Video Gaming News - February 2005
Foster City, CA (February 22, 2005) - Sony Computer Entertainment
America announced today the North American release of Gran Turismo 4, available
exclusively for the PlayStation 2.
"With its broad appeal and large array of features highlighting car culture, we
are excited to bring Gran Turismo 4 to market," said Susan Nourai, director,
product and online marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Following up
on an initial million unit plus launch in Japan, we have high expectations that
Gran Turismo 4 will once again raise the bar for the racing videogame category
here in North America."
From Sony:
Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. and following in the footsteps of the
PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hits" title, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec and a racing
franchise that has sold more than 38 million units worldwide, Gran Turismo 4
further demonstrates its mission to provide the most authentic driving
simulation available in the marketplace. The new features extend above and
beyond just pure automotive racing, providing a unique destination for
automotive and PlayStation 2 enthusiasts to enjoy car culture in every dimension
-- extending that goal is highlighted through the availability of more than 700
cars, up to 100 tracks and new modes such as "B-spec (Director mode)" and "Photo
Mode." In addition, enhanced popular features will return with "Gran Turismo
Mode" and "Gran Turismo Arcade Mode." For complete listings on cars, soundtrack
and tracks featured in Gran Turismo 4, please visit gt4.playstation.com.
Gran Turismo 4 Game Mode Descriptions
Available for one to two players, as well as up to six players via LAN, Gran
Turismo 4 offers an array of new features. These features include a physics
engine that incorporates real-life characteristics of the cars so that they are
realistically designed and calculated to simulate the "real life" physics of
that particular vehicle, taking into account weight, speed, friction, wind, and
more. In addition, an all-new AI (Artificial Intelligence) engine is introduced
allowing for behavior from opponents that present human-like reactions and
emotions. Gran Turismo 4 continues to offer a refined replay mode with
broadcast-quality graphics and now offers support for both High-Definition
(1080i) and Dolby Pro Logic II. In addition to the use of the DUALSHOCK 2 analog
controller, Gran Turismo 4 is compatible with the Logitech Driving Force Pro
wheel, which allows the player to further enhance the automotive racing
experience, and can be used for the entire game. Available in black with brushed
aluminum accents, the Gran Turismo branded GT Force wheel provides a shifter for
manual transmissions, 900 degrees of steering rotation and force-feedback. For
more information, please visit www.logitech.com.
Arcade Mode
Players compete against each other or the artificial intelligence with select
cars on select courses. Various gameplay modes are available that include
"Single Race," "Time Trial," and multi-player for up to two players (single
console) or six players via LAN-based gameplay. More cars and course are
available in the GT Arcade Mode when they are unlocked in the Gran Turismo Mode.
Gran Turismo Mode
Via the GT World, players start from the bottom and race to earn money, unlock
cars and courses, buy and sell cars and upgrade parts while competing in more
than 200 various championship races. Upon entering the GT World, players have
the option to visit the following Gran Turismo resort facilities:
-- My Home -- the player's home and garage
-- Dealership Town -- divided by continent, players can visit dealerships
representing over 80 manufacturers from around the world.
-- Tuner's Village -- players can visit famous tuning shops to upgrade their
car(s).
-- Race Event Pavilions -- players can visit and join various races.
-- License Center -- players will have the opportunity to participate in various
driving tests to earn licenses for access to various race formats.
-- Music Theater -- players can enjoy various music from around the world.
-- Circuit Racing -- players can visit the "suburbs" and enter races at various
circuit tracks.
-- Mission Races -- To experience the drama of racing at a new level, a new race
style is structured as a mission-clearing based race event offering numerous
variables for the player to capture the checkered flag.
-- New "High Score" System -- The player who wins a race is not necessarily the
one who captures the checkered flag, but graded on how well they drive and
challenge themselves among the competition based on their car type, horsepower
and modifications related to the race field.
B-spec Mode
Players take the role of a race team manager and provide direction to their
driver (A.I.) to compete in races while viewed and directed through the classic
"broadcast-style" replay screen, on-board camera and race monitor screen. In
B-spec mode, the player will have the opportunity to adjust various car settings
for proper race setup, choose the difficulty level, which is also known as the
"Pace Command," followed with direction on when to overtake competition and take
pit stops where a variety of car settings can be adjusted to further progress in
the race -- from tires to the volume of fuel for refueling.
Photo Mode
Divided in two formats: 1) "Photo Drive" -- players have the opportunity to
photograph their car during the race where they can take advantage of zoom,
depth of field and motion blur. 2) "Photo Travel" -- Players can take their
favorite car and travel around the globe to conduct photo sessions in exotic
locations through a variety of angles. Once the photo is taken in the game, the
player can save it to their memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation(R)2) or a USB key
and have the option to share with friends or print out a color copy via a USB
printer. Up to 50 photos can be taken at one time.
General
In Gran Turismo 4, automobiles available for the player represent historically
significant vehicles to popular cars of today and tomorrow. All vehicles are
fully customizable from racing tires to gear ratio. New driver assist functions:
In addition to anti-lock brakes, traction control systems and active stability
control, Gran Turismo 4 includes active steering as well, further enhancing the
safety features. In reflecting the latest car tuning trends, Gran Turismo 4 has
the availability of superchargers and NOS. More than 50 courses are available in
Gran Turismo 4 that encompass dirt/snow courses, world circuits, original
circuits (tracks from previous Gran Turismo titles) and city courses covering
both real-life and fantasy-based locales. Some courses can be played in reverse
mode. Some courses include Nurburgring Nordschleife, New York City, the Grand
Canyon, Tsukuba Circuit, and more.
« Back to last page · News Page »
 |
