@GhaleonUnlimited: Sorry, I just got a little excited there I don't know it just came out of my typing. My apologies sir/madam.

thegunshow

@TheGunShow - no naked body looks good on a 55" screen, so keep the grossness to yourself, thanks.

GhaleonUnlimited

@Seruza:

I really was only referring to games that are released both as DLC and as in-store titles (Warhawk, Gran Turismo 5, etc.). I understand the concept of additional maps for games that are released as DLC later (and have even paid to download some of them), but that's not what I was addressing. If I wasn't clear enough, I apologize for the confusion.

Sloopydrew

It would be worth it if you weren't going to pay $60 for the real game less than a year later.

If Nintendo tried to do this to its fans (Smash demo: 10 playable chars, 6 stages, online! Only $30! Buy the full thing in Feb!) I'd be pissed.

I'd have little problem if they gave you maybe $20 credit for the full version. $40 is a copy of Z&W, dammit. Why not just buy a game that won't be 100% worthless in six months?

GhaleonUnlimited

@Canadian Impostor: It can be. Most full racing games have in the range of 30 cars, and have of them have 1 course that gets sectioned off for different races. I hate that style of racing game.

baked ham

@RastaSega: Everything you said is totally your own opinion but let me tell you mine.

I bought a PS3 because it has the best value and I bought it when it was $599 at launch. Now I'm enjoying Warhawk, Resistance, Uncharted, Heavenly Sword, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, COD 4, Virtua Fighter, Unreal Tournament, Folklore, Burnout Paradise, Assasins Creed, Madden 08, Fight Night and Ratchet 7 Clank. That's quite a few games for a system that's lack games.

Oh and I'm enjoying the Blu_Ray movies, wireless online gaming right off the box for FREE!. Shit I can even check my e-mail and surf online to take a break from playing games and while I'm at it let me take the memory stick from my camera and stick it to my PS3 so I can check out the nude pics of my Fiance in my 1080P 55" HDTV.

I guess you can call that overprice but I call it best value. But that's just my own opinion.

thegunshow

@baked ham: I'm so glad I'm not into sim racing games :) Gimme PARADISE!

modeps

THIS GAME IS HIGH ON MY RADAR

kastout

60 cars and five tracks is more content than other full racing games now?

Canadian Impostor

@Adam In Texas: If "GT5 Prologue 2" brings more content than most other racing games and is substantially different than GT5 Prologue 1 then yes, I would not mind one bit spending another $40

It's my choice as a consumer, might not be your choice, but I could care less about your choice. If anything, the holding back of content so you could sell it the day the game comes out as DLC seems more troubling than the release of an early version of GT5

Kj719

@modeps: Easy, by releasing a sampling for 40 dollars one year, selling millions of them, and then selling the full version a year or two later for 60 bucks, using close to the same technology they developed for teh first sampling, and selling millions more.

They've got us so rabid, we'll buy their game twice (sort of).

baked ham

@Sloopydrew: Most DLC exists as additional content for already purchased games. No one is putting a gun to your head and saying you need to buy it. They give users an option and many take it.

Seruza

@Sloopydrew: I dunno, bud, I'd still buy this game in the store even if it was 35 to download and 40 at the store. But that's just me.

baked ham

The only reason they release these "prologue" demos is to offset their insanely high development costs. Quite honestly, I don't know how Polophony can make any money on this series.

modeps

@Lot krotan (wut?): I think he's referring to full-games like Warhawk and now Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. They are available in stores and as DLC, for the same price.

baked ham

@EnigmaNemesis:

At the same time, cheaper downloads could kill jobs real fast, along with taking a bite out of the local economy. I'm just not a fan of DLC. Like in-game advertising, it's another way for the corporations to make even more money without any benefit to the gamer.

Sloopydrew

The fanatical devotion to the Gran Turismo series goes far beyond the cynical opinions of internet message board patrons. This game will sell very very well.

I don't understand why people would condemn this game because they think its a glorified demo. Its no doubt superior in every way to games like Need For Speed Pro Street, which costs $60, and I see no condemning of that bullshit.

Seruza

Been playing the Japanese version of the game. Pretty cool.

dorphat

For most companies those specs would count as full game. -_-

ara

do your fellow gamers a favor.

do not get this game

RastaSega

@baked ham:

I know a lot about being lazy, but I also know a lot about penny pinching. Saving money is a higher priority to me. But yea, I can see your point.

Lot krotan (wut?)

@RastaSega: Back to your cave troll. You clearly haven't read what is included in this 'demo'. And the PS3 ain't all bad Ratchet and Clank, uncharted to name two.

SPni

The reason DL versions will NOT cost less than retail, is because OF retail.

You can blame your retail chains for that one. Specifically EBGames. When Valve launched Steam, and was going to offer games for less, Gamestop had an uproar over it and threatened not to carry any of their shit.

Thus that killed "cheaper DLs" real fast.

EnigmaNemesis

@Kj719:

Dear KJ719,

Thanks for the oral service! Be sure to pick up GT5 Prologue 2 when we release it for another $40 if we can't meet our next deadline!

Adam In Texas

@Sloopydrew:

what? Where you can buy DLC (downloadable content) in the stores? I don't see anywhere to buy Rainbow Six Vegas maps in stores, or Rock Band songs...

Lot krotan (wut?)

What a rip.

