Hey folks.., now that I've had this game for a week and have spent countless hours playing it (and collecting cars) I wanted to give my opinions on the title.
I should start off by pointing out that this game is so HEAVY in its graphic content that "many" of the HD TV's people own may have some trouble with the graphics. This title is not only listed as 1080p.., but it's actually "up-converted" to a higher level. This (along with other hardware limitations on some older models) will pose as a problem. Some TV's (even though they're 1080p HD) have trouble with the "up-conversion". Your TV's refresh rate will also most likely be an issue. There are many HD's out there that are still only 60Hz on the refresh rate. Walmart still sells newer model Vizio's with a refresh rate of only 60Hz.
Alrighty.., on to my thoughts.
Graphics: To sum them up in one word.., OUTSTANDING! Are they perfect.., absolutely not. However, PD did an amazing job with the graphics in this title. The cockpit/interior cams are extremely well done. The level of detail in some of the cars is just astounding. The vehicle are modeled extremely well.
There are however a few issues. Obviously the problem with shadows has come up. Some of the vehicles have issues where the drivers fingers are poking through the steering wheels from the back.., AND the biggie that has me shocked is SCREEN SLICING! I'm very surprised that screen slicing is a problem in this title.
Engine Sounds: This is a hit and miss category. When running from the interior cam the engine notes sound very digital. Also in many cases the problem isn't just the engine note.., but the "whine" of the engine far exceeds the normal volume levels. A good example are the American Muscle Cars. The engine whine is way too loud.
However.., when running in the chase cam many of the vehicles sound great. They also nailed the start up when changing vehicles. Overall I'd say the engine sounds are decent to good. I have to give the edge to Forza-3 on this one.
Controls: The controls aren't too bad. If you're a pad user and you are an XBox 360 player, using this game for the first time with a gamepad, you'll have some issues. The controllers are very different in shape and feel. Personally I think the XBox's controller is much better for gamepad use when racing. The triggers have tighter springs.., and the overall comfort of the XBox's gamepad is better for extended play IMO.
I did some remapping for my needs as well. I for the life of me cannot not and will probably never get used to using the X and Square for throttle and braking. Even though they're "pressure sensitive". I have GT for my PSP and the set up on that is just barely tolerable for me.
I will be purchasing the HKS racing controller though. That seems to be a great improvement over the traditional PS3 gamepad.
Physics: At this point I will grade the physics purely on an "arcade level" as I don't have a wheel for the PS3 (YET!). Sorry if I offend anyone when I say "arcade level".., but with all do respect.., the moment you use a gamepad.., pretty much 99.99% of "realism.., and simulation racing" is out the window
For gamepad use I'd say the physics in this title are very good.., and an improvement over the previous titles. The vehicles handle very well, and what really stands out is the feeling that the vehicles are actually "running on the tarmac". You do not get that "floaty" feeling or the impression that the vehicles turn on a center axis (like some other so called simulators.., cough cough NFS Shift).
I currently have a racing wheel.., but it's for the XBox 360. I'm getting the new Fan. GT2 with Clubsport Pedals very soon.., and with that I'll be able to do a more proper evaluation of the physics in this title.
I will say however that one area bothers me quite a bit.., and that's the exclusion of proper tire deformation in terms of how the tires respond to body roll ect. The exclusion of "Tire Pressure" is a pretty significant omission IMO. When trying to fine tune the rear end of a RWD vehicle.., Camber and Toe.., are just part of the equation. Tire Pressure..., round it out. It seems that you have to overcompensate one area or the other to make up for the inability to adjust tire pressure.
AI (Artificial Intel): Yeah.., gotta bust a gut on this topic
To use the word "Intelligent" and AI in the same sentence with this title is not applicable. The AI in this title (to be more accurate) is just (A)..., for Artificial.
It is nice to see that you can now run up against 15 AI vehicles..., however once the race starts.., BAM! let the game of AI pinball begin
The AI is certainly "line driven". They will bump and bang into you with absolutely no regard..., and obviously do not see you. At times it's actually pretty funny because if you're on the racing line and an AI vehicle shoots for that line.., if you're in the way.., well you're getting smacked. What makes it so humorous is that if you stay on the line an AI vehicle will smack you.., suddenly see you're there (back off).., within a second smack you again to see if you're still there.., and continue to do this until the line is open
Sorry folks.., but the AI in this title DOES suffer from rubber-banding. It may not be as bad as some other titles..., but it's there.
Vehicle Selection: My goodness.., where do I begin with this subject? I can't help but wonder "what the hell was PD thinking?". There are 1000+ vehicles in this title.., but it's obviously "quantity over quality". You get 200+ Premium vehicles and 800+ Standard vehicles. The difference between the two categories is not like comparing apples to oranges. It's more like comparing apples to potatoes.
