Gran Turismo 4 - The Official Guide released 3rd June 2005
1st Jun 2005Piggyback, a leading official guide publisher ships the Gran Turismo 4 official guide this week following phenomenal support from the Gran Turismo 4 community. Developed by the largest R&D team ever assembled at Piggyback, the Official Gran Turismo 4 Guide is the meeting point of expert drivers, specialist writers, mechanical engineers and thousands of Gran Turismo 4 gamers. Fans and seasoned Gran Turismo players contributed to the book, via the Online League www.gt4league.com providing data such as record fast lap times, tuning optimisation, tested racing tactics and personal winning secrets. The Piggyback team then refined and tested all data from the diverse sources. The Official Gran Turismo 4 Guide is the product of more than 40,000 hours of racing expertise, covering a development period of six months.
The guide will be released in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish languages across PAL territories selling for Ł12.99, €14.99 and AU $34.95.
In six all-encompassing chapters covering 294 pages, the Official Gran Turismo 4 Guide features both fundamental and advanced racing techniques, a definitive guide to car tuning, every track analysed in depth, optimal paths to a 100% Game Completion percentage, how to unlock every car, how to beat every single license and mission... and so much more. All of this material is distilled into one massive tome, making the guide the ultimate Gran Turismo 4 companion.
This Official Guide gives the reader immediate access to:
* How to drive like the pros
* How to unlock all 730 cars
* How to accrue millions of Credits
* How to win gold on every license
* How to perform the most effective modifications
* How to use hidden menu shortcuts and features
* How to unlock every single track
* The best settings for every track, every race
* How to reach 100% in record time
* How to acquire the best cars
* How to improve your performances on the track
* How to create masterpieces in Gran Turismo 4's Photo Mode
* Drive and Photo Tour modes
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Grand Turismo 4 Online League starts 11th March 2005
11th Mar 2005Piggyback and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have redefined game guide development by inviting millions of players to compete in the Gran Turismo 4 Online League. The Online League will enable the most seasoned Gran Turismo 4 players to provide thousands of hours of driving experience and winning tactics, which will then be evaluated by the Piggyback authors and integrated into specific sections of the 310 page Gran Turismo 4 Official Guide. The end result will be the most complete game guide in the world.
From 11th March 2005, http://www.piggybackinteractive.com
There is a new Gran Turismo 4 track daily for seven consecutive weeks. Contestants will compete, track for track against other Gran Turismo 4 players, gauge their own rankings and progress whilst evaluating the class of their challengers. The winners of each track will collect points, creating a league over the 50 tracks of the game.
Quick Facts:
Gran Turismo 4 – Online League: How To Play
The Gran Turismo 4 League presents 58 Challenges held over seven weeks: 50 Racing Challenges and eight Photo Challenges. The winners of the League will be the participants with the highest League Rankings as at the closing date, 6th May 2005. In the Racing Contest, participants compete to establish record lap times on over 50 different tracks with a vehicle of their choice. Each Racing Challenge will relate to a specified track, which needs to be raced in Gran Turismo Mode.
1. Start the game in Gran Turismo mode. Once you have followed the http://www.GT4LEAGUE.com instructions and are happy with your lap time, save the Replay of that Contest onto your Memory Card.
2. Go to the Rankings sub-menu and position the yellow arrow on your best time (Record). Push the Start button. A unique and personal 32-digit code will appear.
3. Go to http://www.GT4LEAGUE.com. Log-in with your username and password. Enter the 32-digit code and all other requested details of your performance (time / car /power / settings).
In each Photo Contest, participants must submit one image taken using the Gran Turismo 4 Photo Mode. Go to http://www.GT4LEAGUE.com. Log-in with your username and password. Enter your photo.
Gran Turismo 4 Official Guide Content
* All 726+ cars and all 52 tracks completely covered
* All winning formulae and tactics from the online champions tried, tested and presented in one book
* Each track presented over a dedicated two-page spread
In-game Marketing
* Millions of Gran Turismo 4 PAL gamers will be invited to participate in the Gran Turismo 4 Official League
Instant Recognition
* All Piggyback guides, including the Gran Turismo 4 Official Guide use official game cover art.
Quality Production
* Piggyback produces its first 310 page official guide, printed on high quality paper.
* Free Demos
* Visitors to http://www.piggybackinteractive.com can download a sample free of charge in May 2005.
