Poll: The Great Divide

[SuperCobraJet]

It seems GT5, if nothing else, has stirred up a plethora of polarizing controversy since its release a little over a month ago.

Even the seasonal events, which is "the modern way" to add content seems to have broken down into a continuation of the same.

Anyway, I'm just curious to see how the numbers fall on this.


I've reposted the following from another thread since it seems to personify the two basic mentalities reguarding GT5.

It's the way many games are going nowadays... Online multiplayer is becoming more and more the focus because of limitless replay value. Every other racing game has online as a core functionality... I'm sure PD intended it to be with GT5 as well. I think many posters here are just too stuck in the old GT series elitist mentality and are too unwilling to accept change. Games can't possibly stay the same forever. Hell look at FinalFantasy, one of the longest running franchises. Their latest few release have all had redesign to the core game mechanics in attempts to make the games more accessible to a wider audience(Easier). I won't argue that PD shouldn't have made the A-spec longer, because they should have and what is there has a poorly designed career path. It's clear to me that PD slacked on the offline modes and is focusing on online. Look at the patches we've seen. Mostly online fixes. I am fine with this though because to me offline is just like the campaign modes for the CallOfDuty games. It's training for multiplayer. Where you can race against actual people who can be as skilled if not more skilled than you are. Rather than racing against an easily beatable AI....

Admittedly, I have to count myself among the "old GT series elitist mentality", however I would not say I'm inadvertently unacceptable of change.
Then again, I'm not acceptable of it either, at least without some reasonable analysis of the repercussions.

I must disagree with: "Online multiplayer is becoming more and more the focus because of limitless replay value."
While it surely is the focus, and it adds play value, unless it is the focus of the player, it has very limited replay value.

No doubt GT5 follows this model.
The single player is basically a "pocked with encumbrances tutorial", to "online multiplayer".

This is a big point of division, since there was no previous online GT, if you were an enthusiast, it had to be for other reasons. Most are absent from GT5.

This change is reminiscent of "Gone with the Wind", or in this case: "Gone with Online".

"Rather than racing against an easily beatable AI...."
Apparently you never raced some of the 200 A-spec point races in GT4.

I guess being an "old GT series elitist mentality" means expecting something more for 6yrs and $60 than "online".
Not expecting that, is a tough change to accept.

 

[xNEVER-ONEx]

I rather they focus on online multiplayer. Competing against real people is way more fun than AI. I played GT3 a lot, but back then barely anybody played online games, and the technology was still very new. Now every game pretty much has to have a robust online mode to keep going for a long time.

Unfortunately, for people who spent a lot of time online, you will notice that it got short changed just like the rest of the game. The network environment is extremely unstable, the penalty system needs lots of work, a lot of restrictions are still too simplistic, there really are only 2 modes (one of which called shuffle has very limited selection of cars.)

 

[Highlandor]

I don't see any voting buttons or anything to vote for??

Isn't this supposed to be a 'poll' i.e. a vote is involved..???

 

[Jmac279]

I primarily play my games for the offline modes (NHL, Madden, GT5) and only occasionally play online, usually with or against a friend (or friends) and I know plenty of people who are the same way.

In fact, everyone I know who bought GT5 (or got it for Xmas) has not played it online with me.

It would be nice if they focused on both because you're losing a large chunk of your audience either way given that it's a franchise that built its roots in offline play. When you're talking CoD or any of the other shooter games, those games were primarily built on multiplayer to begin with. That genre has been primarily online since the days of Quake and Counter-Strike.

 

[SohnVonStig]

I'm confused, how is this a poll? Anyway I'm brand new to the GT series with GT5 and I don't think that it's an issue of old GTers being stuck in their ways or unwilling to change. GT is a racing simulator so for many people they'd like to see that portion of the game perfected rather than having online play highlighted.
Problem is that PD needs to make money and after 5 years of development for one game, they definitely need it to sell well. Part of that in this day and age is giving it some more "game-like" additions like online play.

