We're getting closer to an actual release date for Gran Turismo 5, as several gaming sites have quoted a Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) producer, Chris Hinojasa-Miranda, as saying "Summer 2010." Until then, Sony will launch a best lap-time competition (actually 2 competitions) to try to keep its diehards from going out and buying an Xbox 360.
The North American "Time Trial Challenge" competition involves playing through a demo that has you race a Nissan 370Z on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The above video shows a sample of the gameplay, but you'll have to wait this Thursday December 17 to download the full demo.
So you'll drive the course in two time trial events, aiming for the best combined lap time. And if you're really good, you could be the one U.S. resident or the one Canadian resident (one of each) to win VIP packages to the 2010 Indy 500.
So that's kind of cool... well, it is until you visit Sony's European web site and find out that PS3 players in Europe, Australia and New Zealand are competing for spots in the GT Academy in which they'll get to drive a real 370Z racecar at Silverstone. Oh.
Gran-Turismo.com (Sony's U.S. site)
PlayStation Blog (Sony's UK site)
rallyandbosox says:
08:00 AM, 12/15/09
This just gets better and better. Luckily there's Race Pro and Forza. GT5 will be postponed again I have no doubt of it.
fuhteng says:
09:14 AM, 12/15/09
I can't help but snicker. It looks just like Forza 3. Heck, it IS Forza 3. Just get it instead!
xprojected says:
09:57 AM, 12/15/09
Gran Turismo and Forza aren't really in heated competition - the choice is usually made by which console people already own. Now if enough people buy an XBox 360 *because* of Forza 3, then Sony has something to worry about.
DLu says:
05:03 PM, 12/16/09
I had the XBox 360. that POS couldn't open its tray most of the time -- that's within a week of ownership (sparely used). then it died a week after the warranty ran out and i threw it away. everyone i know who owned one has had to send it back several times. Forza2 was easier than the GT4 anyway so I didn't miss it too much as a simulator.
the PS3 was one of the best surprise gifts my wife ever gave me. i had actually had the PS3 console dropped on the floor, still working without missing a beat. unfortunately, GT prologue is just an insultingly stripped down tease, but the Professional setting is challenging and the most realistic yet.
I saw a tentative release date on Newegg.com, somewhere in Feb; a previous entry on insideline regarding Amazon pre-ordering suggested March. WTF!?!?! Summer 2010???? I'm sick of this #*&%-tease BS. thank GOD i'm too busy to have had time to get all gold yet. GT5 better be freaking phenomenal.
jederino says:
09:28 AM, 12/17/09
Too late - I DID buy an XBox360 just so I could get Forza3. And Forza is incredible. A huge leap from Forza2 and GT4, and I loved GT4 with a passion. But, I just couldn't wait. Maybe, if it's really awesome, I can get a PS3, too!