Get Your Motor Running - Gran Turismo 5 Prologue™
For Immediate Release
Press Information
o Additional special features included in the European release
o 16-player online racing on PLAYSTATION®Network - a Gran Turismo first!
o 71 dream cars, High Definition graphics, new physics engine and a TV channel
Wednesday March 12, 2008 - Attention all driving fans!! One of the games industry's most legendary titles is about to make its PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) debut! That's right - the real driving simulator that's already sold almost 50 million units is back. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Polyphony Digital are pleased to announce Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, a prequel title showcasing the forthcoming Gran Turismo 5 for PS3, will be available both on Blu-ray Disc (BD) on Wednesday 26 March for £24.99 (RRP), and as a download from PLAYSTATION®Network on Thursday 27 March. Launching on the same day as the standalone BD version, a PS3 bundle will be available including a PS3 40GB model, a SIXAXIS wireless controller and a Gran Turismo 5 Prologue game, all for just £299.99 (RRP).
Gran Turismo on PlayStation® is one of the most successful global gaming franchises of the last decade - renowned for its realism, quality of design and in-car physics technology. Now, with the power of PS3 behind it, it's going to be unstoppable. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue features 71 stunning cars - including vehicles by Lotus, Aston Martin, Subaru and, making another striking appearance, Ferrari - for you to race on six seriously realistic tracks: the Eiger Nordwand; the Daytona International Speedway; the London City Track; the Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and the High Speed Ring - all drivable in two layouts and all rendered in incredible High Definition graphics. There's also all-new driving physics for the most lifelike driving experience ever and new, improved, opponent artificial intelligence for the toughest race challenge yet.
But that's not all - for the first time in the history of Gran Turismo, you'll be able to race online. Thanks to PLAYSTATION Network, up to 16 players will be able to go head-to-head on some of the world's best racetracks - all you need to get racing is a broadband connection and a PS3. Once you're up and revving, Global Online Rankings will leave the world in no doubt as to just who is the best at Gran Turismo.
And then there's Gran Turismo TV - a dedicated online channel available exclusively from PLAYSTATION Network and packed with some of the greatest content that motorsport has to offer.
And, when you're done watching live coverage, you can take a more sedate browse through the Gran Turismo museum, where you'll find virtual exhibits on the history of many of the world-class car marques that have starred in Gran Turismo.
Key Features:
The first ever Gran Turismo title with online racing: drive online against up to 16 other Gran Turismo aces Race a total of 71 stunning, high-performance cars Race the Eiger Nordwand, the Daytona International Speedway, the London City Track , the Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and the High Speed Ring - and then race them in alternative layouts All-new physics engine means true next-generation vehicle handling All-new and improved opponent AI opponents for a nail-biting race experience Access to Gran Turismo TV : a world of great motoring TV programming online In-game museum featuring the history and heritage of the top car manufacturers My Garage - a personalised homepage feature with calendar, clock and map & weather of major race circuits worldwide Quick Tune facility allows you to adjust power, tyres, suspension and more All in stunning High Definition at 1080pGran Turismo 5 Prologue Additional Features for Europe:
Drift Mode - The player's drifting technique is measured based on drift angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various turns on the course. In Depth Car Tuning - Players have the ability to adjust the vehicle's performance, including power, tyres, suspension and the ability for quick tuning whilst racing. Two-player Split Screen Racing - Allows players to race head-to-head offline. New Race Events - Online racing fans can join in on a new set of scheduled events and time trials.The complete Gran Turismo 5 launches in 2009. Until then, there's enough ultra-realistic, high-speed racing in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue on PS3 and it's out now! To find out more, visit www.granturismoworld.com.
ENDS
For more information about Gran Turismo 5 Prologue on PS3, please contact your local PR manager.
About Gran Turismo
With more than 48 million units sold worldwide, the award-winning Gran Turismo franchise for PlayStation®, PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 is regarded as the best and most authentic driving simulation ever created due to its true-to-life graphics, physics and real-life cars and tracks. Since the inception of the Gran Turismo franchise, famed creator Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony Digital Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it today. His offerings provide the gamer with the most true-to-life driving simulation within the industry and a unique medium for motor manufacturers to showcase their products.
About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PLAYSTATION®3, PlayStation®2 and PSP (PlayStation®Portable) software and hardware in 102 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories. Since the launch of PLAYSTATION 3 in November 2006 and the end of January 2008, over 10 million units have been sold globally and continue to be sold at a record level. Between the beginning of April 2006 and the end of January 2008, over 26 million PlayStation 2 consoles have been sold worldwide, continuing its position as one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. Between the beginning of April 2006 and the end of January 2008, over 20 million PSP systems have been sold worldwide.
More information about PlayStation products can be found at www.playstation.com or visit the Virtual Press Office at www.scee.presscentre.com.
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