Thursday, December 5, 2013

Gran Turismo 6

The Gran Turismo series is one of the most famous PlayStation-exclusive video games in ages ever since the first installment was launched in Japan since December 1997 and then worldwide a year later. During its lifespan, the Gran Turismo franchise scored 7 million copies sold worldwide from the first one to 2010's GT5 and with the series now on its 15th birthday, the biggest birthday bash for the series is of course...a new installment to the franchise!

Gran Turismo 6

Welcome everyone to Gran Turismo 6, and it's more than just being a birthday present to the series itself, the latest installment promises to be even more evolving than ever and when I say evolving, by how much? Sure, as based on our expectations, I can't believe that they stick to PS3 rather than waiting for PS4 but why? Let me guess...Sony chose to develop GT6 for the current-gen PS3 platform, therefore depriving the devs of a lot of extra processing power that they would have had access to, had they developed for PS4. Oh well, since the PS4 will be debuting in Japan in the February of 2014, no harm done. At least, this is probably the right thing to do.

Where was I? Oh yeah, about the latest installment in the game, GT6 promises to expect more than what you get from last 2010's GT5 and by any means of the over-1200 car lineup ranging from classics, tuners, exotics, novelties, city cars, and so much more, giving players a huge selection of choices to choose from from returning cars like the Lamborghini Aventador, Nissan GT-R, Mercedes-Benz SLS, to newcomers such as SRT Viper, Range Rover Evoque, Toyota Aqua, second-generation Honda Fit, and so much more. Hoping but not expected because the 1200-car lineup is a bit lacking, larger but not big. Not quite clever because this lineup is lacking the latest cars in the world. Oh well, there's always regular updates coming up.

How about tracks? Well, there's going to be more than what you expect in GT6 because with a wide range of World Circuits, City Courses, Original Courses, and Rally Tracks, it's gotta be worth the challenge but I'm afraid there's a bit of a problem and what's that? No Top Gear? Pity. Can't believe that my favorite test track in the world got revoked for numerous reasons but for compensations, GT6 features new tracks like Matterhorn, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Willow Springs, Bathurst, Goodwood Hill Climb, and (cue the angelic choir) Ascari Race Resort. Quite amazed that Ascari made it on the track list and I bet this is going to be my new proving grounds for the growing car lineup in Gran Turismo 6. What's more, the forgotten Apricot Hill is back with a new twist so everything what you expect from the Apricot Hill of yesteryears is a bit different than what it used to be so you need extra caution to take on the world.

Be wary though because over the course of the GT6 lifespan, there's going to be new courses to be added as a DLC so be ready for more if you're looking for some challenge.

Anyway, moving on, GT6 features a new range of dynamics with a little help of leading companies such as YOKOHAMA and KW Automotive to provide an even more realistic driving experience. It also features Adaptive Tessellation which is the evolution of 3D model rendering. These new physics really pushing the PS3's system beyond boundaries and it results to a more realistic experience, more than enough to salivate the whole players. I have to say that they really made a good job making the graphics of GT6 as top-notch as the other racing games of this magnitude but that's just a theory.

What's more you can expect variable weather, variable daytime, and astronomical simulation giving GT6 a larger than life driving experience that truly reflects real time like the Le Mans 24 hour race in the game will actually simulate the rise/setting hours of the sun and night-time constellations in the sky from the event in 2013. Isn't it cool?

What about online connectivity? Oh yeah, because GT6 features an Open Lobby feature where it is possible to create an open room for up to 16 players to enjoy online racing. There are so much you can do online in GT6 and in future updates, you can form clubs or either jump through the quick match without the hassle.

With all those new features, new car lineup, new courses, and regular updates that will happen over the course of the lifespan, GT6 is surely the Gran Turismo game that will keep you amused for hours but not at all. This is surely a game that gave you the fighting fit to face the world. HAPPY DRIVING!

Asia launch: 12/5/2013
North America launch: 12/6/2013
Oceania launch: 12/6/2013
Euro launch: 12/6/2013
UK launch: 12/6/2013

LIMITED EDITION:

While GT6 is available exclusively on the PS3 at the price of just 6,980JPY, there are limited editions offered such as the 15th Anniversary Box where not only the game was offered but also the special Beyond the Apex book, 15 15th Anniversary Edition cars in game, and a special 15th Anniversary Racing Suit and Helmet. The special edition costs 7.980 Yen. New to PS3? New to GT? Not to worry because the PS3 Starter Pack GT6 was there and with 25,980 Yen, not only you'll get a new PS3 Slim but also the game itself along with the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 15th Anniversary Edition voucher. HAPPY DRIVING!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Even though i allready knew pretty much everything about the game i enjoyed reading about it in your blog. Thanks, and have fun playing Gt6. Greetings from The Netherlands.