Clushje

@Lot krotan (wut?): too lazy to leave the house and interact with a human? or too impatient to wait for it to get mailed to you from Amazon?

baked ham

I agree that the downloadable version should cost less than the retail, or what's the incentive to download?

Lot krotan (wut?)

I will probably get this game, however, I don't know why it costs 40 bucks. I hope that when the full game comes out you can buy it as an expansion for a fraction of the cost if you already have Prologue. Because 40 bucks for 5 courses seems pretty steep. 8 dollars a course? Whew. Gran Turismo 2 had 27 courses, and sold for 50 bucks. I don't think I like where the industry is going with all this microtransaction bullshit, and selling gimped versions of games that have to be added on to later, or in the case of this game, you could spend 40 bucks for a game that's not even 20% of what the full version will be, and then when the full version comes out, you'll have to spend 60 bucks to get it all, including the 20% that was in the "prologue"?

The only way this will make me happy in the long run is if you can add-on the full version for a lower price if you have Prologue, or if Prologue ends up being literally a prologue, meaning different content that will not ever be in the full game. Maybe the full game, whenever that's gonna come out, will have even better graphics and physics, and actually be more than just new courses & cars.

I hope they say something about what the full version of GT 5 will be whenever that comes into existence BEFORE the prologue is available in the States.

baked ham

@Mr. Dark E:

Yeah I was about to mention the time I tried to guy something and how it didn't work out for me.

Adam In Texas

@nine07: agreed

@J-LI-L-i-LI-S: nope, that was more of a tech demo using GT4 tech

@OtherAdam:
To Polyphony Digital,

You guys kick ass and I don't mind spending $40 for GT5 Prologue seeing as it will be better than most other racing games selling for $60. I also don't see the full GT5 coming out this year so this will keep me busy for some time.

With Love,
Kj719

Kj719

I'm not liking the DLC pricing scheme. Prices keep being the same for DLC as store-bought and you keep being given little bonuses for buying at the store. If DLC isn't going to be cheaper, why would anyone download it instead of picking up a physical copy with bonus material? I'm not remembering this wrong am I? We were told that DLC would be cheaper, right? But it's good that the epilogue to the prologue that is the prologue to the actual game to be released at a later date is about to arrive. I'm going to hold off until the full game is released at an even later date.

Sloopydrew

so you bought a system an overpriced system that doesn't have any good exclusive games for it yet...

now you're buying a demo for $40.

you're paying up your ass for their shortcomings. They weren't able to release on time so they're releasing a demo for $40. In the end you'll end up shelling over $100 for this game alone. sad sirs... very sad.

don't let them get away with this... yeahyeah it's a nice game for sure but this scheme is just stupid.

RastaSega

Good for all you fans of GT...I dont really care though, I dont like racing games. However, the game does look great graphically, one of the best I've ever seen, and IMO it does have enough content to warrant a 40 dollar price tag.

dgonchild

@jayntampa: So you don't have to make a trip to the store?
So you don't have to switch out discs when you want to play it?
So you give more money to the people that made the game, instead of the people who want money for taking it out of a box and putting it on a shelf?
So you save some shelf space?

creid

at this rate, no one will ever buy GT5, just because the prologue has so much stuff in it already

TinyLightning

@Setzer IIDX: Hate to break it to you but Top Gear is only filmed in SD 576i. The Polar Special was filmed in HD.

The demand for HD content over here isn't high unfortunately.

SPni

WOW!

1080p @ 60FPS!!!

That is quite impressive. The white PS3s cant get here soon enough.

EnigmaNemesis

I would pay $60 for this. This game basically has more to offer than Motorstorm and that was a full price game. Whoever mention that GT Series is a dead franchise must live inside a cave or snake infested jungle. Millions of people awaits this game year after year just like me who is a car junkie. I can't wait another year to get a taste of this game so this is a must purchase for me no questions ask.

thegunshow

Sorry for the double post, but there is also a GT Prologue Demo, not to be confused with GT Prologue itself. So if you want to try it make a Japanese PSN and download the real DEMO. Why do you guys forget that the actual free demo exists?

nine07

Prologue ships with all of those features listed and the lot of you still gripe that it should be free or $20? They are basically giving what amounts to more content than most current racing games out now! 60 Cars? 5 tracks? MULTIPLAYER with up to 16 people, tuning, and Tourismo TV access? Please, this is more than just a glorified demo. This them giving a big piece of the piece polished up and ready for you to play while they finish the rest. No "demo" ever has this much content, like I said before other racing games lack in content compared to Prologue, besides Forza what other racer has 60 tuneable cars? Maybe Need for Speed Pro Street...just maybe (I haven't played it).

nine07

Wait, so was GT HD the demo for GT Prologue?

J-LI-L-i-LI-S

Anyone buying this is just telling publishers they can sell glorified demos to the public and get away with it.

OtherAdam

what to do what to do..........

demonwolf

60 vehicles, 5 tracks, full multiplayer, tunning options etc?

You are basically getting a full game, for well, less than a full game's price.

The only reason people may complain is because GT always comes with so much content its not even funny, but really. It's a better deal than most "full" racing games. And its a better game too.

I am more outraged by the "wait a week or pay 50 bucks for demos" arrangement with live than over this, expecially when a GT 5 demo was released and is well available already. I just hope the plans to microtransaction the cars to death have gone under. Microtransactions are a cancer that needs to die.

Say I dont have a PS3 (waiting for that DS3 pack and MGS3) but Im wondering, do they charge you for wallpapers and messenger icons on it?. Or are you able to make/get your own?

