes this 'the' best driving experience on the market. Everything has been considered - from the Welcome Message that online players see as they enter your dashboard, to idea of receiving Tickets upon completing certain objectives, to which you can access different modes and attributes either permanently or temporarily. For example, if you get a particular time whilst gaining a license, you may earn your first Go-Kart. Think of it as an inventory.Management is another feature that has been vastly improved, and the overview of your vehicles is split between Favorites, Standard and Premium cars with plenty more to customise. Thanks to the current tech of the PS3, the option menu allows you to further refine your experience - from custom soundtracks, to the dynamic range of the music that is played back.Seriously... The dynamic range! Most home Television's don't regard this as being important.But there are simply too many features to list. Some of the further standout features include Photo Management (inc. Appeture and Shutter Speed!), over 20 car attributes to customize, Special Events... Its endless.GT5 is also one of the few PS3 games to operate in full 1080p, since the majority are 740p. The difference is of course only visible depending on your TV size (for example, anything under 32" and it'll be neigh-on impossible to tell), but if ever there was a game to benefit, this is it. The graphics are staggering, beautiful even. Perhaps even more impressive than the vehicles are the environments, which mimic with lifelike detail famous landmarks and organic settings. It's a joy to look at, thankfully, the playback is smooth - though you do have graphical options to switch between performance and detail.Handling is typically Gran Turismoesque - it's a learning curve when you haven't played in a long time since you have to discipline yourself to read the speed dial rather than judging speed on your surroundings. This partly why the License mode is present - not just bottleneck your progress, but to also help improve your driving. If you can master turning tight corners with a second-hand Lexus (as was one of my car options upon first playing), you'll no doubt enjoy the thrill of being inside a Mercedes 300SL, with its gorgeous red interior and engine noise.This idea of ambient noise is another matter, and again, a vast improvement. Heck, the cars actually sound lifelike and aren't just built from generic sounds anymore! What a joy it is to simply cruise around on the Top Gear track with your favorite car - the one you dreamed of as a child. To then have the full blown breakdown of how you can tune that car, service it, review it and stock it for another day is unrivalled.There are very few criticisms with this game. Despite trying my best to conjure up a finger-wag, the only niggles are that the shadows, more often than not, aren't particularly smooth on the cars surface, and that the game lacks the wonderful 'walk in' Showroom that was present in GT3.What makes Gran Turismo an idealistic-game is that it doesn't once attempt to be anything other. You are buying this for the joy of driving; the package as whole immersing you into this world where you begin with a poor second hand car, and have the opportunities to enter a maze of game modes and options, all within this single interface. Whereas other products are dedicated to perfecting F1 racing, Rally, Touring or more, GT5 combines all these elements into one, so you have the option of dipping into any you're interested in. Gran Turismo doesn't feature the pressure of other racing games, because it is not a highly competitive outing where the A.I will constantly outsmart. Rather, Gran Turismo allows you to enjoy driving and to absorb the possibilities of having complete control over almost 1000 vehicles and your own career.With regards to the 3 editions of Gran Turismo that have been made available - Standard (Disc only), Collectors (This product) and Signature (Open-wallet surgery) - I am arguing that this Collectors Edition is simply the ideal product for any serious Gran Turismo fan. For the extra twenty five squid, we have a product that *just about* equals good value, but regardless, the extra content (5 free vehicles and the Apex booklet) is surely worth it.If you are new to the Gran Turismo series then I can only recommend the Standard Edition, since the booklet is very much for blokes like myself who, after a long day, enjoy staring at shock-absorbers with arrows and numbers.If you are a Gran Turismo fanatic, then I shouldn't need to tell you to buy the Signature Edition because, no doubt, you shall already be drooling over the leather wallet, model car and... Oh, don't get me started!Tom Cat