RRP: TBC
ISBN: 1-903511-74-7
EAN: 978-1-903511-74-9
Ship date: May 2005
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Gran Turismo 4 sets all-time day one record
9th Mar 2005Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced that the highly anticipated racing game Gran Turismo 4, has set a new, all-time Day One record for PlayStation 2 software, shipping 3,182,535 units across PAL territories. In addition to the standalone software version, Gran Turismo 4 is also available as a part of a bundle featuring the newly designed slimline PlayStation 2. The game follows its highly successful predecessors, Gran Turismo and Gran Turismo 2 and Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, and the GT series has collectively sold more than 38 million units worldwide.
Developed hand-in-hand with the motor industry's leading marques, Gran Turismo 4 offers drivers the ultimate ride, with over 700 cars, more than 50 race tracks, new music, new manager and photo modes, better-than-real-life graphics and enhanced simulation. Built with, and tested against, the real cars, real circuits and real test drivers, every car in the GT4 paddock performs, handles, sounds and behaves exactly like its metal equivalent – giving you the chance for a no-limits test drive of the world's finest cars from the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe, Audi Le Mans Quattro, Nissan 350Z or Ford GT to the Mercedes SLR McLaren.
10 Additional Cars for the PAL Version... GT4 was released in Japan on December 28, 2004 with an extensive list of 700 cars. In Europe and Australasia, driving fans will be treated to an additional 10 cars including the stunning new Alfa Romeo GT, the beautiful Audi Nuvolari Quattro, the award-winning modified Golf IV R32 from HPA Motorsports, the record-breaking Auto Union V16 Type C Streamline Race Car, the controversial Chaparral 2J Race Car and the 1993 Le Mans-winning Peugeot 905.
The Best Tracks... GT4 boasts a 52 track line-up including world-famous circuits such as Suzuka and, for the first time, the notorious Nurburgring Nordschleife and La Sarthe at Le Mans. There are also city courses in Seoul, Paris, Tokyo, New York, Seattle, Assisi, Capri and Monte Carlo, power and speed drag-strips, original, dirt and snow tracks (including in the Swiss Alps and Chamonix) and driving parks – many of which can be driven in reverse.
The Best Settings... New technology blends real-time action with a photographic background to immerse the player in real landscapes including New York City, Paris and the Grand Canyon. Detailed vehicle and environment mapping create broadcast-quality graphics – from competitor car reflections and light on the player's vehicle to sparks flying as your exhaust pipe clips! The team spent six-weeks on location taking tens of thousands of photographs at each track to ensure realistic modelling of the track characteristics down to a 15mm level of detail.
The Best Sounds... The roar of the engine in Gran Turismo is a recording of every individual real car, based on the team's extraordinary visits to museums, factories and test tracks in their quest for audio perfection. While driving or watching a replay you can enjoy music from classic rock to drum 'n' bass with artists including British band Kasabian, rock group Eagles of Death Metal, the enigmatic DJ Freq Nasty and break-beat master Bushwacka. The widest variety of music ever in a video game is completed with classical music from Bach, Chopin, Mozart, Debussy and others.
The Best Control... consider yourself manager material? The new GT4 B-Spec Mode lets you become the race manager. This is the first time that non-gamers can take part in the gameplay by deciding on race pace, pit-stop strategy and tuning to help their drivers win. B-Spec lets back seat drivers take control in a mode that creator Yamauchi describes as "The GT you can enjoy while drinking a cup of coffee".
Best Shots... GT4's all new Photo Mode lets you shoot and print perfect photos of your favourite cars at your favourite tracks or, as a virtual tourist, at one of 15 famous city locations including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Las Vegas Strip. Budding photographers can choose their camera, add special effects and download to a memory card or USB memory stick. Photo Mode and the in-game replays achieve better-than-real-life visuals by allowing cameras to be placed close to high speed racing cars and enabling new angles to be achieved in always-perfect lighting.
The Best Tuning ... For the ultimate petrol head, GT4 offers a new engine tuning mode. Novices can select a Quick Tune Up to fine-tune the car's power and weight and adjust transmission and tyres. Enthusiasts can manually tune their vehicles at the Tuner Manufacturer Village, home to nine tuning shops that specialise in brakes, exhaust, turbo, drivetrain, suspension and tyres. Gamers can pimp their rides by adding front and rear spoilers or by switching rims.