Seiryuu

First, I agree that this isn't the best strategy for GT5, in fact i feel like the more versions/demos they release the worse the final GT5 will end up doing.

On the other hand 60 Cars, 5 Tracks, 16 player online, and the GT:TV thing...Thats way more than JUST a demo. I'm not sure if its worth $40 for me, but its definitely something I want to get.

BlindEagle

Maybe for $20...maybe.

kNZA

@Strangelove: There should be a demo of this.... demo? The Japanese got a demo of Prologue.

Kyle81

Damn, I just sent this in to you...
@jayntampa: Word. Give me the shelf trophy. The download only makes sense with a difference in price similar to that of Warhawk.
@Article: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue runs in stunning High Definition at 1080p (race: 1080p-60fps, replay: 1080p-30fps) Can we assume that the same is true for the 16 player online mode?

The thing that I'm most looking forward to? The physics. As the "Concept" was claimed to just be GT4 with a shiny coat of graphical goodness. The control really felt different to me though, still does after going back to the real GT4. I really think that over everything else this is where Polyphony is better than everybody else. How else can you explain a company that is cable of allowing you to feel the difference between a rear driven live axle, and a fully independent puller, only through a Dual Shock 2?

boffro

whoa, when did we have to start paying for demos? Oh yeah, GT4 prologue..silly me.

Scum2k1

"If you guy the disc version "

My head imploded.

Mr. Dark E

its crazy to think that this game is like 20 bucks short , of what you would pay for the final game, which we all know will dwarf the shit outta this prologue. but if we dont get GT5 until 09, then i guess ill bite.

zanzibarlegend

I never understood why the downloadable copy is full price? Don't retailers purchase the hardcopy for 50% and then mark it up to full price?

The downloadable copy should be at least 25% less expensive. Then you consider SONY doesn't need to print the discs or booklets, the Blu-Ray case, shipping.... etc.

rallyRays

If the GTTV comes with access to the Brit show Top Gear in HD, I'd pay the 40 for it.

Setzer IIDX

I ordered the JP version in Dec.

DEFINITELY worth the $40 imo. Better than most $60 games.

mast3r_blast3r

I cannot believe they're going to sell the game for $40 before they actually sell the game for $60. That is so insulting it's ridiculous.

Paying for demos is even worse than microtransactions.

Strangelove

Sounds awesome but, paying 40$ for a demo...?

ElComandante

F*** yes!!!

LuciferV8

@Brian Crecente: my friend, its not just you... its many of us! :D

zanzibarlegend

Sony caves to pressure from Gamestop, news at eleven/

Moonshadow101

40 bucks seems a bit much to beta test.

thaKingRocka

@jayntampa: options, i guess....

but seriously im hped for his game, but when the hell is the real GT5 coming out?
if this game is gonna hold us down until the final version is out, i dont see GT5 coming till 09, seriously! why release 2 GT games in one year?!

zanzibarlegend

Although I think 40 bucks is a bit steep, I'll be picking this up immediately to tide me over until the full GT5 is released.

lxmcc

cool post, but this is 40 for what sounds like a demo. The real GT:5 really needs to be good, because as its stands this is a dead franchise.

Gadgetron

@glitched: Aha! See it isn't just me.

Brian Crecente

@Malleus: They have done the prologues before.... just makes money by using assets that are to be in the final version of the game. Even if it doesn't sell amazing its probably just easy money to make off what basically is just part of the final product.

Kyle81

As nice as the game looks, I just think its too expensive. I'll wait till the full version probably unless I can get a copy cheap.... the 16 player online sounds nice.

Kyle81

A better question is why would anyone pay 40 bucks for a glorified demo. :/

Seems kinda ridiculous to me, they should just get on with actually shipping the final product.

Malleus

I really don't want to buy what equals an online multi-player demo, but I can't help it. If it's the only was I can have my online Turismo for another year, I'll take it, no I'll take 3!

WoodyNvincible

It's just you.

glitched

I know you get 'alot' for your $40 but I'll hold tight and buy the full experience instead.

Nascar

So, you get a hard copy that you can re-sell and a bonus video ... for the same price as a download that takes up a lot of HD space and gives you no physical media? Why would anyone download it?

jayntampa

Because this is always how Gran Turismo does it, that's why.

I'll pass on the game totally, though. Racing sims aren't my bag, baby.

~

Hiroken

April? this has been out in Japan for three weeks. This is freaking lame.

DrunkRaba

$40... jeez...
I want but... we'll see how much it is in Europe, then I'll decide..

Zeouterlimits

@TinyLightning:

dumbest comment of the day goes too..

qBIRD

@mast3r_blast3r: I ordered the JP version in Dec.

DEFINITELY worth the $40 imo. Better than most $60 games.

I did the same, and totally agree. I'd rate GT5 Prologue as better value than Assassin's Creed. For one, it has 100x the replay value and I've already spent more time playing it (even though I only got it last week).

Doshu

Silly. I want a game. Not a prologue.

AaronMD

@jayntampa:

Because dl'd games typically run with less hitches and faster loading times because you cut out the slow ass Blue Ray disk read speed.

Anyway what the hell is this? Is it a full game? Is it most of a game? I'm so confused, and because of that i'm going to avoid it entirely and play my beautiful Forza 2 instead.

Morberis

Does it have local multiplayer? That's what stopped me from importing it.