27.11.2010

Don't get me wrong this is a brilliant game, it just always gives the impression it could have been outstanding. Maybe it's been due to the hype and the wait for what has become the Chinese Democracy of the games world (and before anyone starts, I quite like that album too!).One of main focuses of the GT series has been the graphics and here it's no different. At times, especially with premium cars, it looks as though you're watching tv. The bonus 'chrome line' cars with the special edition are stunning, both inside and out, yet switch to the regular cars, and it really hurts me to say this about GT, things get a bit ugly.There can be some really blocky shadows and a painful loss of detail - many don't have internal views and your stuck with that stupid roof-cam.The tracks also suffer, those youtube trailers may have looked fantastic, but in reality, buildings are like painted boxes, trees are cardboard cutouts and textures are flat. Up against the likes of NFS and Dirt, GT5 feels like agame that should have made it's release date 3 years ago.But graphics aren't everything and thankfully GT5 makes up for this with gameplay. Always criticised for it's robotic AI, it's slightly improved here. Cars still follow the racing line, but do show a more human side by jostling for position, overtaking and making mistakes. However GT has always been about driving rather than racing and this is where the game excells. The 'stuck to the track' feel of Prologue is gone, cars now need to be handled with care. FR cars give the impression that the back end could slide away anytime, even 4wd cars like the Quattro are much more feisty. Every car seems to have it's own 'personality' and that's what makes the game, every new car you buy is a potential challenge - you may save up for ages to buy and tune a 600bhp monster, but can you keep it on the track??Speaking of tuning, the are now loads more parts to add to you dream machine - from engine turbos to even replacing windows. the amount of content in this game is staggering. With over 1000 cars to play with, there are many years worth of game to get through here.Of the new features, i love the RPG levelling up system where each brings you more XP and allows you access more powerful cars and bigger races. You can still take the license tests but these just add to your XP rather than allowing access to the top racing tiers as in previous games. Special events also open up every few levels and these rage from karting, Nascar and rallying to Top Gear challenges (Samba Bus racing, why has no-one else thought of that!)You can also make your own tracks, in a fashion. A fairly easy to use editor lets you choose course setting, time of day, weather (yes GT has weather on many tracks now!) you can then edit track width and corner severity, it's pretty basic but fun tool (it's certainly no Modnation Racers) and will probbaly be a big hit with the online community as tracks can be shared.I haven't tried the B-spec mode, which is a racing manager simulator. If you watch F1 and see all those engineers staring at monitors in the pit lane and think it looks fun then this mode will be for you. It may be a hoot but it doesnt really appeal to me.This game is really worth the money and I will probably still be playing it in about 5 years time (or however long it takes GT6 to arrive). It just slightly disappoints in some areas. Many magazine reviews have given 8/10 scores and that sounds fair. Old GT fans (like me!) will love it, anyone expecting Grid or NFS just won't get the Pokemon 'gotta collect em all' gameplay, but thats their loss!**In the few months the game has been out there have now been 7 updates (Codemasters take note and fix F1 2010), these have added everything from tweaks to the course editor, moves to stamp out cheating online and best of all the seasonal events.Seasonal events are races that are accessed online (but racing against the AI) for a big bucks (some races have paid upto 1m credits for winning) and huge chunks of xp. They are updated roughly every 2 weeks and ask you to use a specific car, starting from 12th place, try and win the race.Not only is this a great way of building your garage with cars that you probably wouldnt otherwise buy (207's, Golf's) but it also lets you race on some of GT5's criminally under-used tracks, as well some randomly generated from the course editor. It provides some pretty fun races and is a real change from racing super cars all the time.Polyphony got some stick on GT5's release, but well done to them for the continual improvements and keeping the game fresh. Now they just need to add some more tracks (Spa please! and Midway, and Seattle) and this could end up being a 5 out of 5 game!**

22.12.2010

I don't usually give a review for a game until i have at least completed the story mode of that game. As GT5 is a racing game without an obvious end point to it, i feel i can give you my impressions, at least, after a few weeks ownership.I chose the collector's edition mostly for the Apex book - which is a very nice but small book. Me being a somewhat beginner player with a Logitech G25 steering wheel, i have found the book most useful as it explains the dynamics and differences between the types of cars. The collector's edition include some 'Chrome Line' cars which you activate with a code while signed into your PSN ID. These cars are very useful early on in the game although they do sometimes make races too easy.Now,onto the actual game itself: The game itself plays much like an RPG in which you level up as you progress - the higher level you are, the more cars, events and races are unlocked for you. It's a nice mechanism in the game because everytime you boot up the game, you feel you've achieved something and that there's going to be more things for you to do when you come back in again. It also makes it easy to lose track of time! The worst part of the game is the B-Spec mode in which you instruct your own team of drivers to compete in races. This is the worst part of the game because you're not driving yourself! but also it may be necessary to do this to gain money in order to progress in your own driving career. This makes it feel like a total 'timesink', or a 'grind'.Having played the game a few weeks now, i have to say, get a steering wheel! It completely changes how the game plays. The support for steering wheel is excellent, i can use the clutch, H-shift gear stick, or sequential or paddle-shifts on the G25. Annoyingly though, the game recieves updates often which can turn you off when you just want to boot up the game and start driving - however, with this latest update (as of 22/12/10) they've added 'Seasonal events' and 'Online Collector's Dealership'. Not only are these updates adding more to an already large game but are addressing other minor issues and bugs - which is extremely nice support! What i'n trying to say is, this game isn't just what it is at release date, it's continually getting larger if you even manage to do everything in the entire game!I need to finish up now, but what i've mentioned thus far is only scratching at what the game offers. There are still things like, Photo Mode (taking pictures), Kart Racing, Rallying, City Driving, car tuning, online modes, a growing and friendly (!) community, Car Museum, tracks and roads like the Nurburgring and even the Top Gear Test track. If you have even the slightest interest in cars in general, there's much fun to be had other than the 'GT Life': Racing career. Moreover, i've yet to mention the joy of drifting! With so much packed into the game, it's worth the cost of the game in my opinion. Just get the game and a steering wheel, doesn't matter which edition, the game itself is very good value. Before i go, i'd like to mention how many other people want to play with the steering wheel too, seems like driving is a universally liked activity. Seeing my young sister shifting manual gears in the game, i'd like to think that i've somehow given a few free driving lessons without the risk!

