Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

I have loved Gran Turismo since the very first game. I haven't played the fourth title or the spin off cycle game but I was waiting for this game for a while. Granted it is only a sampling of what is to come and let's be frank about something, there isn't enough content here to warrant the $40 price tag, if it was $20 it would have been a better deal.

This is a fine product to showcase the power of the PS3. Cars look amazing and the amount of detail in the environments is gorgeous enough to make your eyes bleed. My only complaint is we still don't get any damage effects but it doesn't exactly ruin the game.

The soundtrack is very entertaining as well. I have yet to be displeased with a single GT soundtrack and this one is as solid as the others. A fine mix of each musical genre. The sounds are also amazing and just add a lot to the game. The roar of an engine is down right sexy.

The game has some pretty tight and responsive controls. I didn't notice any six-axis controls which kind of sucks but we can't have it all I guess. As of now I don't think there is a wheel out for the PS3 but I'm sure it would handle even better with a wheel.

Game play wise the game has a lot of cars and 7 or so tracks to race around. There is one track I hate with a passion and it involves way too many sharp turns and mountains. The game features 40 races, equaling 10 events per grade.

It's not a lot but if you don't have the correct vehicle you won't advance and just ened to keep saving up more money. Not a problem because the game is a blast to play and it has a lot more options as well.

You can do arcade races, time attack and even play on-line. I had no problems with the on-line play, no lag, no dropping issues, nothing. The game has a lot of minor features that do add up and despite some racers being cheap it's a fun atmosphere all around.

This isn't for everyone though. It doesn't offer a ton of content and the price is a bit much which is a let down. It's a perfect rental as it showcases what we are in store for when the full retail game comes out in 2009 and if it continues along this path then it will be amazing. As this extended demo goes, it's a rental and nothing more as of now.

Story - N/A
Graphics - 10/10
Sound - 10/10
Control - 9/10
Game Play - 9/10
Replay Value - 6/10

Final Score - 7/10