Roflcopter_Down

@Strangelove:

Actually Bungie beat Polyphony to the punch with Halo 3. $60 for a Beta that came with Crackdown.

nine07

Calling this a demo is a insult to Polyphany Digital. Name one "demo" that has anywhere near the quality and the quantity that GT5: Prologue has?

Buttah

Here's what they should have done:

Option 1: For those that bought this demo, you get a discount or a rebate if you want the full game.

Option 2: Reduce the price of this to 25-30.00

ssjmichael

@homernoy:When you buy the full game.

homernoy

@valkyriex:Well, it better be a lot for than "just a demo" if you pay $40 fucking dollars for it, then shell out $60 when the full game is released. Are you saying the full game will include none of this "demo" content? If not, your doubling up on quite a bit you already paid for.

homernoy

So, of those 60 cars, are 20 of them skyline variations and another 20 evo variations, or do we get something better?

I read the japanese version had 37 cars, so do we get more selection, or is it that the different variations of a car count multiple times in the american market?

munchausen

@slacker164:

I agree totally. If this was called GT5 and not GT5 prologue, people wouldn't have anything to say.

valkyriex

I don't understand people who say this is "just a demo". Most demos you download today give you 2 short stages to play that takes 10 minutes to get through. This "demo" give you 60 vehicles, 16 races, and FREE online multiplayer. I will probably spend more hours on this "demo" than most full games out there. $40 is a bargain for the amount of time I could spend on this game.

valkyriex

@Strangelove: Well I'm saying,
Gran Turismo 5: Prologue isn't a demo/beta for Gran Turismo 5, since they are just making it available to help ease the wait for the full game. If you want a demo, there is already one on PSN for free. Without 5 tracks, more cars, and multiplayer. That is a demo.

My point for my first post in this thread, is 40 dollars really that much money? I just fail to see any PS3 adopter, considering 40 dollars outrageous.

logicaldefense

I'll pay $40 cause its worth $40 to me. Thats all I really care about. Don't buy it if it isn't worth it for you. There are people who buy $300 shoes, I could care less where you spend your money.

kimchimonkey

@logical:

I do find it important to state I wouldn't support a $40 fraction of a game. It's called an opinion.

If the game is indeed complete, why wouldn't they just release the full game then? Oh, yeah, to gouge people for $40.

@rawg:

Wasn't the GT4P $20? My point is that they're charging almost full game price for a fraction of the final game.

Look, I'm sure the game will be great and all, and I know that PS3 owners are looking forward to it, but $40? To me, that's insulting. And if you support this decision by buying it, who's to say that other companies won't follow suit? I guess it would have to be a proven IP or the developer would likely keep it free to spur interest, but I just can't believe how much they're charging.

Strangelove

@Strangelove: The precedent was already set with GT4: Prologue.

rawg

I remember when sony fanboys use too laugh their asses off when the "horse armor came up and said..."wow Microshaft is going deep into your rectums"...now this is a glorified demo and people are actually happy for it...my the times have changed.

Snukadaman

@Strangelove: Well being a beta+demo is clearly stating that the game is unfinished.

Prologue is complete, technically. If they released "Gran Turismo 5", claiming it was unfinished for 40 dollars, then it would be a different story. Prologue is a prologue. A stand alone.

It's nice to know that people find it important to state that they are clearly NOT going to shell out money for something they DON'T have to buy. There will be thousands who will buy this on the other hand.

logical

I've played some pretty in-depth betas and demos in my day, and they've all been free.

What kind of precedent does this set? Why wouldn't, say, Bungie charge for the Halo 4 multiplayer beta? Why wouldn't other companies push betas/demos before the game comes out and charge? I can see something like paying a $10 preorder and getting a copy of the beta/demo, but under no circumstances would I pay $40.

To those defending 5 tracks and 60 cars as more than a demo, in a game that will probably have several dozen tracks and several hundred cars, it's not equivalent of the 2/3 full price point.

Strangelove

The game is still not complete. This is the equivalent of getting a handjob on your honeymoon!

Acute Gamer

For 40 bucks, it better come with a short-throw shifter.

terraform

It's too high because like many people said before, it's $40 now and $60 later for the full experience. It's no doubt more than a "demo", but it's still not complete.

So will this prologue/demo continue to work online when the full version is released and allow you to race with owners of the full game? If so, that's one thing, if not, then that's not cool since it would force a $60 "upgrade" to keep playing.

KnightRider

Sadly, this is the only reason I would buy a PS3. But the game, like the console, don't justifie pulling out my wallet..... not yet.

Acute Gamer

Pricepoint @ 40 bucks.

How is that too high??

logical

have you forgotten that GTA IV is also on 360?

no, I don't think this glorified demo will be enough to unseat the 360.

soweeee

RastaSega

This is like Warhawk almost: the fun, multiplayer version of GT5.

60 cars, 5 courses, and 16 players online will tide people over till GT5 hits. $40 is a bit steep, but all things considered it's reasonable.

I'll pass though, as i'm not a fan of the series.

mrantimatter

@rallyRays: It costs retailers significantly more than 50% of a games retail price. Stores don't make much profit off games all things considered. Peripherals are a different story though.

Yakuzaice

I really wonder how many people would treat this game as a "lesser" GT5 if they hadn't mentioned it being the "prologue" to the later released title...

Candlejack

damn no europe release date?

