Ben-DutkaPolyphony Digital boss and Gran Turismo creator has been a good sport about fielding questions in regards to the recently released GT5.
In fact, as summarized by GTPlanet , the designer has been taking some questions via Twitter and although it's all in Japanese, GTPlanet was good enough to do some translating. The highlights of the Q&A are as follows:
— Flexible camera angles and “dynamic and wide-area lighting needs” are to blame for the sometimes blocky shadows. Yamauchi admits they are a problem and wants to improve them.
— Yamauchi appears to consider the possibility of removing the in-game HUD (heads-up-display features) at some point in the future.
— To unlock the Red Bull X1, you’ll need to complete the “Sebastian Vettel Challenge”, which appears at Level 30.
— Online “lounge” functionality and other features will be added "one by one."
— Polyphony Digital continues to work on fully supporting the Logitech G25 and G27, though Yamauchi admits he would like a “new steering device soon”
— Mechanical damage options will be implemented in a new update for GT5 coming “early December”.
— As you may know, many players noticed that GT5’s face-tracking functionality only worked in Arcade mode. According to Yamauchi, it’s not available in GT mode due to memory issues with the PS3.
— In-game rewards (such as the monetary prize in GT5 Prologue) for your performance in online events is something Polyphony Digital is considering, and may be implemented in a future update.
— Gran Turismo 5’s official, 2-disc sound-track will be released soon.
— Yamauchi wanted to implement a “free roam” gameplay mode in GT5, where players could drive around, respecting speed limits and obeying traffic laws, and even exit the car to walk around and explore the environment on foot.
— The YouTube replay upload feature had to be pulled from the final version of the game because it took a very long time to render and it consumed too much memory. Yamauchi is still considering it, however.
Thanks, guys. Recently, Yamauchi expressed a desire to support GT5 for a very long time, which means it's one of those games that will only get better with more updates and patches. Even though it isn't an online-only game, due to the sheer size and magnitude of the production, we're actually reminded of MAG , which is a completely different game these days.
Anyway, we'll keep you updated on GT5 developments; they should be quite significant for the next few months or so.
Related Game(s): Gran Turismo 5
They have proven by time that PD are capable of supporting their products by continues free updates online as what happened with GT5 prologue. and they do really listen to their fans and keep developing GT5 in the right way as fans like , the only thing Im sorry about that they haven't release a beta version of the game to get feedbacks from us so they would get the game release in a better way to perform in the eye of reviewers
Woo hoo, awesome stuff.
And EDGE stays true to their form and scores GT5 a 7/10 =(
Which sits snuggly within the lowest of GT5 scores and well below the 86% average.
In statistics class I learned there's a standard deviation to the mean (the average). The standard deviation represents the norm of variation of the mean score. If a score is two times that of the standard deviation, in statistics, it's a strong indicator of bias. While I haven't run the equation for GT5 I can tell you just by looking at Edge's score that they're beyond two standard deviations of the mean.
I exactly predicted a 7.
I can predict almost every single Edge score when the game is exclusive to a certain platform.
This game isn't getting a fair shake. Shameful what some gamers will stoop to just because the game is a PS3 exclusive. This is MS's legacy. Greentoad must be proud.
GT5 was in a no win situation. It could have buttered your bread, and it would have been ripped apart.
Screw em I say.
Agreed. These morons have no one to blame but themselves. They hyped up the game immensely then when I finally came out, they were dumbfounded that it didn't meet their unrealistic expectations.
Seriously. I'm so boggled by these scores. It's a good thing I'm not a fanboy, idiot or indecisive. I probably wouldn't own this game! It's such a shame to see reviewers going down such a foolish path. I mean, I could see high 8s for those who care about photo mode more than gaming. Beyond that, this games is absolutely solid nines. Shadows and alpha blending are truly its only blemishes. Non premium cars are called non premium for a reason. Sure, it may disappoint you but why else would they be categorized (and sold in-game) separately?