More information about Gran Turismo 4 can be found at http://www.granturismoworld.com
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Gran Turismo 4 released 22nd February 2005 in North America
3rd Feb 2005Sony Computer Entertainment America have announced the February 22, 2005 North American release of Gran Turismo 4, available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Based on the worldwide best-selling racing videogame franchise that has sold more than 38 million units worldwide, Gran Turismo 4 continues to push the technological capabilities of PlayStation 2 to serve as a realistic driving simulation, with broadcast-quality graphics and realistic car physics that exceeds past Gran Turismo titles. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., Gran Turismo 4 features the largest selection of cars ever provided to gamers, including more than 700 automobiles, encompassing 80 manufacturers worldwide and representing historically significant vehicles up from the first classic car and muscle cars to modern day concept cars. In addition to the vehicles, Gran Turismo 4 features more than 50 courses, a new GT career mode with more than 200 championship races, an all-new Photo mode, highly detailed car customization, and many other gaming options for the auto enthusiast.
Following a successful launch in Japan on December 28, 2004, Gran Turismo 4 has sold more than one million units to date. With the highly anticipated release in North America, Gran Turismo 4 is expected to be one of the best selling titles for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in 2005. The manufacturer suggested retail price for Gran Turismo 4 will be $49.99 (U.S.) / $69.99 (Canada).
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Gran Turismo 4 launched March 9th 2005
1st Feb 2005After four years in the making, the game that creator Kazunori Yamauchi called "More than a sequel but, in fact, a redefinition of what a video game can be", is complete. Polyphony Digital, Inc., the acclaimed developer of the eagerly anticipated Gran Turismo series and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, the game's publisher, have announced that Gran Turismo 4 will blast onto the shelves across PAL territories on March 09.
With over 700 cars, more than 50 race tracks, new music, new manager and photo modes, better-than-real-life graphics and enhanced simulation, this is the "must-have" driving game of the year.
Developed hand-in-hand with the motor industry's leading marques, Gran Turismo 4 offers drivers the ultimate ride. Built with, and tested against, the real cars, real circuits and real test drivers, every car in the GT4 paddock performs, handles, sounds and behaves exactly like its metal equivalent – giving you the chance for a no-limits test drive of the world's finest cars from the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe, Audi Le Mans Quattro, Nissan 350Z or Ford GT to the Mercedes SLR McLaren.
10 Additional Cars for the PAL Version... GT4 was released in Japan on December 28, 2004 with an extensive list of 700 cars. When the game is released in Europe and Australasia, driving fans will be treated to an additional 10 cars including the stunning new Alfa Romeo GT, the beautiful Audi Nuvolari Quattro, the award-winning modified Golf IV R32 from HPA Motorsports, the record-breaking Auto Union V16 Type C Streamline Race Car, the controversial Chaparral 2J Race Car and the 1993 Le Mans-winning Peugeot 905.
The Best Tracks... GT4 boasts a 52 track line-up including world-famous circuits such as Suzuka and, for the first time, the notorious Nurburgring Nordschleife and La Sarthe at Le Mans. There are also city courses in Seoul, Paris, Tokyo, New York, Seattle, Assisi, Capri and Monte Carlo, power and speed drag-strips, original, dirt and snow tracks (including in the Swiss Alps and Chamonix) and driving parks – many of which can be driven in reverse.
The Best Settings... new technology blends real-time action with a photographic background to immerse the player in real landscapes including New York City, Paris and the Grand Canyon. Detailed vehicle and environment mapping create broadcast-quality graphics – from competitor car reflections and light on the player's vehicle to sparks flying as your exhaust pipe clips! The team spent six-weeks on location taking tens of thousands of photographs at each track to ensure realistic modelling of the track characteristics down to a 15mm level of detail.
The Best Sounds... The roar of the engine in Gran Turismo is a recording of every individual real car, based on the team's extraordinary visits to museums, factories and test tracks in their quest for audio perfection. While driving or watching a replay you can enjoy music from classic rock to drum 'n' bass with artists including British band Kasabian, rock group Eagles of Death Metals, the enigmatic DJ Freq Nasty and break-beat master Bushwacka. The widest variety of music ever in a video game is completed with classical music from Bach, Chopin, Mozart, Debussy and others.
The Best Control... consider yourself manager material? The new GT4 B-Spec Mode lets you become the race manager. This is the first time that non-gamers can take part in the gameplay by deciding on race pace, pit-stop strategy and tuning to help their drivers win. B-Spec lets back seat drivers take control in a mode that creator Yamauchi describes as "The GT you can enjoy while drinking a cup of coffee".
