| Gran Turismo 4: Prologue Signature Edition Review [PS2] |
Category : Driving
Platform : PS2
Posted by: Ben
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GT4 Prologue
Gran Turismo 4: Prologue EditionGran Turismo 3 is without doubt the best racing game on the Playstation 2, and arguably the definitive racing game on any platform, so I have to admit to being more than a little excited about the sequel. Since this has now slipped to the end of 2004 at the earliest, Polyphonic have brought us a pre-release version called Gran Turismo 4: Prologue Signature Edition. This extended demo features five tracks, over fifty cars and the complete set of licence tests.
For this privilege Sony are charging Joe Public £20, or $37. So what new features does this extended demo bring over GT3? First up, it has improved graphics. Whilst on first impression you will think not much has changed, after going back to GT3 afterwards it is clear that the new graphics are sharper, less jagged and smoother. In terms of handling, there isn’t much difference at all, although response with a wheel is more realistic. Common complaints about the previous incarnation were a lack of damage, limited AI and a limitation of six opponents per race. Have any of these niggles been fixed? The answer is a resounding no, no and no. You can still crash into barriers at 200mph without injury, the AI drivers still hug the racing line like magnets and there are only 6 other cars on track.
Instead of damage, polyphonic have introduced a penalty system designed to punish drivers for bouncing off walls and opponents instead of slowing down and driving properly. This is all well and dandy, except that it doesn’t really work properly. The gentlest scuff on some corners will see you forced to drive at 50kph (30mph) for ten whole seconds while the competition zoom off into the distance, where as other corners you can smash into without issue. Also, if another car drives into me, why should I be penalised? Naturally I shouldn’t be, but in this demo you are – a lot.
This frustration aside, what else does Prologue bring? Not a great deal to be honest. Five tracks, only three of which you can race on with opponents (which need to be enabled in the options menu), and a host of highly dull and frustrating licence tests. One thing that has always amazed me about the whole series is why there are quite so many tests you need to pass before you can get into the meat of the game. What does GT4 do? It adds more tests than ever; they now span three screens. Overall, this game is a shoddy pre release demo with some issues that need to be seriously addressed before the full game goes gold. If it were given away free with a magazine I would be overjoyed, but as it is, for £20, it’s quite simply an outrage.
Rating – Very Poor
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