Today marks the oh-so-happy day that SCEA releases its highly-anticipated Gran Tourismo 5 Prologue. The Blu-Ray version hits the streets as of today, while the downloadable version will be available on the PLAYSTATION Store at 12:01 AM EDT on April 17. While the Blu-Ray version will include an exclusive behind-the-scenes HD video feature called “Beyond the Apex,” both versions will be available for $39.99 (kinda seems stupid to download it then).
With screenshots of Prologue looking more real than reality itself, a big question to emerge is whether driving videogames can be used as simulators, perhaps improving upon the terrible driver education programs that exist today. In the latest episode of Garage 419, Gran Turismo director Kazunori Yamauchi reveals that he wholeheartedly supports this idea, and also gives us his personal perspective on all things GT5.
via AutoBlog
Sony has signed a deal with the BBC that will allow players to download episodes of Top Gear through Gran Turismo TV. GT TV is a channel on the PlayStation Network that will provide the latest news and content from the motoring world. In addition to being able to watch Top Gear, Gran Turismo 5 will feature the Top Gear Test Track to test your times on, and maybe beat the Stig’s personal best. Polyphony Digital president Kazunori Yamauchi had this to say about the partnership:
“We at Polyphony are great fans of the world’s best motoring programme, Top Gear, so we’re delighted to be collaborating with BBC Worldwide to deliver Top Gear content via Gran Turismo. We’re sure that players will be as thrilled as we are when they get the chance to put their own driving skills to the test on the Top Gear Test Track in GT5, as well as enjoying classic episodes of Top Gear via GT TV.”
GT TV is expected to launch in 2008, and the BBC will be providing 40 episodes of Top Gear for download.