Best Shots... GT4's all new Photo Mode lets you shoot and print perfect photos of your favourite cars at your favourite tracks or, as a virtual tourist, at one of 15 famous city locations including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Las Vegas Strip. Budding photographers can choose their camera, add special effects and download to a memory card or USB memory stick. Photo Mode and the in-game replays achieve better-than-real-life visuals by allowing cameras to be placed close to high speed racing cars and enabling new angles to be achieved in always-perfect lighting. The Best Tuning ... For the ultimate petrol head, GT4 offers a new engine tuning mode. Novices can select a Quick Tune Up to fine-tune the car's power and weight and adjust transmission and tyres. Enthusiasts can manually tune their vehicles at the Tuner Manufacturer Village, home to nine tuning shops that specialise in brakes, exhaust, turbo, drivetrain, suspension and tyres. Gamers can pimp their rides by adding front and rear spoilers or by switching rims.
The Gran Turismo series has sold over 36 million copies and GT4 continues where Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec left off. Fuelled by game designer Kazunori Yamauchi's passion for cars, GT4 has taken producers Polyphony Digital four years to develop and is the largest video game ever made. It would take more than 120 days of playing 24-hours non-stop just to sample each car on every track for just five minutes.
More information about Gran Turismo 4 can be found at http://www.granturismoworld.com
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The Annual Gran Turismo 4 award winners announced
5th Nov 2004To honor automotive excellence and celebrate car culture, Sony Computer Entertainment America, publisher of the best-selling Gran Turismo racing franchise for PlayStation/PlayStation 2, hosted the second annual Gran Turismo 4 (GT4) Awards yesterday at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) auto show in Las Vegas. In its inaugural year, the GT4 Awards marked a historic collaboration of videogame and auto enthusiasts, while featuring a distinguished line-up of entries from top SEMA show exhibitors, all vying for the coveted honor of being dubbed "Best in Show," a title that included the historic privilege of having their vehicle inserted into the revolutionary Gran Turismo franchise, exclusively for PlayStation 2.
Held at Las Vegas hot-spot ICE, the GT4 Awards highlighted six categories that included "Best Truck/SUV," "Best Japanese Import," "Best European Import," "Best Domestic Automobile," "Best Hot Rod" and the coveted "Best in Show." The Best in Show vehicle will be immortalized by being inserted into the next installment of the Gran Turismo franchise videogame , available for all consumers to view and drive , making it the talk of the auto industry.
Entries for the GT4 Awards included vehicles encompassing manufacturers around the globe. GT4 Awards category winners were selected by representatives from popular automotive media and related company outlets including Road & Track , Motor Trend , Truck Trend, Red Line Oil , Racer Magazine and Super Street , with the "Best in Show" award being selected by Kazunori Yamauchi. Last year's "Best in Show" winner included a 1962 Buick Special, owned by Ted and Sue Richardson of Oregon, which will be available in the upcoming release of Gran Turismo 4.
The overall winner was Marcel Horn who was honored with the "Best in Show" award for their one-of-kind HPA Volkswagen R32. In addition to the hardware, Horn will set a new standard for visibility among auto enthusiasts as his vehicle will be drivable in the next installment of Gran Turismo when it becomes available. Horn was also awarded the "Best European Import" award.
The "Best Truck/SUV" honor was presented to Brett Garner for his Ford F-250.
Walking away with the award for "Best Japanese Import" was Mark Mendoza for his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII.
The "Best Domestic Automobile" award was given to Jeff Tetzlaff for his 1966 GT40. The final category, which was for "Best Hot Rod," was awarded to the Craig Morrison for his 1955 Chevrolet 210 Sedan.
With more than 36 million units sold worldwide, the Gran Turismo franchise is regarded as the best and most authentic driving simulation ever created, available exclusively for PlayStation and PlayStation 2. For the launch of Gran Turismo 4 , a new standard will be set for authentic racing action with upwards of 650 cars and more than 50 tracks encompassing eighty real auto manufacturers and various real-life courses from around the world, as well as realistic driving physics and various new game modes. |
Gran Turismo 4 - Game information
30th Sep 2004In the winter of 1997, the original Gran Turismo changed the history of racing games. This year, Gran Turismo 4 will cause another revolution to the world of racing games. Gran Turismo was the pioneer for introducing a new playing style by allowing players to spend just as much time watching and enjoy replays of their performance as racing.
Gran Turismo 4's new Director Mode (or B-Spec) is based on the premise of playing through the replay view angle only. A "Racing RPG" so to speak, B-Spec = Director Mode introduces the "Gran Turismo that players don't drive". In B-Spec = Director Mode, the game proceeds in the replay view point (Broadcast view) from the start of the race. GT4 includes the traditional experience where players participate and drive for themselves, referred to as A-spec. But this time, players will also have the option to be the director or race team manager of their race, and not have to worry about driving (as B-spec).