You want photo realistic? get out of your house. We've all seen how beautiful the ps3 graphics can be, but never have they ben pushed in this form. It's not the same as running on foot in uncharted. The environments aren't comparable, imo, between any of gt5 s competition and the physics are just unreal. People that swing by my place and try this game on for size are confused at first… "even when I'm going straight, the car wants to serve.. It shakes for no reason!" No reason? Try an environment that truly interacts with you. roads aren't completely flat and smooth. Dirt tracks aren't about throttle smashing through the entire race.
The reactions I get are unmistakable. Sure, sim racing isn't everyones cup of tea, but the realism is indeed beyond what everyone I know, myself included, expected from a game.
Now, perhaps I should bump down the resolution to 720 and see how that looks and plays!
EDGE gave MGS4 an 8/10
And KZ2 a 7/10
Yeah…
I give EDGE a 5/10
5/10 is generous – Edge is seriously questionable material, their reviews often omit whole features from games (CoD:BO didn't mention Zombies, RUSE didn't mention online play….). They main raison d'etre seems to be to produce flamebait disguised as reviews.
When I read the article last night & saw that Yamauchi wants to implement “free roam†gameplay mode into the game, man oh man, even if I hated racing, I'd still get GT5 just for that alone.
But I do like racing, so if it doesn't wind up getting in, GT5's still good to go!!!!!
After playing GT5 daily since I got it (and having a blast), I think Yamauchi should look at addressing the network play.
It's just too loose right now. People just set up a session and others just join in and race.
There should be proper online multiplayer championships on fixed maps and fixed vehicle requirements.
Then, wins/losses should be recorded in your profile.
Has this already been implemented? If so, maybe I'm not high enough level to have this unlocked for me.
As it stands, I have to create game sessions that restrict horsepower, cuz you always have these people coming on with a mega vehicle that blows everyone away!
Sounds like it's possible shadows could improve in a future update.
Great news!
The only thing that lets this game's amazing visuals IMO is the shadows sometimes.
I would be seriously impressed if they managed to improve them while staying at 60fps.
BTW, speaking about racing,
Need For Speed:Hot Pursuit is on sale for only $29.99 right now at Amazon's Gold Box Deal
(For the next 2 & 1/2 hours)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox?ref_=pe_36900_17782130
The PC version is $29.99. Xbox and PS3 versions are $34.99. Pretty good deal for those who don't have it already. I've enjoyed that game immensely so far.
I cant wait to pick this up! A bit short on ca$h, but im defiantly picking this up in January!
Has anyone else noted that the majority of the more negative reviews focus on three specific elements of the game and then despite the breadth and depth of the game otherwise, kill the game's score?
Reviewers apparently have a hard time understanding that the standard cars are more of a bonus feature, than a core feature, and treat them like they are some plague on the face of GT5.
Reviewers dislike the courses/environment. I've seen it described as sterile, boring and even unchanged since GT4. Now, aside from everything else, the courses are well rendered and high resolution – all of them. But in the case of the real world locations, they are realistically lit and rendered. So in my humble opinion, these criticisms generally fall into the category of people who prefer augmented reality to reality. Other games use lighting effects and additional animated elements to liven up their environment, GT5 does not. Forgetting of course that it has always been this way, people criticize GT as boring because it lacks the video game element.
The third thing criticized is generally the online, although sometimes it's the damage model and sometimes it's the menu structure.
The online server failures have been a major mis-step, but they do not really reflect the game or it's online play. by all accounts the online play itself is very good, but lacking in terms of matchmaking and event generation.
The damage modeling is good, and as some have said it unlocks gradually as your experience grows, and the maximum damage is only evident on the premium cars, so low level drivers in standard cars may not even see dents until they unlock higher levels. But most reviewers have not realized this and continue to ding the game over it.
The menu structure is sometimes criticized as being old fashioned or boring. This one I'll grant you. I preferred the menu style in GT5 Prologue. But, the poor menus are not really a core feature of the game, I can see people slightly reducing a score over this kind of thing, but not majorly.