TaMs

@Seiryuu: @Silent_Shark: By that logic, when the full game comes out, can I buy that for $20 because I have all the other that stuff I already have in the demo? $40 is too much to pay. Period. The download should at least be $10 cheaper.

ibelli

@jip100:

GT4 Prologue did GT4 no harm? GT4 was the worst selling one of the series. Of course it might not be the prologue's fault, but who knows.

I wonder if GT5 will sell better than GT4, seeing as there are a lot more PS2s out there than PS3s now.

Rayonic

Guess I'm buying a PS3 in April.

Tuxy79

I think the fact that it's a taste of the epic GT5 experience, gamers are thinking it's a 'demo'.

From speaking with the people who have this game already, all of them feel extremely satisfied with the game.

I think $40 for a quality product with 40 cars, online racing, online television and great gameplay is well worth it.

Besides, it will most likely differ a good deal from the GT5 release during the holidays or early next year. If you have the patience, I suppose you can wait.

sascha23

Er...$40 is a fine price for 60 cars, 5 tracks, 16-player online, GT-TV and more.

Sony and Konami should agree to launch MGS4 in early April as well...that'd help if PS3 got all 3 of those big games in the same month.

Pai Pai Master

I have this game from JP release and I love it, although I don't like the Online Play too m uch because people are stupid on it most of the time.

djricekcn

@ExtremeOne316:
GTA is on the 360, and i can guarantee that the 360 version will be cleaner like all the other games that are multiplatformed.

I am pretty sure I am going to pick up this game, which I have been waiting for to buy a ps3.

jmorrallee

Is this game going to be worth $100 or $60? That's the real question.

gordon_shumway

oh yeah, i hope they fix the issue where the driver wouldn't actually shift gears (stick shift or paddle shift) in the demo of gt5 prologue that was on the JPSN store

kw4k

The demo talk is absurd. I'm guessing anyone calling it a demo has never played a GT prologue title. The typical GT prologue title (this isn't the first one) is larger and deeper than the vast majority of racing games out there. If Sony really wanted to, they could probably get away with calling this game GT5 and the upcoming one GT6 and charging $60 each (EA sports style). Instead they charge a bit less for the incomplete iterations and call them prologues. If you don't like the business model, then don't buy it, but don't make up stuff about this being a demo.

slacker164

@Malleus: Just like St. Andreas sold better on the original XBox?

If you're going to make up stuff at least do us the favor of researching past sales first.

I can bet you that after release the sales will be pretty close.

zoesch

The best car racing game demo > all the other racing games.

I like people who are pretending they won't buy it. Most of em don't even have a PS3.

Epic lulz.

BD

The PS3 will do better in April than the 360

ExtremeOne316

to all assuming this is a demo: it's got 60 cars, 16 player online, and 5 tracks. well, the tracks may seem like a slim number, but since when do demo's offer 60 cars?? most demo's offer a mere 3-5, if not 1. as for me, i'll be gettin' this on day one.

kw4k

how do you ppl justify this game is a demo when a demo usually consist of 1 car and 1 track selection along with a time limit.

some ppl just dont get it....

sigh

sexyj

KNOCK IT OFF WITH THE WHOLE DEMO CRAP! I like how Polyphony Digital are releasing a "Prologue" game that pisses all over ANY other driving game period. I feel sorry for all of those people who like driving games who won't be picking this one up. The final product will be close to driving nirvana if it's only half as good as its predecessors. I just can't wait for the english language one to come out, so I can understand what all the settings mean...

DON KING

Got the Japan version last month, and was very disappointed. Yes they have made a game with great graphics, but the AI is awful. The AI cars stay on a fixed line no matter where you are and just slam into if your in the way as apposed to readjusting their line. And with no damage model they get away with it. Online modes aren't great and there isn't that much to do overall. Don't get me wrong I still like Gran Turismo and am looking forward to the full game, but the only thing thats next gen about it so far are the graphics. Don't let the fanboys fool you into thinking different.

steve86uk

@nine07: In other words, being a fanboy has it's price ;)

zlimness

@ceilingFANBOY: got shrinkage: You're right that people who are *only* interested in GTA might be better off with the x360 version but I think that's not a very large segment of the population.

I would argue that the "hardcore" gamers have alreay made their decision in 2007 and they tend to be XBOX or multiplatform gamers.

The majority of the remaining gamers played GTA on PS2 and are probably also fans of other PS platform exclusives like GT, FF, MGS or GOW in addition to GTA. When they do finally decide to graduate to next-gen they'll be doing it for more than just one game.

When GTA does come out, alongside MGS and GT:P, it will give these holdbacks the reason they need to buy that Bluray player everyone's been talking about.

I think it will drive PS3 sales.

rawg

No.
I love some Gran Turismo, but no matter what they call it or add to it, it's a DEMO. Are we that desparate? Why? Did Gran Turismo 4 suck? Then why go crazy to get a shred of GT5 when we already have a sweet sim?

I'm going to wait. Either that, or I'll check the car list, buy prologue and ONLY prologue. Buy the same game twice? Not for MGS, and definitely not for GT.

fuchikoma

Just look at it this way... you buy the "demo" (a beefy one) and buy the full version a year or so later. It's like buying Madden 07 and 08, but you're only paying $100 total instead of $120! It's a damn bargain!

(btw, there's no chance in hell I'm buying this demo unless they announce that owners will be credited $40 towards the purchase of the full game... and we know that's not happening!)

