Gran Turismo 5

There's no doubt the GT series redefined the car racing genre. GT5 certainly ups the ante compared to its excellent predecessors. Although admittedly, the objective of GT mode is pretty much the same (win races to unlock new vehicles and so on), the inclusion of just over 1000 cars will in no doubt please the most devoted fans.

What is disappointing is the lack of "cockpit" views in "standard" vehicles and their 'less attention to detail' graphics wise - look closely and you can see where the game-makers have cut corners. The newly introduced damage model makes little difference to a vehicle's handling (you would expect some differences); sounding the horn and flashing the headlights seems pointless, and the AI leaves a lot to be desired. This is what lets the game down.

Nevertheless, the plus points of GT5 - namely the astute attention to detail regarding the "premium" vehicles and their interiors and the welcome return of old track favourites - outweigh the negative aspects of the game, and there is no doubt that GT5 will be adored by the masses all over the world; just like its predecessors! But then again, if gamers find this new GT game a little too complex for their liking (as it can be frustrating at times), there is always the previous editions to enjoy.

When Gran Turismo first came out on the sony playstation in the late 90s, the world of racing was changed forever. It would spawn three sequels that ranged into the playstation 2 era. But now, in the playstation 3 era, we were lucky enough to receive a new GT game, in HD, or 3-D. However you wanted it, you could have it. GT 5 is the newest installment in the series, and boy oh boy, have we come far. Not only does it have the most cars, over 1000, but wonderful and familiar courses with twists, and new ones as well. The GT mode, no longer called simulation mode, is a tad bit complicated, and hard to follow at first, but over time, you grow used to it. Arcade most hasn't changed much, except for the new addition, "Drift Mode" where you are placed in a certain stretch of land in a certain course, and you have to drift around corners and rack up points. Not the easiest thing to do.

Overall, GT 5 is a wonderful game that, despite taking quite a while to be released, feels like the wait was worth it. I give it 9 out of 10, primarily due to the fact that it can be a bit complicated, and it ALWAYS asks you if you want to sign in to playstation network. But other than that, it's a great addition that should satisfy your need for a good racing game, and if it does not...you still have the other 4 GTs!