What doesn't make any sense is that there are a number of vehicles in the Premium category that should be in the Standard and vice versa. When you have over 1000+ vehicles, and such a definitive line between the two categories, it would only make sense to have your 200+ Premium models be the "creme of the crop" in terms of selection. For example.., why in the hell is the Bugatti in the Standards Category? Why is a VW bus and older (military style vehicles) from the 40's in the Premiums section?
Why did they include SO many NASCAR vehicles in the Premium section? A good number of Premium slots are allocated to NASCAR. That actually raises another issue. Personally I think PD tries to pack WAY too much content into one title. It seems that they want to compete with other (more specific genres) which is fine.., but you can only realistically put so much into one title. You will always be limited (as a developer) not by your imagination.., but by the hardware limitations of the console. When you try to cover so many styles or racing in one title.., well you obviously have to cut corners in other places.
Overall I think the vehicle selection is hard to stomach simply because of how much difference there is between the two categories.., and why/how certain (very low) quality vehicles made it into the Premiums.
Vehicle Customization: You can add parts, tune, and a few other things.., but the customization options are very limited in this title. I don't know if this is really a major downside though as indepth livery editors aren't for everyone. It's certainly popular in the Forza community and WOW there are some talented artists producing custom, and real life designs for that title.
What I do find odd is how you're charged for everything. You want to change the color.., well it's gonna cost ya.., you want black rims.., but the style they have are white/gold/chrome.., it's gonna cost ya
Career Mode: The career mode isn't too bad. Personally I absolutely cannot get into the B Spec races. When I tried the first few the novelty wore off rather quickly. I don't buy racing games to play a career mode that "takes me out of the drivers seat". I do however think that the addition of the Seasonal Events was a great idea. Those races are a good way to boost up your experience and your bank account. Overall the career mode is on par with other titles IMO.
Conclusion: Even with all of the little issues PD has outdone themselves with GT5. The graphics and the overall racing experience is simply amazing. I'd be very surprised if GT5 isn't voted number one by some of the outfits out there..., and any award they win are well deserved IMO.
I'm not a console specific or fanboy of any one racing title. I own all the major gaming consoles out there (and some more vintage ones too). I play racing titles from many different developers, and enjoy them all, and appreciate what each one has to offer. GT5 will certainly get a lot of use in my home. Given how well PD has done with this title.., I'm very excited because titles like this force the other developers to up their game to compete. I can't wait to see what T-10 does with Forza and EA/SMS does with NFS-Shift. Plus it's rumored SimBin will be releasing a new title for console racing too (they're the one's who did Race Pro on the 360.., and are well known in the PC simulation market for the GTR series).
I should start off by pointing out that this game is so HEAVY in its graphic content that "many" of the HD TV's people own may have some trouble with the graphics. This title is not only listed as 1080p.., but it's actually "up-converted" to a higher level. This (along with other hardware limitations on some older models) will pose as a problem. Some TV's (even though they're 1080p HD) have trouble with the "up-conversion". Your TV's refresh rate will also most likely be an issue. There are many HD's out there that are still only 60Hz on the refresh rate. Walmart still sells newer model Vizio's with a refresh rate of only 60Hz.
Alrighty.., on to my thoughts.
Graphics: To sum them up in one word.., OUTSTANDING! Are they perfect.., absolutely not. However, PD did an amazing job with the graphics in this title. The cockpit/interior cams are extremely well done. The level of detail in some of the cars is just astounding. The vehicle are modeled extremely well.
There are however a few issues. Obviously the problem with shadows has come up. Some of the vehicles have issues where the drivers fingers are poking through the steering wheels from the back.., AND the biggie that has me shocked is SCREEN SLICING! I'm very surprised that screen slicing is a problem in this title.
Engine Sounds: This is a hit and miss category. When running from the interior cam the engine notes sound very digital. Also in many cases the problem isn't just the engine note.., but the "whine" of the engine far exceeds the normal volume levels. A good example are the American Muscle Cars. The engine whine is way too loud.
However.., when running in the chase cam many of the vehicles sound great. They also nailed the start up when changing vehicles. Overall I'd say the engine sounds are decent to good. I have to give the edge to Forza-3 on this one.
Controls: The controls aren't too bad. If you're a pad user and you are an XBox 360 player, using this game for the first time with a gamepad, you'll have some issues. The controllers are very different in shape and feel. Personally I think the XBox's controller is much better for gamepad use when racing. The triggers have tighter springs.., and the overall comfort of the XBox's gamepad is better for extended play IMO.
I did some remapping for my needs as well. I for the life of me cannot not and will probably never get used to using the X and Square for throttle and braking. Even though they're "pressure sensitive". I have GT for my PSP and the set up on that is just barely tolerable for me.
I will be purchasing the HKS racing controller though. That seems to be a great improvement over the traditional PS3 gamepad.
