Preview: Gran Turismo 5: Prologue

Vroooom... leans into corner... Vrooom... leans out of corner... oops, wrong game.

While this is one of the most anticipated games for the Playstation 3 console, many will argue ‘But it’s just a bloody demo. Why are you fools paying for it?’. If you haven’t yet played the game, we advise you to do so before uttering these combustible words.

The concept behind Prologue (no pun intended for those following the game’s development), has truly split the gaming community. Those who have followed the Gran Turismo franchise for the past 10+ years see it as a much welcomed and enjoyable slice of the pie for the ambitious full title yet to come. Furthermore, for many this release could even be a reason to actually purchase a PS3 (it certainly is for me! –Josh). For the others, it grates their very existence as a gamer like a cheese slicer across the face.



For some, it’s hard to see why such a large number of people, not only gamers, are falling head over heals for what is, essentially, a rather big demo. Have we become accustomed as gamers for wanting demos for nothing? Why not support the development of something that has, so righteously, the potential to kick the living day lights out of so many other titles? It’s an area of split opinion: pay for an early taste or wait a year and simply enjoy the full title.

Either side you happen to fall upon, you’ll have friends and foe alike – do what you will.



The game features 70-odd cars and six stunning tracks that can be raced in normal or reversed direction. Featured tracks include the Daytona International Speedway, London City, Highspeed Ring, Fuji Speedway, Suzuka Circuit and Eiger Nordwand.



Gran Turismo is a visually stunning game. It pumps out pixels in all their HD glory at a blistering pace. There's also 7.1 surround sound support and in-game audio to die for – simply start a race in the Ferrari F430 and accelerate. Yum.

With an amazing list of cars available in Prologue, we cannot wait to see the full list of vehicles that will undoubtedly outweigh the 721 vehicles from 80 manufacturers available in Gran Turismo 4. Check out GT5: Prologue's full car list here.



After playing for a number of hours, finishing all classes, unlocking many beautifully stunning cars and drooling over gorgeous replays, all seamlessly flowing through our games room’s 46in Bravia, we strongly, strongly, recommend this game be played on at least a 720p screen. For further information, opinion and general review of this prequel to the imminent and grandiose release of Gran Turismo 5 check out Gran Turismo 5: Prologue in the upcoming issue #89 of Atomic.