GT5 - Prologue

Gran Turismo 5 - Prologue.

I got this game for the PS3 from my brother a while back and at first it wasn't quite what I expected it.. Unlike the earlier generations (GT2) where you could overly power a car up (Pikes Peak - 1000HP car on a 1000lb frame.. hmmm) this version is based on real cars and the only tuning one can do is basic HP addition (no buying parts like massive Stage 4 turbos), downforce and traditional racetuning once you're in S class. Once I got into it the game is quite fun and challenging. I basically had 3 cars that got me though the whole game. the Subaru WRX for class C/B, the Viper/tuned for B/A/S and then the S2000 for the really hard S class races (S10 for instance).

I did fairly well and got first place in almost all races except a few, namely S10 which took me quite a few hours and painful frustration to get 3rd. How did I do it? well I used my Logitech G25 racing wheel, the S2000 and basically gave as much traction as possible and tried to keep the HP up as possible while under the 750 point limit (I added an extra 10% weight). This didnt make me scream past everyone, in fact it was a bit slower on straights... BUT it did take control of the windy track very well! For anyone who races this event all I can say is use the S2000 since it has the best overall control of most cars (doesn't loose traction or spin out easily) AND take it slow/steady though corners! The first lap I passed 4 cars (out of 16), pass 2 in the second lap (out of 5), 3rd lap passed 1 and 4/5 lap is where you finally catch up with the rest of them. To me it seemed that by not powering though corners (power slides, going crazy fast and burning rubber) makes the AI run slower, like the S10 is trying to teach you to go slow and steady to get the super class license. I spent many hours pounding cars up with 700HP and couldn't pass 13th place or over power any car but as soon as I slowed down and took corners.. well smoother I was passing people fairly easily. It also helps if you have a real wheel instead of thumbs and fingers for throttle/steering.

(FYI, I bought the Ford GT test, Lotus Eclis 111/tuned(CRAP IMHO) and a few others that online forums suggested, the Ford GT is a MR car and can easily spin or slide corners which can work well if you really know exactly when to brake and turn. I was able to do this and did very well for a few laps (passing 6 in first lap) but with that risk of sliding, once you hit the dirt slightly or just overdo a corner slightly you're done for it, same thing with the Eclis or any other MR car).

Now that I have the S-class license the F2007 (Formula car) is quite something! Dont expect to use this for any of the S-class races since the min point is around 920 but it's sure fun to lap everyone in the other classes >:)