B-Spec = Director Mode brings a new experience to racing games, in which players driving themselves has previously been the standard. In B-spec, players give directions, taking on the role of a race team manager, giving directions to their A.I. driver and competing in their races. This mode can be applied to all of the races available in GT4, and does not standalone as a game mode by itself. Players can complete all of the races included in GT Mode by using B-Spec = Director Mode, without driving themselves at all. Players who had difficulty in racing can now take the option of carefully preparing their car for a race, sharing the excellence and exhilarating excitement of racing in a whole new style of racing games. That is what B-Spec = Director Mode is all about.
B-Spec = Director Mode Features:
Playing Screen:
Playing screens will consist of the following, Broadcast view (replay view), On-board camera for each car, Race monitor screen. Players will make the best use of the three available screens to understand and evaluate the race.
Race Monitor Screen:
During the race, this screen will provide information on each car, such as lap time, sector times, time differences, which lap they went in for a pit stop, etc. to give the player an overall idea of what is going on in the race.
Settings/Car Set Up:
Car set up is likely to be much more important than when players drive themselves. Players can conduct tests on their settings, and tyre selection before the actual race. They will have to plan very strategically across the number of laps in the race.
Pace Command:
Players can give pace commands to their driver on a 5 level scale between Easy to Hard. Whether they chose to race safely and be easy on the tires, or push hard, beat up the tires and take risks, the choice is with the player.
Overtake Command:
Overrides the pace command and concentrates on over taking the car ahead.
Pit In Command:
Commands the driver to pull into the pit for refueling or tyre changes.
Pit Menu:
Allows players to adjust their selection of tyres (front/rear) and volume of fuel for refueling.
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Enjoy the car lifestyle in the motor resort city - "Gran Turismo Resort" emerges
The Gran Turismo series is known for its driving and car lifestyle simulation game characteristics. The game's identity is firmly rooted in the car lifestyle simulation mode - GT mode. In the upcoming GT4, the Gran Turismo World will expand significantly. Starting from their home (or garage), players can explore car dealerships from around the world, visit used car dealers and tuning shops. Race events will be held in event pavilions set up by genre and Racing Fields will be located in the suburbs. The familiar License Test Centre returns, but this time on a much larger scale. For beginners and loyal fans of the GT series alike, Motor Resort City includes everything you need to enjoy your car lifestyle to the extreme. This is the Gran Turismo World.
Gran Turismo Resort Facilities:
* "My home" will act as the player's home and garage
* "Car Towns" by territory will consist of dealerships for the numerous car manufacturers
* "Tuner's Village" will consist of famous car tuning shops
* "Race Event Pavilions" will be categorized by their various concepts
* "License Centre" will be the venue for the license tests
* New and Old Used Car Dealerships/Shops available
* "Music Theatre" enables players to enjoy music from artists around the world
* "Circuit Areas" are located in the suburbs where an event is held at each track
Over 80 manufacturers and 650 cars
GT4 will include the largest variety of cars in the Gran Turismo series, ranging from some of the earliest automobile models to today's vehicles, with an emphasis on cars of the 80s and 90s.
The Tracks: Travel the landscapes of the world
The origins of the words Gran Turismo takes us back into the 17th and 18th century where European aristocrats traveled long distances across the continent in horse-drawn carriages. Today, the words Gran Turismo define a car designed and suited for long distance travel. The keyword for GT4 is "the heart of a traveler" and the latest game includes breath-taking locations of cities or of nature from around the world. Take your favorite car and travel the world. GT4 also includes world renowned tracks (closed circuits).
Existing Tracks from Japan
Fuji Speedway '80
This is the Fuji Speedway course layout which was in use up until the 80s. The track was famous for being one of the fastest tracks around the world. Players can experience the old Fuji Speedway.
Fuji Speedway '90
This is the Fuji Speedway after its first major renewal in the 80s up to 2003. The latest Fuji Speedway known to all.
Tsukuba Circuit 2000
The Tsukuba Circuit is known as the sacred grounds for Japanese sports cars. Numerous production cars and tuning cars use this track as their benchmark for performance evaluation. Players can experiment with car modifications and see what effects they have on the car's lap time.
Twin Ring Motegi (full course)
This is Japan's International Racing Course. Twin Ring Motegi's road course is known for demanding driver's techniques and is harsh on the brakes.
Twin Ring Motegi (Oval Track)
Japan's only 1.5 mile oval course, built for the Indy Car Race
Suzuka Circuit (full course)
This track is known as the home of the Formula One Japan Grand Prix, and is also demanding of driver's techniques. Finally, Suzuka Circuit is to be included in the GT series. Experience Suzuka with the "Real Driving Simulator".