 

[hhhwa]

The seasonal things are one of the best things about it, i know they're hit and miss in dificulty and stuff but at least they keep you interested, get you driving all sorts of cars and give you good money and XP.
The online gameplay though is as dry as pork pie, whats the point in joining a room to go on free run for 30 minutes and then some lord rams you on the first corner? Not much I heard but I suppose all the "rammers" think its a reet larf.

 

[NOS Waster]

I'm somewhat satisfied. I think the game should have come to use more complete, but the patches have begun fixing the problems, so I'm not too annoyed.

They need to give players the option to get very detailed with their restrictions. (Like Forza. I know it's on Xbox, but there's a lot of stuff to be learned from it.)

 

[snowboardfan]

I think I fall under the old brigade category; online for me just doesn't really hold much appeal, regardless of game, and GT is no exception. I've raced in a couple of online sessions in closed rooms with friends, and that was pretty fun, but for the most part my experience of playing with 'randoms' online is that a vast majority are there because they want to spoil other peoples fun. I know some people like the rush and challenge of taking on and beating other real people, but it doesn't do anything for me; each to their own though.

It's good that PD have already released a couple of patches, and I hope they continue to do so, along with adding new content - just as long as they don't abandon/ignore A/B spec just because online is the buzzword of the moment.

 

[variable_chaos]

I'm pretty satisfied with the single player game, but find the online portion lacking. (There's no option for this POV)

 

[Kaaosherra]

All I need is a custom race/event generator, and if we get it, GT5 will be the best game ever.

 

[bigjoe]

Been playing GT5 since 11/24 and have yet to go online. Doubt I will anytime soon. There is enough in the offline game to keep me happy and if PD keeps adding new events I'll stay happy. At my age i don't need to interact with a bunch of teenagers or 20 somethings...

 

[SuperCobraJet]

I think I fall under the old brigade category; online for me just doesn't really hold much appeal, regardless of game, and GT is no exception. I've raced in a couple of online sessions in closed rooms with friends, and that was pretty fun, but for the most part my experience of playing with 'randoms' online is that a vast majority are there because they want to spoil other peoples fun. I know some people like the rush and challenge of taking on and beating other real people, but it doesn't do anything for me; each to their own though.

It's good that PD have already released a couple of patches, and I hope they continue to do so, along with adding new content - just as long as they don't abandon/ignore A/B spec just because online is the buzzword of the moment.

I'm for the most part with you.

Unlike some, I've had broadband and have raced online, off and on since PGR2, including Nascar, Forza, PGR3.

I've enjoyed it and it has its place, but its old hat and can never replace a good quality single player.

GT4 was ten times the game those were, even though they had online racing.

The best part about single player is its always ready to go whenever
you are. There's no scheduling conflicts, grab-bag, lag, drops, etc.

 

[panjandrum]

I went with "Dissatisfied", but maybe not for exactly the same reasons you stated. There are some wonderful things about GT5, it certainly isn't all bad. But IMHO the good things are weighed down by a vast reeking cloud of bugs, poor design decisions, etc. (For example, we've lost pretty much every great city track, and had them replaced with wider, easier, much less challenging tracks. We've also lost most of the great "organic" tracks; those like el capitan and Seattle, which are the way they are because that's the way the land dictated they be (even if some of those are fantasy tracks). We've lost most of the tracks with elevation changes and loads of uneven tarmac. We've lost nearly all the great rally tracks. In the end, GT5 has only a single track that I really love (nurburgring), and a few that I like OK, while GT4 had about a dozen that I loved. This one issue alone would be enough for me to be dissatisfied with GT5 (seriously, this is akin to iPhoto 11, in-which Apple removed half the features, nerfed half the remaining features, and the had the audacity to call it an "upgrade"). But when you add in the extremely limited single-player campaign, the need for different tuning setups for online and offline racing (and the lack of slots to do so, meaning you really need 2 of each car you like unless you want to continually be changing settings), the over-abundence of Premium Japanese econo-boxes to the detriment of so many great historic cars, the clutch which is still just an on-off switch even with a Fanatec wheel, the utterly laughable damage, the lack of any meaningful penalty system in online racing (thus allowing drivers who just keep the pedal mashed and bounce off everything and everyone to "win"). I think if we were to collectively make an honest list of positives and negatives, the negatives would win out about 4 to 1. I really, really wanted to love GT5, but as it stands it is very disappointing.

