A quick Gran Turismo 5 review update: We received review code from Sony on Monday morning (yesterday). The Sony review embargo says that we are allowed to post a review on Wednesday (tomorrow). That means I have less than two days to play the game, write the review, take screenshots/video and get it published on the site.
The writing of words and editing of videos alone will take the best part of a working day. With this timeframe, that leaves me with a ‘Gran’ total of one day to play the behemoth that is Gran Turismo 5. One day for a game that has been in development for 5 years. One day for a game that is possibly Sony's biggest exclusive of the year. It deserves more.
These are just *some* of the things I want to achieve with the review: test the online and 'B-spec' modes. Examine the new, aggressive AI. Drive on all the track surfaces. Watch GT TV. Test the load times before and after the install (which takes 50 minutes alone). Unlock the F1 cars. It ain’t gonna happen in a day. The review WON'T be ready for tomorrow.
Above: This is the proper way to review Gran Tursimo 5
That said, rest assured that I am deep in the process of reviewing the game. I’ve gone as far as I can to make sure I do it with the best set-up I can manage. I even paid £80 at the weekend to buy a Logitech Driving Force steering wheel to go with my now-legendary racing seat just for this review. I’m playing on a (non-3D) 40inch LCD TV, although I’ve played it in 3D at Sony’s headquarters. I’ve got the PS Eye connected for head tracking. I’m listening to the audio through a hi-fi and big fat sub-woofer. I’m taking it damn seriously.
Clearly I’m not allowed to tell you what I think of the review code so far, but I will point you in the direction of myhands-on previewfrom a few months ago. There’s going to be a lot to talk about in the review. But I can’t write that unless I’ve played the game, so I’d better get back to it.
Expect to see GamesRadar’s Gran Turismo 5 review by the end of the week. I promise.
Nov 23, 2010
