Sony Computer Entertainment America continues their highly successful and critically acclaimed series of racing simulation video games with today’s North American release of Gran Turismo 5, available exclusively for the PlayStation 3 and for the first-time ever in stereoscopic 3-D. Developed by Polyphony Digital, Gran Turismo 5 brings the world’s most realistic and comprehensive driving experiences to fans in one of the most highly anticipated games of all time. For the first time in the franchise, players can look forward to real-time car damage, dynamic weather effects, kart racing, access to select NASCAR cars, a Course Maker and robust online community features. The game will also feature an impressive line-up of more than 1,000 licensed cars from the world’s top manufacturers and more than 20 tracks with over 70 variations, including famous world circuits, city courses, snow and dirt, and original environments popular among fans.
“Over the past five years, the team of designers and engineers at Polyphony Digital have worked to set new standards in graphics, presentation, and gameplay within the Gran Turismo franchise,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Product Marketing, SCEA. “With Gran Turismo 5, the development team has set a new bar in the racing genre with more than 1,000 vehicles, new racing modes and features, and a robust online community. We are excited to offer loyal fans a racing experience that remains unmatched.”
With exciting new features to suit newcomers, automotive enthusiasts and seasoned fans, Gran Turismo 5 raises the bar on the franchise’s quality of design, physics and technology, while delivering an ultra-realistic driving experience with unparalleled visuals and lifelike graphics that are difficult to distinguish from a live race. The game will feature a completely new physics engine for an improved and more realistic, and responsive, driving feel across the board, as well as real-time vehicle damage and wear, with adaptive and accurate car deformation based on point of impact and velocity. Additionally, players will have the chance to utilize face tracking capabilities using the PlayStation Eye camera, allowing players to look around the interior of vehicles while in the interior dash view.
For the first time, players will also be able to create their own Gran Turismo race track with the in-game Course Maker, as well as take part in kart racing, and race select NASCAR cars on select NASCAR-sanctioned and other tracks. Additionally, Gran Turismo 5 will feature an extremely deep online and community feature set where players can race online with up to 16 players through PlayStation Network via the all-new custom race lounge and exciting new social gaming features that expand the Gran Turismo universe online. Players can also transfer vehicles unlocked in Gran Turismo for PSP into their garage in Gran Turismo 5.