The good news is that PD really does seem set to update it and to make things work properly. I certainly hope they follow through and make GT5 into the game is deserves to be.

 

[Uxi]

Hmm... somewhere between somewhat and satisfied. I think most of the complaining is overboard and expect to see updates. Mostly it is what it is, though, and I like it.

 

[Ritterkreuz]

I think I fall under the old brigade category; online for me just doesn't really hold much appeal, regardless of game, and GT is no exception. I've raced in a couple of online sessions in closed rooms with friends, and that was pretty fun, but for the most part my experience of playing with 'randoms' online is that a vast majority are there because they want to spoil other peoples fun. I know some people like the rush and challenge of taking on and beating other real people, but it doesn't do anything for me; each to their own though.

It's good that PD have already released a couple of patches, and I hope they continue to do so, along with adding new content - just as long as they don't abandon/ignore A/B spec just because online is the buzzword of the moment.

I also fall under the "old brigade " category. I'm not big on playing games online mostly because those that due tend to be so much better then me that I never stand a chance, which isn't much fun at all for either them or me. Give me a good single player mode any say of the week.

 

[BoneSawTX]

been playing gt5 since 11/24 and have yet to go online. Doubt i will anytime soon. There is enough in the offline game to keep me happy and if pd keeps adding new events i'll stay happy. At my age i don't need to interact with a bunch of teenagers or 20 something dbags...

fify

 

[Stumps_GTI]

I went with "Dissatisfied", but maybe not for exactly the same reasons you stated. There are some wonderful things about GT5, it certainly isn't all bad. But IMHO the good things are weighed down by a vast reeking cloud of bugs, poor design decisions, etc. (For example, we've lost pretty much every great city track, and had them replaced with wider, easier, much less challenging tracks. We've also lost most of the great "organic" tracks; those like el capitan and Seattle, which are the way they are because that's the way the land dictated they be (even if some of those are fantasy tracks). We've lost most of the tracks with elevation changes and loads of uneven tarmac. We've lost nearly all the great rally tracks. In the end, GT5 has only a single track that I really love (nurburgring), and a few that I like OK, while GT4 had about a dozen that I loved. This one issue alone would be enough for me to be dissatisfied with GT5 (seriously, this is akin to iPhoto 11, in-which Apple removed half the features, nerfed half the remaining features, and the had the audacity to call it an "upgrade"). But when you add in the extremely limited single-player campaign, the need for different tuning setups for online and offline racing (and the lack of slots to do so, meaning you really need 2 of each car you like unless you want to continually be changing settings), the over-abundence of Premium Japanese econo-boxes to the detriment of so many great historic cars, the clutch which is still just an on-off switch even with a Fanatec wheel, the utterly laughable damage, the lack of any meaningful penalty system in online racing (thus allowing drivers who just keep the pedal mashed and bounce off everything and everyone to "win"). I think if we were to collectively make an honest list of positives and negatives, the negatives would win out about 4 to 1. I really, really wanted to love GT5, but as it stands it is very disappointing.

The good news is that PD really does seem set to update it and to make things work properly. I certainly hope they follow through and make GT5 into the game is deserves to be.

I went with Somewhat Satisfied.
But I could not agree more with what you have said.
My dissatisfaction is mostly due, to what has been left out of GT5.
Like all the favoured old tracks, NO qualifying (why not ?, testing your set-up, prior to racing), NO saves during C'ships or enduro's, NO FF during replay, NO x3 speed for B-Spec (which get longer races )
Championship races are mostly too short, maybe two event.. some even with one ! 🤬 Get real.....And an American C'ship ( 1 race ) held at Monza....WTF ! 👎
The Dealerships...Finding a car from "X" country, can be difficult if you don't know what vehicles they make.
ONE second hand car yard. ??