Other things I've seen criticized;
– The sound; I don't get this one at all, I think the engine notes are well done, and the sound in general is good. the sound of an impact is distressingly familiar tome – I was recently hit by another car.
– The lack of cosmetic customization of the cars; I don't get this, this is Gran Turismo, not need for speed or Ridge Racer. Cosmetic customization beyond wheels, wings and paint have never been part of GT games. Yet some continue to ding the game because it lacks vinyls.
– The soundtrack; amazingly people ding the game because the sound track does not meet their personal taste. That's a subjective judgment if ever there was one. Good god, upload some mp3s that you like to your PS3 and set your own background music.
– Car tuning; The lack of brake tuning options get's a bit of attention from some, and others feel that the tuning options are somehow lacking. Apart from the brakes, I'm not sure what it is that people think we are missing from the tuning. Once you get the full transmission and suspension upgrades, you can tune the settings to your heart's content.
– Some say it's too easy. The only real change I see is the use of levels to open up more powerful cars and race series. OK, you don't have to do the license tests right away, but sooner or later you will. The early races are easy to win – with a higher powered car. but is you start with 20,000 and by yourself a Toyota Vitz or something similar, you are going to be fighting to win those early races. Sure, once you start upgrading, you can start winning the races easily, and a moderately upgraded civic with medium sports tires will make mince meat of the beginner events. But that is the nature of the game, and anyone that's played a GT game before knows that is how it's done. You start slow, add some upgrades, tune the car up and pretty soon you're winning. Then it's off to the next series of races which you need a new car for, and of course that will start you over again on the tuning cycle. This is how it's always been. If you've played GT before, not only do you know this already, but you are probably already a fairly decent driver in GT. Even someone who is proficient at arcade racers can pickup GT5 and handle the beginner and amateur events without too much hassle. But, I'm still not sure why this is a source of criticism.
One other thing I have seen used as a criticism against the game is the length of time to develop it. I have some sympathy with that. This took 6 years to arrive, and honestly I think that some of the overzealous criticism is rooted in the long wait and high expectations.
But, the thing is that the game itself is so broad and so deep that knocking 15%, 20%, 30% or more off it's score over these kinds of issue is rather like criticizing the Mona Lisa because you don't like the way it's hanging, you don't like the frame, you're not fond of her hair color of hair, and you can't tell if she's smiling.
Yes there are some elements of truth in the criticisms. I wish that the standard cars had not been included with the game, but were an additional feature unlocked for a nominal fee. That would at least prevent people from using their inclusion as a stick to bash the game with. But at the end of the day, the game is what it is – Gran Turismo.
Ah well, I kinda predicted patchy reviews for GT5. It's such a pity that agenda and bias continue to afflict game reviews.
Most of thes reviewers are inept and are looking for Forza or Need for Speedish traits and they aren't getting it. Good riddens to bad rubbish I say. GT5 is the best racing sim I have ever played. It reminds me a lot of GT2 and I absolutely adored that game. One of the games that got me into the Playstation brand.
I agree. I realized that some reviewers are not leveling up enough to see damages and claims the damages are mediocre. If these can even try to play a simulator without their "flashback" modes like in other games, they'll notice its hard to drive at 180 mph with a damaged vehicle. Beginners will never be able to make it beyond level 5.
I'm new to GT5 and I crash often. I would've chucked the game aside if I have to worry about driving a banged up car on top of the difficult driving.
Yea I understand why they did the damage system the way they did. I have a friend who saw me playing it the other night and said "man, how do you drive so good, GT games are hard for me to control." It's not your typical arcade racer and some people just can't accept that. This is why catering to the casual crowd has hurt hardcore games and gamers. I only see this nonsense and complaining getting worse as time goes on.
The only issues that take GT5 from a perfect 10 in my book are the following.
1 – A loss of 0.2 of a point due to the Race Mod feature not being able to be used on all the premium cars (non race machines, etc.). The RM feature is spectacular on the few cars I have seen.
