Video Games Gran Turismo HD - Jaw Dropping!

RikfromBelgium · Sep 23, 2006

God that does look amazin. I was planning to wait a year or maybe 2. But if it's THAT good, and the price keeps falling, I won't be able to wait that long :eusa_doh:

Rengoku · Sep 23, 2006

Gran Turismo HD is scheduled for release December this year.

Heres the Press Release:

"With more than 45 million units sold worldwide, the award-winning Gran Turismo franchise serves as the racing game of choice amongst the automotive and gaming audience due to its true-to-life graphics, physics and real-life cars and tracks.

Available this Winter, exclusively on PLAYSTATION 3, Gran Turismo HD serves as a glimpse Into the evolution of the franchise and provides gamers with two types of game modes that offer an unparalleled racing experience suited for the next-generation of gaming. In Gran Turismo HD, gamers will have access to GT HD Premium and GT HD Classic. GT HD Premium features cars and tracks like never before in full high definition quality. GT HD Classic features unique online gameplay that not only provides head-to-head racing, but allows for the long awaited feature of additional cars (ranging up to 770 car models) and tracks (up to 51) available through ongoing downloads. During gameplay in Gran Turismo HD, players have the ability to manage race regulations, online competition and communities, as well as organize race events.

Unlimited to network gameplay and dowloadable content, Gran Turismo HD suggests the excitement and opens doors for further opportunities of online entertainment on PLAYSTATION 3. With the availability and range of cars and tracks featured in Gran Turismo HD, it encourages and enables players to create their own "World of GT" resulting as a ‘Pure Driving Simulator.'" ... SCEE

You can find more screenshots and the Press conference video at: http://www.gran-turismo.com/jp/

If you were wondering, that video I posted on the first post of this thread was captured off the screen of a playable demo at TGS 2006. Its running at 60fps at 1080p (1920x1080 resolution). It was a video replay, you know, the same one you get after you finish a race, NOT a trailer.

You can download the Press Conference Video at: (The presentation may be in Japanese, but the Slides are in English) http://www.gran-turismo.com/jp/movie/index.do?id=373

Online Features:
- Online Garage
- Head to Head Racing
- Time Trial
- Track Day
- B-Spec Race
- License Test
- Drift Contest
- Tuning / Setting Features
- Friend List
- Lobby
- Voice Chat
- Bulletin Board
- Spectator Mode
- Team Builder
- Club Builder
- Coloring / Livery Editor
- Number Plate Editor
- Race Builder Tool
- Photo Album

Yperion · Sep 24, 2006

Osnabrueck said:
Looks impressive. This might tip me over the edge to buy a PS3.

After seeing the demo again i have to agree with Osna.

Osnabrueck · Sep 24, 2006

Microtransactions are where publishers want content to go, because it opens up new revenue streams using existing assets. Just create an Enzo poly model, plug in some parameters and, voila, you got something a bunch of players are willing to pay $1.50 for that cost virtually no development time.

Another example could use celeb endorcements, limited edition downloads, custom weapon thingies.... on and on.

Eventually, the market will decide how this stuff behaves and what prices people are willing to tolerate. Personally, I think it's going to lead to publishers exploiting very successful franchises like GT, so that they can make more money off of a smaller group of gamers.

For instance, in the past, everything but the kitchen sink would be packed into a release of GT and the game would cost you about $50. Thing is, the relationship is dead after that one time sale. You just play the game for years, waiting for the sequel.

Now, with downlaodable thingies. The publishers can sell you a half-assed game with just the basics for $25 or so, and then constantly entice you into spending $100 or more, over time. Heck, this business model might render sequels a thing of the past, or at least, something deminished importance.

Problem is, it looks like publishers are starting off on the wrong foot. Instead of selling us a whole game with additional content for a la carte purchase, they're selling us half a game, then making us pay more than we normally would to get the rest of it.

In the end, users will probably revolt by hacking work-arounds to this stuff. Since the extended content for Xbox360 has really gotten off on the wrong foot I wouldn't mind seeing gamers take matters into their own hands.

klier · Sep 24, 2006

siko said:
Hmmm... 479 bucks with an HDMI cable would make me like Sony again, and thus maybe buy one.

But if the price drop is only for the low end, screw Sony.

The pricedrop is only for Japan.

But after having seen almost all the PS3 games from this year's Tokyo Game Show, I must say my faith in the system is a bit back again. The graphical powers of the PS3 cannot be denied. First generation software already looks very good now, and most is running in 1080P too now!

bmer · Sep 24, 2006

Great news that they have Ferrari in the GT HD! :usa7uh:

Now if they only got Porsche as well... :eusa_pray

bum-man · Sep 24, 2006

bmer said:
Great news that they have Ferrari in the GT HD! Now if they only got Porsche as well...

They have RUF...Pretty much the same thing...

bmer · Sep 24, 2006

bum-man said:
They have RUF...Pretty much the same thing...

It's not the same thing at least for me. It would be great if GT HD had Carrera GT, 997 Turbo, GT3 :icondrool

Maybe even Cayenne Turbo S

Choleric · Sep 24, 2006

Luwalira said:
Don't start drooling yet guys. That is just a trailer, the graphics will not end up look that tight.

I agree that is not actual game play, only a trailer.

Osnabrueck · Sep 24, 2006

I believe graphics actually will be that tight. The trailer appeared to be an on-the-fly render.

GTA45E · Sep 24, 2006

Osnabrueck said:
I believe graphics actually will be that tight. The trailer appeared to be an on-the-fly render.

I agree! thats really cutting edge to say the least! Lets hope the computer generated movements are just as awesome and are as close to real life movements. I hate the "Rubber-Band" like movements of most currant games!!