Physics: At this point I will grade the physics purely on an "arcade level" as I don't have a wheel for the PS3 (YET!). Sorry if I offend anyone when I say "arcade level".., but with all do respect.., the moment you use a gamepad.., pretty much 99.99% of "realism.., and simulation racing" is out the window
For gamepad use I'd say the physics in this title are very good.., and an improvement over the previous titles. The vehicles handle very well, and what really stands out is the feeling that the vehicles are actually "running on the tarmac". You do not get that "floaty" feeling or the impression that the vehicles turn on a center axis (like some other so called simulators.., cough cough NFS Shift).
I currently have a racing wheel.., but it's for the XBox 360. I'm getting the new Fan. GT2 with Clubsport Pedals very soon.., and with that I'll be able to do a more proper evaluation of the physics in this title.
I will say however that one area bothers me quite a bit.., and that's the exclusion of proper tire deformation in terms of how the tires respond to body roll ect. The exclusion of "Tire Pressure" is a pretty significant omission IMO. When trying to fine tune the rear end of a RWD vehicle.., Camber and Toe.., are just part of the equation. Tire Pressure..., round it out. It seems that you have to overcompensate one area or the other to make up for the inability to adjust tire pressure.
AI (Artificial Intel): Yeah.., gotta bust a gut on this topic
To use the word "Intelligent" and AI in the same sentence with this title is not applicable. The AI in this title (to be more accurate) is just (A)..., for Artificial. It is nice to see that you can now run up against 15 AI vehicles..., however once the race starts.., BAM! let the game of AI pinball begin
The AI is certainly "line driven". They will bump and bang into you with absolutely no regard..., and obviously do not see you. At times it's actually pretty funny because if you're on the racing line and an AI vehicle shoots for that line.., if you're in the way.., well you're getting smacked. What makes it so humorous is that if you stay on the line an AI vehicle will smack you.., suddenly see you're there (back off).., within a second smack you again to see if you're still there.., and continue to do this until the line is open Sorry folks.., but the AI in this title DOES suffer from rubber-banding. It may not be as bad as some other titles..., but it's there.
Vehicle Selection: My goodness.., where do I begin with this subject? I can't help but wonder "what the hell was PD thinking?". There are 1000+ vehicles in this title.., but it's obviously "quantity over quality". You get 200+ Premium vehicles and 800+ Standard vehicles. The difference between the two categories is not like comparing apples to oranges. It's more like comparing apples to potatoes.
What doesn't make any sense is that there are a number of vehicles in the Premium category that should be in the Standard and vice versa. When you have over 1000+ vehicles, and such a definitive line between the two categories, it would only make sense to have your 200+ Premium models be the "creme of the crop" in terms of selection. For example.., why in the hell is the Bugatti in the Standards Category? Why is a VW bus and older (military style vehicles) from the 40's in the Premiums section?
Why did they include SO many NASCAR vehicles in the Premium section? A good number of Premium slots are allocated to NASCAR. That actually raises another issue. Personally I think PD tries to pack WAY too much content into one title. It seems that they want to compete with other (more specific genres) which is fine.., but you can only realistically put so much into one title. You will always be limited (as a developer) not by your imagination.., but by the hardware limitations of the console. When you try to cover so many styles or racing in one title.., well you obviously have to cut corners in other places.
Overall I think the vehicle selection is hard to stomach simply because of how much difference there is between the two categories.., and why/how certain (very low) quality vehicles made it into the Premiums.
Vehicle Customization: You can add parts, tune, and a few other things.., but the customization options are very limited in this title. I don't know if this is really a major downside though as indepth livery editors aren't for everyone. It's certainly popular in the Forza community and WOW there are some talented artists producing custom, and real life designs for that title.
What I do find odd is how you're charged for everything. You want to change the color.., well it's gonna cost ya.., you want black rims.., but the style they have are white/gold/chrome.., it's gonna cost ya
Career Mode: The career mode isn't too bad. Personally I absolutely cannot get into the B Spec races. When I tried the first few the novelty wore off rather quickly. I don't buy racing games to play a career mode that "takes me out of the drivers seat". I do however think that the addition of the Seasonal Events was a great idea. Those races are a good way to boost up your experience and your bank account. Overall the career mode is on par with other titles IMO.
Conclusion: Even with all of the little issues PD has outdone themselves with GT5. The graphics and the overall racing experience is simply amazing. I'd be very surprised if GT5 isn't voted number one by some of the outfits out there..., and any award they win are well deserved IMO.
I'm not a console specific or fanboy of any one racing title. I own all the major gaming consoles out there (and some more vintage ones too). I play racing titles from many different developers, and enjoy them all, and appreciate what each one has to offer. GT5 will certainly get a lot of use in my home. Given how well PD has done with this title.., I'm very excited because titles like this force the other developers to up their game to compete. I can't wait to see what T-10 does with Forza and EA/SMS does with NFS-Shift. Plus it's rumored SimBin will be releasing a new title for console racing too (they're the one's who did Race Pro on the 360.., and are well known in the PC simulation market for the GTR series).
Last edited:
That is exactly what I was thinking!