2 – A loss of 0.1 of a point due to the standard cars not being able to at least use the same wheels from GT4. The standard cars don't bother me at all, and I would have least liked to put some wheels on my 2004 Pontiac GTO.
3 – A loss of 0.1 of a point due to the shadows. Not deal breaker, but not as good as I expected.
4 – A loss of 0.1 of a point due the dynamic night and weather features being limited to a few select tracks. It's an amazing breakthrough, and I would have loved to see it on Deep Forest for example.
GT5 – 9.5 out of 10.
@Max,
The car models for the standard cars look to me to be two distinct types. GT4 and GT-PSP. The PSP models are definitely much lower resolution/polygon count. I could deal with not changing their wheels. The cars I think are probably from GT4 have pretty decent models, you can see the difference especially looking at the wheel arches of the standard cars. I agree about allowing you to at least change the wheels on the GT4 models.
I think though that they implement the visuals of these standard cars as skins on a group of basic car templates. The underlying physics of the car are correct for driving, but for visual purposes, they use a basic car model without much specific shape. Which is why the damage deformation on the standard cars is limited. I'm guessing that is why you can't alter the wheels too. Although I'm struggling to see why changing the wheels on the standard models could not have been included to some degree at least.
Max – does your GTO sound like crap after modifying the exhaust. I picked up the Monaro and modding the exhaust on it makes the exhaust note leave ALOT to be desired IMO. I've heard many GTO exhausts and none have sounded like this, which as you know is essentially the same car.
Highlander, Have you imported your PSP cars into GT5? They look kinda crappy compared to even the standard cars.
@Godsman,
That's actually one of the things that brought me to GT games – you can drive these beautiful cars on beautiful (and real) courses and you don't have to worry that every slight tap scrapes the crap out of the paint or dents the car. I know it's not realistic, but I like my cars to look good….
@Jawknee,
I haven't done that yet. That doesn't surprise me though. Not all the cars from the PSP version are present, and you can only bring them into Arcade mode. So I am assuming they are bringing over the physics information and the visual skin directly from the PSP. The standard cars based on PSP models look to have been processed a bit for inclusion ion GT5.
Yeah, it would seem conflicting values are rearing their head with GT5.
People have certain expectations from video games, even if it makes sense or not.
It does look like the compositional aspect of GT5 is under heavy scrutiny. That is, having a host of incomplete looking cars with locked out features generated marks against it. I do think that if those cars weren't in the game it may have scored higher because it'd satisfy the compositional consistency that reviewers take into account (but that didn't stop GTA3 from obtaining GotY status despite it's horribly flawed targeting system) But then again, critics may have had an expectation that demanded at least a 400+ lineup of cars because of relativity. I can only speculate at this point because it'd be a clash of relativity (prior GT's had more than 250 cars, but even 250 cars is more than other racers) vs. compositional consistency. YOu can take a compositional perspective and ding the game for menu structure, variating car quality and the model of progression.
But how does relativity work for 1st gen games when a standard has yet to materialize? Or if a new genre happens to emerge? Does relativity hurt and hold back games like Heavy Rain? And if GT5 is the only "real driving simulator" on the PS3 then it doesn't really have a direct peer as it is the current, and only standard bearer. So the closest approximation is drawn from games like Need for Speeds etc. Which seems to have presented a whole host of expectations for GT5 because, relative to Burnout, GT5's car damage isn't as good. And GT5 isn't as "fun" as NFS and it's boring.
Basically, I think GT5 shows how truly "out of whack" and broken review systems are when it comes to trying to "objectively" provide an analysis that doesn't have any real standards.
Highlander –
I have heard the imported cars look worse then the in game GT5 counterparts. It's why I didn't bother.
G8GTdriver –
I have to touch the car other then do an oil change. I have spent my money on Race Modding the 69 Camaro. If you have yet to do that, I recommend it. It comes out amazing.
Nice. Glad they will continue to support this game. Though I do have the impression now that Sony pushed them to release this too soon and I understand now why Polyphony wasnt ready. I actually wouldn't have mused if they delayed this game a but longer so they could give it some extra polish.