I'm pretty much old school GT too I guess, and no amount of "online GT" will ever satisfy me.
I have 8 mates, buddy's or what ever your term for friends is, online. But because we all come from different corners, catching a "mate" to race with online can be tough.
So, yes....I would have much preferred that PD had put a LOT more effort into the "off-line" side of the game.

I DO however, still LOVE the game....the graphics, the weather (that I've witnessed) the feel of the cars when driving, are ALL vastly improved....there just should be MORE of it to enjoy.

 

[Patrocles]

I'm somewhat satisfied. I think the game should have come to use more complete, but the patches have begun fixing the problems, so I'm not too annoyed.

They need to give players the option to get very detailed with their restrictions. (Like Forza. I know it's on Xbox, but there's a lot of stuff to be learned from it.)

well said!

 

[JMII]

It's clear this game was pushed out door before it was fully baked, but after waiting for 4 years could they really hold it up any longer? If they keep giving us updates everything should be fixed... In time for GT6

 

[Dennisch]

PD and Sony should log those n00bs who can't race clean, warn them a couple of times, and if that fails, knock them out of the online races 👍

 

[G.T.Ace]

Can't vote, "somewhat satisfied" would be an understatement, but I definitely want a bigger single player. The Seasonal Events help though.

 

[DrSibo]

Have enjoyed playing GT5 for the last month or so, and my only request would be for more A-Spec events...

Yet to take part in any online races, although have found the Seasonal Events rather fun.

As for all the other issues that has prompted complaints on here, then I'm pleased about the fact that there are regular updates (which probably won't resolve everything, but at least an effort is being made)...

and who knows what surprises may turn up with future DLC updates?

In the meantime, I've still got lots of cars to collect

 

[NOS Waster]

PD and Sony should log those n00bs who can't race clean, warn them a couple of times, and if that fails, knock them out of the online races 👍

You can help them if you report players.
I have reported a couple of people so far due to questionable behavior that breaks the ToS. (I skimmed over it. I will probably read it in depth in a while.)

 

[G.T.Ace]

Have enjoyed playing GT5 for the last month or so, and my only request would be for more A-Spec events...

The "only thing" they need to implement is a event editor.
Same settings as online, plus the three difficulty levels from the Arcade mode and a difficulty/race length calculator for the Credits and XP.

 

[Destinkeys]

VERY 'old school' dissatisfied...

Online is still a joke, and thus we CAN'T use it as an easy fix for the terrible coding of the gameplay in single player mode.

PD sold you something with FAR fewer events and challenges for A-Spec. In fact, they virtually decimated single player mode. And yet the howls for PD's blood seem strangely muted. Me, I feel like I've been robbed. Online is even worse.

What totally frustrates me is that, with minimal coding, PD could add 200+ more events in A-Spec to the game in one go, rather than doling them out in dribs and drabs as if they were doing us some kind of FAVOR...

Most of what is tearing this forum apart boils down to this disparity between GT5 and GT4. When you have 200+ more events, grinding goes completely AWAY. With 200+ more events, some of them can be easy, some of them difficult, but at least SOME restrictions can be done because, well, that's how it was in GT4. Can't expect the game to about face JUST so you can level up with NO challenge. It never was in the past, why some expect it now is absurd. But it's their only way to level up, any more.

GT5 took everything BAD about GT4 and kept it, and tossed almost everything GOOD. And replaced it with something even worse (B-Spec twice as long as A-Spec races? Give me a BREAK!). That Kaz and PD could get SO WRONG what their user base enjoyed about their previous game simply shows how out of touch they have become. They have ONLY the soon to come patches for THIS game to fix their errors, because competition is knocking on the door. If Shift 2 fixes the physics and wheel issues, and gets online tweaked, I see a LOT of people leaving. And getting them back, after they destroyed our trust in the first place, is always twice as hard.