Existing Tracks from North America
Laguna Seca Raceway
This track is one of the most well known and favoured track in America, included in past GT titles. For GT4, the team has revisited and remeasured the track and it will be replaced in higher quality. In past titles, the setting was late afternoon with the sunset, this time the setting will be midday with beautiful weather.
Sears Point Raceway
Located in Sonoma County, near San Francisco, Sears Point Raceway shares its popularity with Laguna Seca Raceway amongst car fans. The course layout suggests low to mid speeds and is demanding of drivers' skills. By looking at the cars that gather at this track, one could say this is the Tsukuba Circuit of North America.
Existing Tracks from Europe
Nurburgring Nordschleife
The world's most challenging and difficult track is 20.8 kilometers long, and consists of 176 turns. The Nurburgring track is known for car manufacturers bringing their latest sport cars for testing. Mastering this track may take some time, but is for the same reasons quite rewarding. The history of joy and excitement of driving in racing games is about to be changed.
City Courses
Tokyo R246
This was a popular track included in GT3. With the latest GT4 technology, this track is back with more beauty and more realism.
Seattle
Another popular city track included in the series since GT2. With the latest GT4 technology, this track is back with more beauty and more realism. The time setting has changed from sunset to mid-day clear skies.
New York
This track takes the centre of New York, Midtown Manhattan and builds a city track around it. With its multiple 90 degree turns this is a technical track. Players can enjoy a bit of sightseeing as the track includes Broadway, Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Central Park and more.
Hong Kong
Developed and created with full support from the Hong Kong Govt. Tourism Department.
Other City Courses will include:
Las Vegas Drag Strip, George V Paris, Opera Paris, Cote D'Azur, Special Stage Route 5, Citta di Aria
Nature Courses
Grand Canyon
Swiss Alps
Ice Arena
Grand Valley
Trial Mountain
Midfield Raceway
Snow Lake
High Speed Ring
Amalfee Circuit
Motorsports Land
Tahiti Maze
Autumn Ring
**Additional tracks to be seen in GT4 will be announced at a later date.
Photo Mode
GT4 brings another new feature to the series called Photo Mode, enhancing the watching/observing mode one step further. "Photo Drive" is included in all of the GT4 courses, allowing players to take photos of their car on the track. Players can use real photography techniques, such as zoom, depth of field and motion blur. Special and exclusive locations for photos will also be available at "Photo Travel". Players can travel in their favorite car to various locations around the world and take photos at a wide variety of angles. Photos can be printed on a compatible colour printer or saved to memory card to share with your friends.
Photo Travel (15 stages in all)
Gion District, Kyoto Japan
Nanzenji Temple, Kyoto Japan
Sagano, Kyoto Japan
Tsumago, Nagano, Japan
Piazza San Marco, Venice Italy
Realto Bridge, Venice Italy
Shibuya, Tokyo Japan
Tokyo International Forum, Tokyo Japan
Shiga Kogen, Nagano Japan
Brooklyn, New York NY USA
Times Square, New York NY USA
Asian Fish Market
Freemont Street, Las Vegas NV USA
Louisberg Square, Boston MA USA
The Human Aspect
The Gran Turismo series has always injected realism into the cars and their surrounding environments. Now, GT4 takes the challenge of conveying the final essential element - people. The driver's human movements, the recreation of the pit crew, and the movement of the spectators have all been replicated. This completes the triangle - cars, people and nature - that the team has always wanted to achieve. This achievement adds to the overall realism of the cars taking the Gran Turismo series to new dimensions.
Car Physics Simulation Engine
The car physics simulation engine allows for more reality in the car's performance at higher standards, making the actual driving experience easier. The accuracy level is equivalent to sports driving in real life.
New Generation Driver Assist Functions
In addition to anti-lock brakes, traction control systems and active stability control, GT4 will also include active steering. With all of the safety devices combined and controlled at high standards, this allows for beginners to enjoy the pleasures of driving.
The Latest Modifications
The fun of modifying a favorite car has increased significantly. Reflecting the latest car tuning trends, Superchargers and NOS (Nitrogen) will now be available. The range of tires and other factors allows for more flexibility of the player's car set up. The new car physics simulation engine is more delicate and responds with more realism.
Steering Controller "GT FORCE Pro"
The Logitech "GT FORCE Pro" is a 2.5 turn lock to lock steering controller, developed as a joint project between Logitech and Polyphony Digital Inc. The force feedback on the steering has been enhanced, as well as the firmness and stability of the product.
A New Proposal to Racing: "Mission Races"
This is a new concept to the Gran Turismo series, structured in a mission-clearing-based race event.