Rengoku · Sep 24, 2006

Choleric said:
I agree that is not actual game play, only a trailer.

Sigh, let me clarify, this is a replay video, not an actual trailer. If you go to the Gametrailer's site, you'll see this page: http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=2656
Notice how that video I posted is under the "GAMEPLAY" section, and not the "TRAILER" section. Also notice how the TITLE of the video says: "TGS 06 Impreza Rally Car Gameplay".

Why would they go through the trouble of setting up booths decked out with Recaro racing seats and force-feedback steering wheel, only to show you a Trailer? :t-banghea

Osnabrueck · Sep 25, 2006

Speaking of which, this game might be so good as to merit the purchase of a steering wheel / chair / whatever setup.

Astounding graphics are only half the equation. If you don't have a good way to control the action the whole thing falls apart like a $5 suit. I know some of you can use the joypad with a good measure of accuracy, but I also believe you're on meth to achieve such a feat.

bmwrules · Sep 25, 2006

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6158499.html

TGS 06: No US PS3 price drop
SCEA president Kaz Hirai says that Sony has "no plans" to lower the current $499/$599 American PS3 price points; 20GB PS3s will have HDMI worldwide.
By Tor Thorsen, GameSpot
Posted Sep 23, 2006 11:22 pm GMT

TOKYO--Following Ken Kutaragi's keynote address at the 2006 Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced that the 20GB-hard-drive-equipped model of the PlayStation 3 was getting a price drop in Japan. The lower-end version of the console, which will now boast HDMI high-definition video output, will cost just 49,980 yen ($429) when it hits stores in Japan on November 11. That's about 10,000 yen ($85) less than its prior price, which was around 60,000 yen ($515).

Although Sony's announcement applied only to Japan, news of the discounting spread quickly across the globe. Wire service reports with headlines saying "Sony slashes price tag for delay-hit PlayStation 3" surfaced in numerous local newspapers in the US. These, in turn, fueled a rumor firestorm that the 20GB PS3's $499 US sticker price would also be cut before it goes on sale November 17.

Sadly, though, Sony is sticking firm with its North American PS3 plans. "In the US, we're comfortable with the pricing that we announced at E3--$499 for the 20 gigabyte version and $599 for the 60-gigabyte version," Sony Computer president Kaz Hirai told GameSpot. "There are no plans right now to adjust the pricing for the US market."

Though disappointed, potential PS3 purchasers in the US did get a bit of a consolation prize from Hirai. The executive confirmed that every 20GB PS3 worldwide will have an HDMI port, not just in Japan, as some had speculated.

zetableh · Sep 25, 2006

I don't like this microtransaction crap. I don't play MMORPGs because I like buying a game once... and paying for it once.

I think this pay as you go crap sucks, personally. I would MUCH rather drop $60 on a game with 700 cars and 30whatever tracks, and then buy an expansion pack (hey, they have a HDD now) for an addition $30 or so that this microtransation stuff.

Rengoku · Dec 21, 2006

Gran Turismo Demo Details
Find out what's in Sony's big Christmas gift.

US, December 20, 2006 - Sony is delivering the ultimate Christmas gift to Japan this year: a free demo of Gran Turismo 5, set for download starting December 24 exclusively via the PlayStation Store. Thanks to Famitsu, we were able to relive our childhoods and get a sneak peak at the gift in advance.

According to the latest issue of the magazine, the demo, titled Gran Turismo HD Concept, will ship with one course and ten cars. The course is the all new Eiger Nordwand, and you'll be able to race it normal and reverse.

The car list has mostly Japanese vehicles, but there are some high profile foreign models in the bunch. Here's the full list:

# Suzuki Cappuccino '95
# Mazda Eunos Roadster '89
# Honda Integra Type R'04
# Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR'96
# Infinity G35 Coupe
# Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR'05
# Lotus Elise 111R'04
# Nissan Sky Liner GT-R V Spec II '94
# Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car '95
# Ferrari 599'06

You start the demo off exclusively with the Cappuccino, but by clearing the time attack mode in a pre-set time, you'll be able to unlock the next car. Eventually, you'll unlock a drift trial mode.

The magazine also scored an interview with Kazunori Yamauchi. The Gran Turismo series producer talked about how the demo came about, and what we can expect in the coming year from his hard working team at Polyphony Digital.

Asked to explain why Sony decided to skip out on a retail release for Gran Turismo HD, and instead focus on GT5, Yamauchi admitted that following the Tokyo Game Show, gamers expressed their desire for the full game. He made specific mention of overseas gamers, which means that if you complained on a message board, your voice might have been heard.

Yamauchi spoke vaguely on the relationship between GT5 and GTHD. While not getting into specifics, he stated that his team wants to put both GTHD Premium and GTHD Classic into the new title. Asked if Sony intends on carrying out its ambitious plans for downloadable content, Yamauchi stated that there has yet to be a decision on whether or not to carry the business model over.

On the topic of the GTHD Concept demo itself, Yamauchi revealed that the Christmas Eve download will include Polyphony's next generation driving simulation engine. According to the producer, this engine fixes such areas as drift control and drift angle. As previously announced, the demo won't have online races, but it will offer network rankings separated according to the various cars. Replays from the top ranked players will be available for download, so you can see how the best of the best race.

More downloadable content will become available before GT5's full release. Yamauchi promised a photo mode of some form to become available for download. He wouldn't give a specific time frame.

Yamauchi also promised an official announcement for Gran Turismo 5 before the next Tokyo Motor Show, scheduled for October 27, 2007. We plan on getting close and personal with the GTHD Concept demo until then.

Source: http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/751/751831p1.html