Gran Turismo 5

It's finally here! The long awaited Gran Turismo 5 has finally been released after 6 years of waiting. And yes, being the petrol head I am, I've got it.. the Collector's Edition =) This review wont cover all of the game just because, there is way too much to cover.

The pack includes:

*Gran Turismo® 5 game

*Exclusive limited edition 1:43 scale diecast 2009 Nissan GT-R Spec V with custom Gran Turismo livery designed by Polyphony Digital, produced by well-known collectible car maker Kyosho

*In-depth 300-page car-lover’s guide written by the experts at Polyphony Digital, covering everything from the history of the modern automobile to driving techniques and game reference material

*Custom etched Gran Turismo key chain

*Voucher for five (5) exclusive high-end cars(Including the Lamborghini Murchielago LP640 Chrome Line Edition =D) with custom Gran Turismo livery and performance upgrades

*Numbered certificate of authenticity

*Custom collector’s packaging


The Game
I would say its pretty damn good. 1031 cars, 75 tracks. Graphics was improved from the Prologue, smoke effects are better, weather and time effects are now available as well. Having played the game for a total of about only 5 hours, I noticed that the cars now handle slightly sharper than before. You can feel it, I don't know how to describe it, but you could.

A 'Course Maker' feature is available, allowing you to custom make your own track and race around it with AIs and/or friends.

 

GT Mode
Basically 'Single Player' mode. In this mode, there are 2 Specs. A Spec, which is you racing to unlock race events and leveling up to buy cars, yes now there's level requirement. B Spec is like an RPG, yes a racing RPG! You'll be in the paddock, giving instructions to your driver to pace down, maintain pace, pace up and overtake. Decisions will affect your driver's strength and mental ability. You could also see all the times distances between cars.

In addition to that, there's also options to tune your car, do maintenance(yes, the more your drive, it'll affect your performance, so maintain it) practice, race in special events, earn driver licenses, and many more.

Oh and since I have the exclusive McLaren F1 with me since I bought my game off Gamestop, every race up to now have been a breeze 'cause the AI's of the low level races are using Daihatsu's and other junky cars. =)

Lounge
A lounge is where you could meet up with other Playstation Network friends. There, you could chat, as well as hold race sessions of up to I think 12 players.

Overall
It's a complex yet unique system which was developed by the Gran Turismo crew which allows the player to manage his/her experience instead of just racing, tuning and buying like previous GT's. Race experience is much more realistic. You can actually tell when your car is going to kill you if you push an inch more gas, that's if you're decent enough to figure out when. If you want to know more, GET THE GAME!

Downside
My dream car, the Lamborghini Murchielago can't turn to save a life =( They should have given it superb handling.

Clips
Featuring the Stig's Communist Cousin! Sorry about the clip quality.
 
Me test driving the McLaren F1 on the Suzuka Circuit.

Me making sloppy donuts with the AC Shelby Cobra at the Daytona track.

Chester