5.1.2011

One thing I have to say is that I've just played Forza Motorsport 3 once, so I can't truly compare both games.First of all, you need to know that GT5 is like a good book, you will get totally into it during the chapters, not just at the first page. Is like comparing Ken Follet with Dan Brown.This version of the game includes six premium cars which actually are incredible useful in order to advance throughout the game, for just some extra cash I really find it worthy. And if you like some car-related lecture, the apex magazine is perfect, mostly when you get in the game and try to know the most litte bits of any circuit.I'm litte before the middle of the game, done all the A-Spec races in Beginner,Amateur and Professional, all Karts and some B-Specs, 60+ cars in my garaje. I said this so you can have an idea how much I've been playing this game.What I honestly admit is that when the game arrived, before any patch the game felt like "uncomplete" something that made me think I won't play this game so much. But then the 600+ MB patch came in and completely turned things for me. The capability to do some races and win more than 100k credits was a really good and smart move from Yamauchi, without it I'd have needed pretty much more time to get through the game.People can say that the 800+ standard cars feels quite poorly treated, but if you use any of the cockpit view from the other 200 premium ones you will know perfectly where they have put the efforts, having the inner cameras inside the cars and looking the back seats of them is something really amazing.But where the game totally gets you in is the ability to make you *feel* the speed, and I have to say that I use the regular sixaxis dualshock 3 controller. Try to race the mini cooper online event and you will know what I'm talking about. The physics and sound effects are so impressive that you actually feel the G-forces when taking a high-speed curve. That is what Yamauchi wants you to feel, and that is what I expected to get when I bought the game at first.For someone who lives in Madrid, taking the main Madrid's avenue with a Ford GT '06 was really a gift. Of course if you stop the car or use the camera to "walk around" the circuit you will notice some low-res textures, but this is not google-maps, this is a game where you will be around 200 km/h all the time so if that is a cons, do tell me why.I haven't tried all the features, but the Karts races are really funny, you feel (again the word) the speed and the oversteers in such a way that in the last race I was really filled with adrenaline in my veins while playing it.Finally, what I'm trying to say is that you need to know what to expect before buying this game, which gives you exactly what Yamauchi wants: passion for cars and realism of driving. If you enjoy lacking the sound of the wind while in recoil, listening the squeezing of tires on the road, or spend hours trying to make the perfect timing in your favourite sport car, or why not, a regular 195CV Honda Civic... this is your game.

9.1.2011

GT5 is the latest in the franchise and is also the best and most complete to date.The driving part of the game cannot be faulted in any way. It's simply astonishing.A lot of the criticism of the game has to do with the 80% or so, of the (standard) cars that have not been rendered in the high definition models the premium cars enjoy. Though it's true that these standard cars are not up to spec, visually wise - once the racing starts, I don't think you have time to worry about that. Admittedly the biggest omission, is that you have no in-car view with these cars, but not many people use this that I know off.Personally I'm happy for this cars to exist in the game as is,

30.5.2011

Not much to say about this, you should all know by now what's on the disc, cars and race tracks, the game works well, looks awesome on a big screen in HD.If you have been thinking about getting this, but for some reason didnt bother, then you did yourself a favour in the beginning, but now its all been patched etc, its a must have.Im sure you will have heard some negative things about this game, but what game doesnt have negatives about it thesedays?, the game drives as you'd expect from Polyphony Digital, top class racing game, and it would be game of the year in the racing dept if Microsoft havent already did a back room deal to buy that title for Forza 3 or 4.....................EDIT:Now the 17th November 2011,