KnightRider

Wow, look at all these people who are willing to purchase a demo. =P I'll wait for GT5 (full game).

DigitalHero

@ExtremeOne316:

You know GTAIV is coming to 360 right (with exclusive downloads only for the 360 version)? GTAIV is going to increase the installed base of the 360 a lot more than it will the PS3. The 360 version will easily outsell the PS3 version 3:1.

The PS3 will start making serious gains on the 360 this Fall when its price is down to $300. The PS3 Fall lineup is pretty damn good.

skullivan

@koztah: I think it's how the cockpit view is done.

ceilingFANBOY: got shrinkage

They did this with 4, as well as reasing 2 concept versions. These only came out in Asia, and frankly I'm very surprised that this Prologue is coming out in the states. It's not something that I feel would really do well in the US market. The final game however, is what's going to get me to buy a PS3, since it's one of my top 3 franchises. (Dynasty Warriors and Dragon Quest being the other two)

Prophane33

I don't understand how cockpit view is an innovation - the first Gran Turismo had it, with cockpits for each car IIRC.

koztah

I think many of us have considered this fact. We considered it lasttime Prologue was released for GT4 and it's nothing new now like you guys make out to be as if there were some kind of Fox news alert we should all care about.

I will say it again, There is a GT5: Prologue demo available on PSN. And NO GT:HD is not GT5: Prologue Demo. Infact, I believe the GT:HD demo was taken down due to the Prologue demo going up. If you want to demo the game, make a Japanese PSN and download GT5:Prologue. If you want the actual Prologue Game, then it's $40 for roughly the same amount of content as other $60 racing games bar Forza Motorsport. Polyphony digital isn't making any of you buy it so if you don't want it, don't get it. Really it's no different than folks spending $60 on the Halo 3 online only beta. (because be honest, that's all it really was, Crackdown without Halo 3 wouldn't have sold no-where near as many copies.) And then folks spend upwards of $120 on the Legendary edition.

nine07

is this going to support the Logitech G25's H-shifting?

bubuli

@ceilingFANBOY: got shrinkage: Yeah same. GT5 is the main reason I'm picking up a PS3 for, and I want to get my moneys worth. Besides, I'm not in a hurry. But it will get a date eventually and I'm not expecting them to stand by that date.

So, what I'm saying is, I'm probably picking up the PS3 GT5 bundle when it's out :)

zlimness

@Luke:

GTTV is not a spectator mode. It is a channel showing various motorsports IRL and other automotive shows such as Top Gear in High Def.

Im glad the AM Morrison 3G vette is finally in the game

duphman2

btw, Crecente, 60 cars? According to the official website, there's 37 cars. Is it a typo or is it unlockable bonus content not listed on the site?

zlimness

tempting but... I'll wait for the full product

tamago007

@zlimness: This is one of those games that I don't mind getting release date bumps because I know that they are delaying it in order to make the game better. Then again, it technically has never had a release date, so it can't be bumped.

ceilingFANBOY: got shrinkage

Man, I sure do love the concept of paying 40 dollars for a demo!

Stormrider (XBL: Lilarcor)

Man, the full game is so not going to be out anytime soon. Kaz probably has to lower his ambitions from previous games. 700 cars with interior in 1080p, engine sampling and the much rumored damage modeling? Seems highly unlikely unless he expects us to wait till 2011.

But then again, a release date hasn't even been set, and with every GT release comes at least one years delay or so. Any year is possible at this point, except 2008.

And for those who don't think it's wasteful to spend $40 on Prologue, have you considered the fact that you're going to pay twice for the same content? If you plan on buying the full game (which you probably are considering you're paying almost full price for a fraction of the content just because you can't wait).

zlimness

Why are people reacting as if this is the first GT prologue? Cuz it's not, and it has nothing to do with anyone's shortcomings. I can guarantee that despite the 40 dollar price tag for a "glorified demo", GT5 Prologue will sell millions. Millions of people want their GT, and are willing to pay an extra 40 bucks to get their taste earlier.

dgonchild

So Sony's giving people the privilege of paying two thirds the price of a full game for an extended demo that has its own demo already?

Syril

i think this is probably why they never really pushed the Prologues here; they know only the rabid fans will purchase it AND the full game. I don't think this is for everyone.

GT HD was just a pretty version of 4. I have the Tokyo Autoshow version of GT 5 Prologue and that played great. This should be well worth the money.

jp182

Anyone know if we will be getting points cards in stores, a la Wii and Xbox?

I only figured out how to sign up for a Japanese PSN account last night, and I was very disappointed that Prologue was no longer available for free download. Oh, well. I guess this is better than nothing.

PlayerX

''m not sure if this is the best way to roll out a triple-A title. Hit the jump for the official fact sheet and a batch of new screens.'

Well GT4: Prologue did GT4 no harm

jip100

@ExtremeOne316:

I can guarantee you that GTAIV will sell way more units on the 360 than it will on the PS3. It is multiplatform why would it push people to buying a PS3 when only the extra downloadable content will be coming to XBLM? If anything die hard GTA fans will want the 360 version.

Malleus

@ExtremeOne316: Is GTA going to help the PS3 gain extra ground on the 360? It's a multiformat game and has more features on the 360. Sure, there will be some people that will say that they were planning on buying a PS3 and this game finally being out allows them to justify buying it, but people buying a system just for GTA will probably buy the 360.

ceilingFANBOY: got shrinkage

@Nascar: Yeah, I'm with you on that.

brello

Correction: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Buyers Dated , Raped

gMC

I think calling GT Prologue a demo isn't doing it justice. It's got more features than some full games.