My biggest complaints that I think they need to fix are A) the smoke. When it surrounds the car it looks aweful. B) the shadows as they stated and C) wheel swapping on standard cars. I can deal with out a cockpit view but I would like to change the wheels or at least the color of the wheels on standard cars. Ooh and lastely, they should allow us to purchase paint colors instead of having to aquire a car in that color first. Seems a little silly to me. But over all, this game is flipping awesome. I downloaded Dead Nation last night but I didn't get around to playing much of it because I was glued to GT5. Love this game.
By the way, anyone, Highlander, know of turnabout can be fixed via a patch?
The smoke I didn't pay attention. I get upset over the shadows, glad PD will address that. It's such an amazing game and graphics, I was a bit lost in the virtual reality until the shadows reminded me that "I'm playing a game."
Another thing is the AI. I tend to like to drive lighter cars. It pisses me off when an AI gets ahead of you because they need to get back on their "track". Then they slam the brakes 1 feet ahead of you, making me spinout.
I don't want to complain about the game, but it's impossible due to these frustrations I have.
I haven't had any problems with the AI. Yes they can crash into you and cause you to spin out of control but this is something that I remember being present it just about every racing game I have played, though I can't say I have played many. Mostly GT. As for the shadows, they should call Sony Santa Monica and ask them how they got the shadows to work so well in God of War III. If it's not something they can use in GT5 its certainly something they should consider for GT6.
For the smoke, next time you spin out, reverse so the car is engulfed in the smoke. It looks terrible. You will see what I mean. Not something that should be present on a PS3 game in 2010.
I actually wouldn't have *mined if they delayed this game a bit longer so they could give it some extra polish.
There's a demo on a wet track, the blending of the spray cloud and car when seen from the front is downright terrible. That is definitely one of those visual flaws that merits a reduction of the graphics score, along with the shadows. The rest of the graphics are stellar so it's hard to go below a 9 for the visuals.
@Jawknee,
"By the way, anyone, Highlander, know of turnabout can be fixed via a patch? "
Not sure what you're asking about.
Have you noticed that when smoke from the tired surrounds the car the edges of the car become pixelated? It makes the car look like it was made out of Legos. Are graphics glitches something that can be fixed with a patch?
Gotcha. I've seen that too. I think that the blending of spray, smoke and shadows needs to be improved and can be patched in as time passes. There is also an odd tessellation effect that happens at 1080p resolution on some courses where trees in the distance are blended with each other and the sky. the AA doesn't seem to pick up on the fact that they end up looking like a matrix of green and blue pixels instead of trees in the distance. I hope/suspect that some or all of this can be fixed via patches. Perhaps the guys at studio Liverpool and Naughty dog could lend PD some of their Cell expertize to see if they can't crank a few more GFLOPS out of the SPUs to take care of these things.
Yea, I brought my PS3 into the bedroom and hooked it up to my older 1080i Samsung tube TV. I set it to 1080i and noticed the trees as well. Another thing I noticed, LOL! I smashed into a wall by accident and the rear, left tail light and fender were busted. I could see the road through the hole it made in the rear of the car. It's odd. It seems in some instances you can see through the cars when damage is present in certain areas.
To be honest, I could have lived without damage. Like you I like my cars to look good and I always cringe anytime i crash my Blue 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R. >.<
@godsman
Yeah, I have a slight complaint with the AI as well. I the CI final license, where you are driving an old Ferrari, and the first car to pass is a white Lambo Countach… I swear he purposely tries to block you, as you try and pass him on the right!
Nothing is more annoying than in Forza where, after you pass someone, the car you just passed will try the PIT maneuver on you! That was a game killer for me…
@Highlander
Doh! I see now why you didn't understand my question. Turnabout? Stupid iPhone predictive dictionary.
Last edited by Jawknee on 12/1/2010 2:23:43 PM
I only have one question, and I am hoping some of the friendly sorts here can help me out.
