GRAN TURISMO 5
What is it?
Originally revealed as Vision Gran Turismo, this is the next-generation appearance for Polyphony Digital's carnographic driving simulator. It promises bigger packs of cars, a ridiculously staggering amount of detail both on the track and under thehood and, hopefully, online multiplayer.
Why should you care?
GT5 could be the game to reinvigorate the obsessive series, appealing to lapsed fans and newcomers alike. Polyphony's Kazunori Yamauchi has already hinted that Gran Turismo 5 will feature a dynamic damage system, an exciting prospect that ought to provide the gameplay shake-up the somewhat stale series really needs.
Multiplayer gaming over PS Network hasn't been confirmed, but we'd be amazed if GT5 didn't make use of PS3's online abilities. And, finally, with Ferraris appearing in the freebie download GT HD, it's likely we'll see an even bigger variety of hot metal in PlayStation 3's first full Gran Turismo outing.
It's all rather uncertain right now, but if multiplayer gameplay, bigger and more dynamic packs of rivals and a pleasingly crunchy damage system all make the cut, Gran Turismo 5 will be the racing sim every enthusiast is looking for.
When can you play it?
Japanese gamers have been expecting a December release, but we'll no doubt have to wait at least 6 months after that before Gran Turismo 5 rolls in over here.