I'll be downloading it from the PSN because I don't like to have to swap disks.

@Sloopydrew: Sony probably has an agreement with their retailers not to undercut them on PSN so the prices would have to be the same.

rawg

April will be the month the PS3 makes some serious gains on The 360 with GT 5 Prologue and GTA IV in the same month.

ExtremeOne316

I think they are charging $40 for it because of the weakness of the dollar atm. In GBP that's roughly £20, which is half what you'd pay for a game (and for some games it's less than half). What you're buying is the new game engine, 60 cars, online racing, 5 tracks and a subscription to GTTV. Assuming there are no future payments for the TV channel, it sounds pretty good value.

Silent_Shark

That's on my birthday. I'll sucker someone into buying it for me. :)

sdr309

prologue is a glorified demo. whoever pays for this is dumb. but then again i bought tobal no.1 for ff7demo back in the day

diablofreak

I am no racing game fan, I think I've played two and both were on PC(Not counting old arcade racers in this).

In my mind this doesn't sound like a demo. 60 cars, 5 tracks and 16vs online play? A racing demo, again I am not experienced in them, would seem more feasible with 3 cars, 1 track with no online play.

As for the price, I would not pay 40 dollars for a racing game because I do not buy them. Thats just me.

As for cheaper price for DL, they probably said we want to charge 40 for the download version. Charge them 40 for the retail and give them a hard copy. Retail you can take to a friends house, loan it out and never have to wait for it to download.

In summary 40 might be more then most are willing to pay but I do not think its right to call what they are offering a demo.

invictus

@Seruza:

The reason we condemn it is because with this model you are ultimately going to pay 100 bucks for the full game experience by the time you buy this piece and the full game when it comes out. The only way this would be acceptable in my eyes would be for them to offer a discount to those who bought this when the full game comes out. You are just basically paying to play a portion of the game early.....playing a portion of a game early is indeed called a demo regardless of the amount of content. Is the amount worth 40 bucks? That is a personal opinion but what should not be argued here is that by purchasing this you will be telling developers that they can charge for an incomplete version of their game in addition to charging full price for the actual game when its released and trust me...that is not something you want to be saying with your wallet in the long run.

Malleus

60 cars is a lot of cars, even for a demo, but not for a GT game I guess,
it has online, it has 5 tracks, I'd say it's on par with Warhawk as far as value goes, not quite a full game but would still bring you enjoyment.

tehfluffzcomeback

Possibly they kept the price point for the Prologue at $40 to actually assume they're going to sell some of this version, to a bunch of people who won't shell out the $60 on the "full" version?

I mean that I still gulp when I spend $60 on a game, now $40 is much easier to handle (all about perspective I suppose). So, they release a super-feature-rich "demo" that rivals most other full games, plug a $40 price tag on it and viola. Folks like me are on it like hot butter and bread.

Then, for the other "die hards" they'll buy both versions, and other stalwarts will buy just the $60 version later. It is Win-Win for them, and Win-Win for consumer, depending on the category of gamer you are.

MokTaskmaster

I'm scared that 5 won't make it this year so I'll be picking this one up. I gotta take advantage of my new 1080p tv I bought last week.

Sollus

"Race more than 60 high-performance and exhaustively detailed cars, including vehicles from Ferrari, Audi, -Nissan- and Mitsubishi."

"Nissan" uh-oh. Half of the sixty cars will be Skylines.

JenovasWitness

I wonder if the full version will be cheaper if you already own Prologue...

Cappy

They should have just called this Gran Turismo 5 and then when what they are now calling Gran Turismo 5 comes out, call that Gran Turismo 6. There, problem solved. It really does seem like it's more of a naming problem than anything else. The game looks to be as full featured, maybe even more featured, than any of the other GT games. Then again, if they removed the Prologue from the title, they would probably add $20 to the cost to balance things out, so I'll just keep my mouth shut. Pretend you didn't see this comment.

ceilingFANBOY: got shrinkage

Grand Theft Auto on your mind, Brian?

"The precursor to GTA5 will include 60 vehicles, [...]"

aurahack

Wait, Gran Turismo TV? That's not a new thing to racing games. You could watch the top racers in the world with PGR3. And for the in-cockpit view, Dirt had that going for it. Those are not the innovations that they make it sound like.

The only downside I see to this is that it's only 5 courses. Well, 10 as they are reversible. That's not as many as most other racing games. However, for $40, with 60 cars and the ability to race other folks, I'd say it's well worth it.

Luke

@Seiryuu: do they charge you for wallpapers and messenger icons on it?. Or are you able to make/get your own?

Wallpapers and themes are free from the store and you can make and add your own stuff as you please. You can load it up with Nintendo themed wallpapers and icons if you want, and I've actually seen them on sites like ps3themes.com (or something like that).

MrFuzzypaws

@Kj719: THanks for clearing that up...because that GT HD sucked balls

J-LI-L-i-LI-S

Oh yea sooooo buying this.... I have absolutely no driving games right now and I am a big Grand Taurismo fan so yes sir getting this....now I am deciding between buying it online or buying it at a retail store.

