Gran Turismo HD Concept

Last updated
Gran Turismo HD Concept
GT HD Concept.PNG
Cover art (Japanese version)
Developer(s) Polyphony Digital
Publisher(s) Sony Computer Entertainment
Designer(s) Kazunori Yamauchi
Series Gran Turismo
Platform(s) PlayStation 3
Release
  • JP/NA: December 24, 2006
  • PAL: March 23, 2007
Genre(s) Sim racing
Mode(s) Single-player

Gran Turismo HD Concept [lower-alpha 1] was the first installment of the Gran Turismo racing video game series to be released on the PlayStation 3. It was made available as a free download which was released on the PlayStation Store on December 24, 2006. A Blu-ray Disc version, called "Install Disc", was released in Japan in limited quantities in September 2007. The game was intended to be a sneak preview, in the likes of Gran Turismo Concept , preceding the release of a full version title, but the Gran Turismo HD project was canceled and replaced by Gran Turismo 5 Prologue .

Contents

Gameplay

Gran Turismo HD Concept includes external view (or rear view) and bumper view, the latter introduces left and right view as seen from the driver's helmet. Left and right views are available with both Sixaxis and steering wheel peripherals although they are not assigned in the wireless controller's default configuration.

As a short title, the Concept version only features ten cars ranging from the Suzuki Cappuccino to the Ferrari 599, available in both stock and tuned version, once unlocked. The game's opening movie focuses on Didier Auriol's 1995 Toyota Celica GT-FOUR WRC and the Lotus Elise 111R. [1] The game features only a single track, The Eiger Nordwand (Eiger north face) which is a newly created mountain pass track based on the Kleine Scheidegg and featuring the Swiss Alps' famous Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. The track is also available in reverse mode once unlocked.[ citation needed ]

Two play modes are available: Time Trial and Drift Trial. [2] Both modes feature an Internet ranking chart for each continent. Gran Turismo HD Concept is the first game in the franchise to support online ranking. [3] Japanese area ranking ended on September 30, 2007 with the removal of Gran Turismo HD Concept from the local PlayStation Store. [4] The Replay mode is also available, each course's best five records per car in both Time and Drift Trial can be downloaded by users under the form of a replay file.[ citation needed ]

Development

At the 2006 Tokyo Game Show's opening, Famitsu released details and a screenshot about a new Polyphony Digital project, Gran Turismo HD, scheduled from a December release. [5] Two versions would be simultaneously released, the Blu-ray Disc based "GTHD Premium" (GTHDプレミアム) and the PlayStation Store downloadable "GTHD Classic" (GTHDクラシック). [5] During the show, Polyphony Digital unveiled the first Gran Turismo HD teaser and featured HD renders of five cars: Nismo GT-R R-Tune R1 '99, Honda S2000 '99, TOM'S Castrol Supra JGTC '99, Ford GT '05 and the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano '06. [6] The first four cars were available in Gran Turismo 4 but didn't appear in late GTHD trailers, though the Ferrari was featured in Gran Turismo HD Concept. Kazunori Yamauchi confirmed the full version of Gran Turismo HD was scheduled for a December 2007 release in Japan. [7] Among the planned contents he introduced an "iTunes-like" download service and various download packs including additional cars and tracks, advanced AI or car damage, all of which being compatible with the future Gran Turismo 5. [7]

The introduction of Ferrari models in the Gran Turismo series was officially announced by the Series producer Kazunori Yamauchi and Giulio Zambeletti from Ferrari on September 28, 2006 at the Paris Motor Show. [8] It was soon followed by a special trailer "Gran Turismo HD featuring Ferrari GT cars". [9] The first models were supposed to be the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the Ferrari F430. [10] While the former was available in Gran Turismo HD Concept, the latter was not, but was included in the Gran Turismo 5 Prologue free playable demo among the non selectable NPC cars.[ citation needed ]

In November 2006, shortly before the release of Gran Turismo HD Concept v2.0, Polyphony Digital director Kazunori Yamauchi officially announced a "revision" in the "product strategy": "Gran Turismo 5 will be given priority". [4] Polyphony Digital chose to abandon the planned full version named Gran Turismo HD, which was previously announced as Vision Gran Turismo at the E3 2005 and was first displayed during the Tokyo Game Show 2006 and was scheduled for a 2007 worldwide release [3] to focus on developing Gran Turismo 5 instead. [4] Kazunori Yamauchi stated "Gran Turismo 5 will adopt most of the planned features of Gran Turismo HD", which is confirmed by the two "Gran Turismo x Skyline" trailers based on Gran Turismo 4 replay footages and early Gran Turismo HD Concept artworks or replay footages and including the line "Passage to Gran Turismo 5". [11] "We are hoping to present [...] several Concept versions, each loaded with various experimental features", Kazunori Yamauchi added. [3]

Reception

Gran Turismo HD Concept received "generally favorable" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic.

See also

Notes

  1. Japanese: グランツーリスモHDコンセプト, Hepburn: Guran Tsūrisumo HD Konseputo

Related Research Articles

<i>Gran Turismo</i> (series) Series of racing video games

Gran Turismo (GT) is a series of racing simulation video games developed by Polyphony Digital. Released on PlayStation systems, Gran Turismo games are intended to emulate the appearance and performance of a large selection of vehicles, most of which are licensed reproductions of real-world automobiles. Since the franchise's debut in 1997, over 90 million units have been sold worldwide, making it the best selling video game franchise under the PlayStation brand. An adapted film based on the series and Jann Mardenborough's career was released in August 2023 and directed by Neill Blomkamp.

