So when the Playstation 3 was first launched one game probably was on everyones mind - the next generation version of Gran Turismo. Of course at launch Sony teased us with a free download from the Playstation Network of a GT concept game which allowed for the gamer to race around one track. Despite it’s lack of features this was enough to realise that the next instalment in the Gran Turismo series was going to be something special.

Months on and gamers were united in their frustration with the ongoing delays of the full release and for some the news that a cut down version of the game, GT5 Prologue, came as scant reward. For me though this coming Friday can’t come soon enough and I’ve actually cleared my evening (and probably well into the morning) for a Gran Turismo night. It was for games like this I originally picked up the Playstation 3, which up until now has been mainly used as a media device rather than a games console.

16 players online, over 60 cars and 6 photo realistic tracks are enough to get me excited, probably for the first time with a PS3 game launch. I guess what makes this so special is that the console has been crying out for a title such as this to finally hit the streets, a bit like waiting for Halo 3 on the XB360 - they just go together.

I can see some of the options in GT5 being adopted into the upcoming Playstation Home, especially some of the My Garage features. Imagine being able to show off your collection of super cars to the Playstation online universe, or have recorded videos of your last corner pass giving you first place in a recent online race.

It’s been a long time in coming, but this coming Friday could very well mark the start of the Playstaton 3 era. I sure hope so. See you online.

Posted on March 25th, 2008 by nigel