Streeks1984

I cant buy this simply because I don't want to further encourage paying for demos. Atleast MS threw a free beta of H3 if you purchased Crackdown(IMO a ok game).
I don't want to pay for Socom PS3 beta because this scam made so much money they decided to expand the idea.

mikeluisortega

I drool, endlessly. My car-racing heart is aflutter with the PS3.

mariospants

$40 bucks for that? No way in hell. I can still buy a full Wii game at that price.

Hunter8man

I cant read anywhere if it is going to include real damage, im really hoping they do. I'm After playing, Forza2/Dirt i cant go back to bumper car racing...

CYG

and yet, still no damage modeling. Yes, the patch will come, the patch will come.

soundgarden

@thegunshow: we're all entitled to our own opinion.

the ps3 being overpriced is a separate conversation entirely. If it's the best value for you then good for you!

I'm just saying no one should be paying that much for a demo. No matter how good the game supposedly is.

RastaSega

@SPni:

I'm not a troll and I have read what's included.

It's still NOT worth $40 for a demo! then again you'll probably just ask your mommy to get you both games anyway.

You're giving way to their shortcomings and end up spending more for the same game.

suit yourself.

at the end of the day... it's still a demo of a game that will eventually release. congrats

RastaSega

Sounds like they found a way to make people pay a year subscription without them noticing it. Bravo.

Fabrice

$40 is alot, but if they were to do a deal like "if you bought prologue, you get GT5 for $20" that would be awesome. don't like that's going to happen, but still......

jfx316

@thegunshow: Nice post, I feel the same way.

Rzarekta

@thegunshow: Well, when you consider that your finance has been sharing her nude pictures with the rest of Kotaku for a while now and we don't have to put up with her bitching on a daily basis to see them, let alone pay $599, it does seem like you paid a bit much compared to the rest of us.

Adam In Texas

You people are starting to make me sick. Demo? You're calling this a demo? 60 cars, 5 tracks, full 16 player online racing. <--- This is not a demo by any means. This is similar to a lot of FULL racing games that cost $60. Also, this is Gran Turismo. The quality is obviously much higher than other racing games. Get it together people. Stop talking trash about things to convince yourself you don't need to buy it.

Rzarekta

@rallyRays: "The downloadable copy should be at least 25% less expensive. Then you consider SONY doesn't need to print the discs or booklets, the Blu-Ray case, shipping.... etc."

I completely agree. Sony should be promoting this method of purchase because it prevents a waste of resources. The more people buy it online, the less fucking plastic crap we will produce.

PlayerX

@RASTASEGA,

Do your fellow gamers a favour: stop posting.

CortezTheKiller

Oh dear GOD will you all just shut the **** up moaning and complaining about something you can simply choose to disregard.

You get more for your $40 here than you do for $60 in some other games, PS3, Wii or 360 - it isn't a "demo". Buy this and ignore the full version if you will. Or ignore this and just buy the full version if you must. Or buy both then sell the Prologue on later (you can still buy GT4 Prologue secondhand in my local game stores).

Whatever you do, just SHUT THE **** UP BECAUSE YOU ARE GIVING ME A HEADACHE.

CortezTheKiller

The traditionalist in me objects to this idea of charging for a demo. At the same time, there is alot of game there that definitely puts it beyond a mere demo. I wouldn't pay as much for it, but I would pay some money for it (20-30 dollars).

Rocky_Winston

It's a demo. Content doled out to the fans that will eventually arrive in full form, later down the road. That is what a demo is. Even if it has "all of those features," it's still a demo, because those features will be in the final game. Anyone who pays $40 for this is an outright idiot.

Hypersteric

They need to set up a deal where you can download/buy the demo for $40, and then when the $60 full version comes out you can just pay them a $25 "upgrade" and download the rest.

AustinMiniMan

I bought the Japanese copy a few weeks ago. Great looking game. I don't understand any of it though.....

ctoa23 (PSN= ctoa23)

@Luke:

Erm... That's not what Gran Turismo TV is.

samdu

@Fabrice:

That's a good point, actually. Esp. with the other big franchise title MGS4 supposedly being sold as a single-player game with the multiplayer game sold separately (which, if successful, could set a precedent that will be abhorred by gamers everywhere). Between the two big franchises most PS3 owners will inevitably pay $100 for a game, and that's before future DLC content that will be released. That is $40 more than a game should cost ($60 more imho, as I don't think any game should be priced over $40 -- but that's a whole 'nother story) and is exactly what 13 months of XBL cost me. Sneaky.

Sloopydrew

I'm buying this because I can't wait for GT5 to be released. Anyone who CAN wait can keep whining about the price.

ohhello

According to Sony, when the final version of GT5 comes out, there will be an update for GT5 prologe to become the final GT5.

tamago007

@jayntampa: For all the reasons others have stated and hard drive access is much quicker than disc access speeds. Hell, I'd put all of my games on the hard drive if they'd fit.

Brendar

$40 is nothing. I basically paid 60 euros for MGS2 demo back in 2001 as it came with Zone of the Enders. Luckily ZOE was a good game too.

chopchopmasteronion

@nine07: @chopchopmasteronion:

But at least you got a full copy of a game with the demo/beta. I bought Zone of the Enders for the exact same purpose, and I ended up liking that game a lot. Crackdown, while not my cup of tea, was received pretty well and my buddy enjoyed it immensely. If they were to package the prologue with a retail game, I would have absolutely no issue.

Strangelove

This just makes me think the full game will take longer to come out now. I would imagine it's a small part of the game. I imagine how much the full version will cost if this one already costs $40.

Nik2045