The race will not necessarily start from the starting grid. There will be set conditions for the start of the race for players to challenge. For example: a player may have to start one second later in second place, starting one lap behind and having to finish first. These are settings which are highly likely in the worlds of real racing. Players experience the drama of racing, and are sure to enjoy the challenge of clearing each mission.
Introducing a new "High Score" system
The races in the GT series have always had specific race regulations for player to follow, such as limitation on tyres, maximum power, etc. In GT4, most of these regulations will be omitted to allow for more variety of cars to participate in each of the races, as well as their modification ranges. For example, a player can take a 600 horsepower car and participate in a race setting for cars in the range of 150 horsepower.
The new "High Score" system will work as follows. Players will earn high points winning a race at a disadvantage (disadvantage or advantage is measure by whether a player's car is slower or faster than opponent cars), and conversely, players at an advantage will earn less points. With the introduction of this "High Score" system, players have more freedom in their gaming style. Some may take a very fast car and win the races easily, whereas some of the more stoic players will intentionally take the disadvantage and truly test their driving skills. This system meets the demands of a wide range of gaming styles and players.
Developer: Polyphony Digital Inc.
Genre: Driving Simulation
Players: 1- 2 players
Peripherals: GT Force, GT Force Pro, Network Adaptor, Analogue Controller (DUALSHOCK 2), Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2) |
Gran Turismo 4 - More details
12th May 2004Sony Computer Entertainment America announced have made public further details regarding new game modes and features for the upcoming worldwideNovember 2004 release of Gran Turismo4, developed exclusively for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. Following in the footsteps of the PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hit," Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, and a racing franchise that has sold more than 35 million units worldwide, Gran Turismo 4 continues to deliver authentic racing gameplay with new fully enhanced features that focus on new gameplay physics encompassing more than 500 cars, up to 100 courses and unique original modes, including robust online gameplay via theNetwork Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation2).
Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., the latest version of Gran Turismo 4 further demonstrates its mission to provide the most authentic driving simulation available in the marketplace. New features at the Electronic Entertainment Expo will 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 will be highlighted through the new "GT Photo Mode," and the highly anticipated "GT Online Mode." In addition, enhanced popular features will return with "GT Career Simulation Mode" and "GT Arcade Mode" demonstrating more than 100 cars playable on eight unique courses at the show.SCEA - Gran Turismo 4 for PlayStation 2
"With the extensive amount of detail and realism that is sure to provide hours of endless entertainment, Gran Turismo 4 further extends the franchise to new heights, serving as a true pioneer in providing sophisticated videogame technology that showcases the best of both the automotive and videogame industries," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "At E3, show attendees will get a glimpse of the many new features and enhancements that not only demonstrate a new standard for the genre, but will continue to build momentum for its upcoming November release. With its broad appeal and strong entertainment value, we believe that Gran Turismo 4 should be a staple in every gamer's PlayStation 2 software library.
New and Enhanced Features For Gran Turismo
NEW FEATURES
GT Photo Mode - Players can travel around the globe with their car(s) and conduct photo sessions in various popular locations that include Piazza San Marco, Shibuya, Tsumago, Sagano and more. Once the photo is taken in the game, the player can save it to their memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation2) and have the option to share with friends or print out a color copy via a USB printer.
GT Online Mode - Mode in final product features head-to-head racing for up to six players per race. It includes chat functionality and in-depth menu screen for the ability to build communities to interact about automotive topics.
ENHANCED FEATURES
GT Arcade Mode - Players compete against each other or the artificial intelligence with select cars on select courses. Additional cars and courses are available in the GT Arcade Mode when they are unlocked in the GT Career Simulation Mode.
GT Force Wheel - To further enhance the automotive racing experience, in lieu of the DUALSHOCK2 analog controller, the GT Force Wheel developed by Logitech, 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.
Cars and Course To Be Featured at E3 2004 in Gran Turismo 4
At E3 2004, more than 100 automobiles will be available, representing a variety of auto manufacturers from around the world. The final product will include more than 500 cars.
In addition, eight courses will be available including Nurburgring Nordschleife, listed below. The final product will contain up to 100 courses.