5.12.2010

Gran Turismo is, and always will be, the real driving simulator.GT5 is no different from the others in terms of the product that you receive. Plenty of races adorn the game, over 1000 cars available to buy from the Daihatsu Copen To the Bugatti Veyron. Almost every car at this current moment in time is catered for in the game. Every car behaves exactly as it should in terms of acceleration, braking, cornering etc. OK, the game may be missing a few track (Silverstone anybody?), but it has a lot of returning favourites. For example, the Nurburgring, Tokyo R246, Autumn Ring. But it also has a few new tracks like the Cape Ring. New features such as the Top Gear Test Track,

29.12.2010

The apex manual book is worth the money alone, So detailed it makes your nose bleed! That said I wouldn't pay more than £60 for it. I paid £50. (people are taking the p***) The game itself is a grower you need to spend the time on it to unlock courses,cars,damage..etc etc the one star reviews have come from kids expecting everything straight away and getting annoyed because its too hard for them because it's a real driving SIM and not a kiddie racer like Grid or Need for Speed. Once you have thrashed a engine round the 12 miles of German countryside inside this game you will then know that for 'feel of a car' nothing can touch this game. Theres a few pesky niggles with menus and music options and bits but updates are/will sort theses issues.

2.12.2010

Gran Turismo 5 takes the franchise forwards with the improved car physics and the inclusion of dynamic weather and day night transitions! I could talk for hours about how amazing it looks or how the vehicle sounds are much improved but in the end, it's best to play it and see for yourself. However, I highly recommend an HDTV, a GT driving Force steering wheel (or similar) and a surround sound system to get the most out of the game. Obviously if you have a large 3D HDTV, even better as the 3D effect looks great from the in-car views or when visit the new car dealerships or even when watching replays.The License tests may seem silly or boring to a few but I enjoyed them immensely and they actually help you improve your driving skills in preparation for what lies ahead in the game.

18.1.2011

The good:- Accessible yet realistic physics (invest in at least a DFGT wheel, it'll transform your experience of the game)- Mostly stunning graphics, especially the astonishingly detailed premium models- Myriad ways to lose whole days of your life (licences, special events, the usual race events, online)- Photomode, which gives you DSLR-like controls to take stunning shots from replays and special locations- The ability to create your own tracks- Interesting community features; share/swap cars, message boards- 1000 cars!The bad:- Some of the new content falls slightly short of expectations. The course maker is initially great,

29.11.2010

Great game!Package notes: for the people who want to buy this and they don't have a PS Store in their countries, please note that you won't be able to get the following bonuses:* 5 x Collector's Edition 'ChromeLine' car pack* Exclusive Polyphony designed dynamic themeThose are available ONLY from PS Store.===========Later Edit:I found a "non-orthodox way" of getting the bonuses. I think it breaks the EULA, but... it's a way of getting your cars:- create a new user on PS3;- login with that user and create an UK account (UK area codes can be found easily on the Internet);- go to PS Store and input your code, and download the content;- login with your country's account (non-PS Store);- Run GT5 - Before seeing the game menu,

18.1.2011

After a long wait GT5 is here.Opened the box inserted the disc and another wait 50mins to load. Standard PD opening sequence and familiar interface starting to feel like an updated GT4.Go for a quick drive in arcade mode to check out graphics and physics looks and feels crisp and clean.Impressed with the weather change (much needed).Go to GT mode and a familiar feel again more licencing and tiered racing again.Additions of karts and Nascar are a nice touch.Detailed cars are beautiful to look at and damage is limited.Online is improved up to 16 players can be a lot of fun if you can find a room without the idiots!!!!Overall verdict is beautiful and polished but not worth 5 years and no WOW

7.1.2013

First of all, the game. It is the business. The graphics are beautiful, and the game play is excellent, even on the little PS3 controller. A wheel is much-advised!The extra stuff is a fantastic bonus. The art is great, and the 200 page driving guide is a great way to introduce novice drivers into an immersive game such as this. A must buy!

1.12.2010

After having already written a review about the game, this one will be about the edition. It is simply brilliant! The extra cars are a great thing to have and the Apex magazine is very good if you have time to read it. Definitely a must have for all GT fans! If you're thinking of buying the game buy this edition!

3.10.2012

I bought this product for my brothers Birthday last year and having strong links with driving simulators he absolutely loved it. The addition of the reference book has given him a great insight into fine-tuning all of his vehicles and has increased the longevity and playability of this game ten-fold.

Gran Turismo 5: Collector Edition (PS3) - Reviews

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