When all the other GT games came out, I had spiral bound notebooks FULL of custom gear ratios for my favourite cars. These were track specific ratio guides that would give me the perfect engine power utilisation. Now, I can only adjust the maximum speed in a FULLY customisable gear box.
Are individual gear ratio adjustments unlocked later on or is the option just not there?
This is my one gripe on an otherwise perfect game.
Yea they are. The game tells you to start out just adjusting the top speeds at first then it will allow you to mess with each gear ratio later on. I got this notice when i purchased the fully customizable transmission for 15,000c for my Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Not sure when they open up each gear ratio but I can assure you the game told me it will allow me to at some point.
I sure hope it's soon. I am a level 14 A-Spec player, and I know what I am doing with transmissions, but I can't do my thing as of yet.
Good to know. I bought a fully customisable gear box and I broke out my notebook then went to go a-tweaking and wound up severely disappointed.
If it is unlocked later on I really think it is a less than optimal idea. I spent the credits to adjust gear ratios, I want to adjust gear ratios. I understand unlocking things like damage, because once you have a little experience under your belt you are aware of how to avoid the damage and such, but gear ratio changing isn't going to just become apparent because you reached level 20 or whatnot.
I am on level 17 and it's still locked. Have you upgraded any of your cars with the 15,000c transmission? That's the one I bought then it told me it will unlock later on after getting the hang of adjusting the top speeds. After you install the transmission go into the tuning menu and select transmission. It should give you the notice upon opening the window.
Last edited by Jawknee on 12/1/2010 12:16:37 PM
Yes, I have bought the fully customisable transmission kit for a number of cars. It may have given me that message but I don't remember. I just think it is a little odd to have it unlock at a certain level. No amount of driving experience is going to get you to the point where you can change the ratio of gears if you don't already have a working knowledge of the subject matter. If they don't want you touching the ratios then they should have the option to buy a fully customisable box at all. Give a semi-custom box or something.
Anyway, like I said it is my only gripe but apparently it is a bigger gripe than I thought as I am honestly bothered by it.
I don't know about you guys, but that seems alot like Square Enix holding our hand through the first 10-15 hours of FFXIII. Why can't they just open it up and let you go to town?
Why is there so much emphasis on a "learning curve" these days? Aren't we supposed to be older and wiser?
On a side note – I'm loving this game. But I honestly don't see how you have that much time to tune….it seems like I'm buying or using a new and different car for every race event and don't spend that much to tune it up cause I know I wont end up using that Mini Cooper or VW Lupo ever again…haha.
Nah, it's not the same as Final Fantasy XIII. I agree they should just let people do what they want with the cars when they want, but I don't liken it to FFXIII considering Square never let go of your hand were as PD does at some point.
@Sven
You're right about most of the cars in the game and not having time to tune them. You're also in line with my thoughts on the hand holding aspect of certain things.
What I am concerned with though is the fact that there are certain cars that I enjoy using. Call them my favourite cars ever. I want FULL control over all the aspects of them. I want to change everything on my 3000GT VR-4, my AMD Stealth, and my 96 Supra. I can't right now.
I won't be using that Vitz for more than the Vitz challenge, I won't be using that Miata I first bought ever again, but unfortunately I won't be using that '72 Challenger because I can't get the perfect gear ratios.
@Jawknee
Too right, S-E had a death grip on my hand until I finally lose circulation.
Last edited by coverton341 on 12/1/2010 1:27:53 PM
What would work is an "I've played GT since GT1/GT2/GT3, so please let me see everything" mode.
Last edited by TheHighlander on 12/1/2010 1:26:45 PM
@Highlander
That made me smile. I don't think anyone, given the option, would not select that but it would be nice to have some way to skip the unlocking of certain things.
Has anyone here gotten to a point where they can change individual gear ratios? I have been scouring the interwebs with absolutely no results. Even more discouragingly it is starting to seem like it was something taken out last minute as some people have said they have reached level 40 and still can't change ratios, although they admitted to not having done all the Special Event races and some other things.
Highlander. Damn. Where do you find the time!
Hehe he's a talkitive one isnt he xD