New York City
Fuji Speedway
Tsukuba Circuit
Grand Canyon
Citta di Aria
Costa di Amalfi
Hong Kong
Nurburgring Nordschleife - Featuring a 'rollercoaster-style' race course with various elevation changes and turns, located in the wooded hills of the Eifel plateau in Western Germany, Nurburgring is widely regarded as one of the most challenging race courses in the world. Opened in June,1927 with a total length of 20.8km and a total of 73 corners (33 left, 40 right), the track is considered legendary and mythical amongst many motorsport competitors and fans. The Formula One Grand Prix makes its stop at Nurburgring every year for the official Grand Prix of Europe and many auto manufacturers from around the world use the track as a testing ground.-more-SCEA - Gran Turismo 4 for PlayStation
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has not yet ratedGran Turismo 4. For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org. |
Gran Turismo 4 - E3 Factsheet
12th May 2004Automotive racing is much more than a sport, it's a lifestyle. This November, the lifestyle comes to PlayStation®2 as the greatest automotive racing simulation returns in Gran TurismoTM4. As the fourth installment of the worldwide blockbuster-selling Gran Turismo series, Gran Turismo 4 is available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., the latest version of Gran Turismo 4 further demonstrates its mission to provide the most authentic driving simulation available in the marketplace. New features will 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 will be highlighted through the new "GT Photo Mode," and the highly anticipated "GT Online Mode." In addition, enhanced popular features will return with "GT Career Simulation Mode" and "GT Arcade Mode."
Following in the footsteps of the PlayStation 2 "Greatest Hit," Gran TurismoTM3 A-spec, and a racing franchise that has sold more than 35 million units worldwide, Gran Turismo 4 features authentic racing gameplay that focuses on more cars, courses, race modes and online gameplay via the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation 2). With an all-new physics engine and an all-new artificial intelligence engine, combined with revolutionary technology, Gran Turismo 4 delivers enhanced, if not perfected, game physics, graphics, and feel, acting as a near-realistic automotive driving simulator.
In Gran Turismo 4, the characteristics of the cars are realistically designed and calculated so that they handle to the "real life" physics of that particular vehicle, taking into account weight, speed, friction, wind, and more. Courses include various sites such as Nurburgring Nordschleife, New York City, the Grand Canyon, Tsukuba Circuit, and more. Highly detailed vehicles and environment mapping create broadcast-quality graphics, with light and competitor car reflections on the player's automobile to leaves on a tree shaking in the wind.
FRANCHISE STATISTICS
North American sales – Gran TurismoTM (May 1998 release): more than 3.9 million;
Gran TurismoTM2 (December 1999 release): more than 3.8 million;
Gran Turismo 3 A-spec (July 2001 release): more than 6 million
(Includes GT3 Racing Pack)
Worldwide sales – Gran Turismo: more than 10.8 million; Gran Turismo 2: more than 9 million;
Gran Turismo 3 A-spec: more than 12.9 million (Includes GT3 Racing Pack)
KEY FEATURES
New physics engine adding a higher level of realism in cars, which allows for cars to be handled easier.
More than 5,000 polygons per vehicle capture exceptional detail, right down to the disc brakes behind the wheel.
Up to 100 courses including Nurburgring, New York City, the Grand Canyon, Tsukuba Circuit, Fuji Speedway, Citta di Aria, Hong Kong, Costa di Amalfi and others. Includes courses that can be played in reverse mode.
More than 500 vehicles encompassing manufacturers from around the world with a range from vintage to modern models seen today.
All vehicles are fully customizable from racing tires to gear ratio.
Race opponents posses advanced artificial intelligence, which allows for behavior that captures human-like emotion.
Refined replay mode with broadcast-quality graphics.
Compatible with the Logitech Driving ForceTM Pro Wheel – To further enhance the automotive racing experience, in lieu of the DUALSHOCK®2 analog controller, the Logitech Driving Force Pro 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.
Four race modes including:
- GT Career 'Simulation' Mode – Via the GT Universe, 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.
- GT Online Mode – Mode in final product features head-to-head racing for up to six players per race. Chat functionality and in-depth menu screens for the ability to build communities to interact about automotive topics.
- GT Arcade Mode - Players compete against each other or the artificial intelligence with select cars on select courses. More cars and course are available in the GT Arcade Mode when they are unlocked in the GT Career Simulation Mode.
- GT Photo Mode – Players can travel around the globe with their car(s) and conduct photo sessions in various popular locations that include Piazza San Marco, Shibuya, Tsumago, Sagano and more. Once the photo is taken in the game, the player can save it to their memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2) and have the option to share with friends or print out a color copy via a USB printer.
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: Polyphony Digital, Inc.
Genre: Racing
Players: 1-6 players
Platform: PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system
Peripherals: Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2), DUALSHOCK®2 analog controller, Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation®2), Logitech Driving ForceTM Pro
Launch Date: November 2004
Target Age: 8+
Rating: "RP' for Rating Pending |