Then all that will be left are the arcade players, who want NO challenge in the game at all (because they love to play it THEIR WAY! ) and can't find another game of any description that allows them to so easily beat it. If PD want that market, they are welcome to it. It will have been a great ride, but it will have come to an end.

Last chance, Kaz...

 

[Griffith500]

There are many things I'm disappointed with, but I'm still satisfied with my purchase - I voted in the middle.

That said, where are the ballast settings from GT4 and the boost settings from GT1 (which could be complimented with a restrictor plate for NA engines) to allow for more fine-tuning of cars for events and online? That would be a huge boon for me, and should be do-able in a day for PD...

 

[RWB1213]

Given the mechanical feel of the AI, and the stale events (largely without restrictions) in A-Spec, I find the single player experience in GT5 very disappointing. Online is the titles only hope.

Seasonal Events are just a way to get large sums of credits out by tuning a car and running a particular pattern which will get you to the front. In many ways, Seasonal Events are just a bandaid.

GT5 may be the best console driving simulator, but has fallen well off the pace as a racing simulator.

 

[CeeJay]

I had to go with very dissatisfied. I've said this before, I like GT5.. but I wanted to love it. I wanted it to be the absolute pinnicale of console racing. I really bought into the hype because while previous GT games have been great this was just going to be off the charts.. well.. it just hasn't felt that way for me.

Sure online can be fun but dang it, there are times I don't want to play with people yelling/eating/mouth breathing through my TV. I want a great single player game too. I don't see any reason why there can't be some sort of event generator with GT5. Setting restrictions, number of races, laps, pit requirements, then the game could use that info to give out a reasonable XP/Money reward (The GT PSP game did a very slimmed down version of this idea with setting the number of laps - more laps/more money)..
why can't this be done?

GT5 is full of awesome ideas but nothing is implemented in a very satisfying way. I can't run races I want to with all the settings I want to have. GT5 is incredibly restrictive and with the limited number of A-spec races it just feels a bit empty.

 

[p-coletray]

Don't know about any previous versions besides what I read here, they sound sweet. IMO ditch B-spec forever, it's truly not racing nor should one be forced to play it to complete the game.

Example: Halo players don't have to play army commander to complete the game. Those games are called strategy, not shooters. The consumers want to see the battle as a soldier (albeit invincible limitlessly resurrecting soldier)

Likewise I won't ever play b-spec, I wanted to race when I bought a race game. Can't wait for dirt 3 since I beat this game so e-z I have been bored. Still haven't beat dirt 2! It has so many more challenges for a driver!

Edit: this is a huge missing peice of the puzzle: skill levels vary, as they naturally will. Adjusting for your skill is not an option (besides using a weaker car if you are a better driver) oand there is no rewards system besides you tuning to what you think is a challenge or fun because the game is set in stone, so frustration is pretty high in the gt5 forums, myself included. <--Also just an opinion

That said, car for car, track for track it's the most accurate hands down. (Like I have driven any of these cars on any of these tracks, Ha!) A.I. & menus need alot of work, don't care for Online racing for all previously mentioned reasons. And yes I'll probably get gt6 just for the driving experience, I don't think updates can save this one, sorry. They'll just give a few fixes, probably already have most of PD working on next game.

 

[GFO_7]

Was really disappointed when first playing but have now really got into it, miss El Capitan from previous GT4 but the PS2 sits alongside the PS3 so it's still there if I feel the need. I'd like to see some different categories for on-line, maybe engine capacity (e.g. 2 litre to replicate British Touring Car Championship), or LM Cars only etc., and also some stock-based Time Trials as these seem to reward the best tuners rather than drivers. As for the on-line wallys you can always invite clean drivers you come across as friends and build up your own friends database and then set up your lounge as "friends only".

Just my personal views