<i>Gran Turismo 4</i> 2004 video game

Gran Turismo 4 is a 2004 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It is the fourth main installment and the sixth overall in the Gran Turismo series. It was released on December 28, 2004, in Japan and Hong Kong, February 22, 2005, in North America, and March 9, 2005, in Europe, and has since been re-issued under Sony's Greatest Hits brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polyphony Digital</span> Japanese video game developer

Polyphony Digital is an internal Japanese first-party video game development studio for PlayStation Studios. Originally a development group within Sony Computer Entertainment's Japan Studio known as Polys Entertainment, after the success of Gran Turismo in Japan, they were granted greater autonomy, reestablished as an individual company and renamed themselves Polyphony Digital. It currently has four studios: two studios in Japan, one studio in the Netherlands, and another one in the United States.

<i>Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec</i> 2001 video game

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is a 2001 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It is the third installment in the Gran Turismo series. During its demonstration at E3 2000 and E3 2001, the game was known under the working title Gran Turismo 2000.

<i>Gran Turismo 2</i> 1999 video game

Gran Turismo 2 is a 1999 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It is the sequel to Gran Turismo, the second installment of the Gran Turismo series, and the first installment in the series without involvement from Japan Studio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kazunori Yamauchi</span> Japanese game designer and racing driver

Kazunori Yamauchi, nicknamed "Kaz", is a Japanese game designer and professional racing driver. He is the CEO of Polyphony Digital and producer of the Gran Turismo video game series.

<i>Tourist Trophy</i> (video game) 2006 racing video game

Tourist Trophy is a 2006 motorcycle racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It is one of only four PS2 titles capable of 1080i output, another being Gran Turismo 4, the game engine of which is also used by Tourist Trophy, thereby serving as a spin-off to the Gran Turismo series.

<i>Motor Toon Grand Prix</i> 1994 racing video game

Motor Toon Grand Prix is a racing video game developed by Japan Studio's Polys Entertainment and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It was released exclusively in Japan on December 16, 1994. The game and its sequel were directed by Kazunori Yamauchi, and are precursors to his subsequent racing series Gran Turismo.

<i>Gran Turismo</i> (1997 video game) 1997 video game

Gran Turismo is a 1997 racing simulation video game developed by Japan Studio's Polys Entertainment and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It was directed by Kazunori Yamauchi and produced by Shuhei Yoshida. It is the first game in the Gran Turismo series.

The Vision Gran Turismo program is a series of concept cars for the Gran Turismo video game series, developed by a cross-section of the world's top automobile manufacturers. These cars appeared originally in the video game Gran Turismo 6, and later made an appearance in each subsequent Gran Turismo installment, all developed by Polyphony Digital. For the most part, they apply present-day technology and materials, with a handful of notable exceptions that utilize novel propulsion and aerodynamic technologies. Their appearance as free update content has been staggered since the launch of GT6 in 2013, with each one being available for download upon release.

<i>Gran Turismo</i> (2009 video game) 2009 racing video game

Gran Turismo is a 2009 racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable. The game was announced at Sony's E3 press conference on May 11, 2004, alongside the original PSP. Following five years of delays and speculation, during which it was variously known as Gran Turismo Portable, Gran Turismo 4 Mobile, Gran Turismo 5 Mobile and Gran Turismo 4.5, it made a reappearance at E3 on June 2, 2009, in playable form. It was released on October 1, 2009, as one of the launch titles for the new PSP Go. As of September 2017, Gran Turismo has sold 4.67 million units, making it one of the best-selling PSP games. On June 1, 2010, the game was re-released as part of Sony's Greatest Hits budget line of video games.

<i>Gran Turismo 5</i> 2010 video game

Gran Turismo 5 is a 2010 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the fifth main installment and the tenth overall in the Gran Turismo series. It was released on November 24, 2010, in Europe and North America, and November 25, 2010, in Japan and Australasia. It was preceded by the Prologue version and is the first main entry of the series to be released for the PlayStation 3.

<i>Gran Turismo 5 Prologue</i> 2007 video game

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is a 2007 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the eighth overall installment in the Gran Turismo series. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is a precursor to Gran Turismo 5, in celebration of the series' tenth anniversary.

<i>Gran Turismo Concept</i> 2002 video game

Gran Turismo Concept is a 2002 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It is the fourth overall installment the Gran Turismo series. The full game was unreleased in the North American market, although a stripped-down version of it was released in form of Gran Turismo: Nissan 350Z Edition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GT by Citroën</span> Concept car manufactured by Citroën in partnership with Polyphony Digital

The GT by Citroën is a sports car that debuted as a concept car on October 2 at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The car is a collaboration between the French automaker Citroën and the Japanese racing simulation developer Polyphony Digital. Six cars were expected to be built, with an expected MSRP of $2,100,000; however, the production run was allegedly cancelled in 2010 due to high costs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Bull X2010</span> Fictional prototype vehicle

The Red Bull X2010, originally named Red Bull X1, is a fictional prototype vehicle featured in the PlayStation 3 video games Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo 6. A full-size, non-functioning model appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and in West Sussex, England. The digital creation was a response to Kazunori Yamauchi's question: "If you built the fastest racing car on land, one that throws aside all rules and regulations, what would that car look like, how would it perform, and how would it feel to drive?"

<i>Gran Turismo 6</i> 2013 video game

Gran Turismo 6 is a 2013 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the sixth main installment and the eleventh overall in the Gran Turismo series. It was released worldwide on December 6, 2013. It was met with positive reception and was a financial success. New features included the addition of more cars and tracks, improvements to the car customisation options, and partnerships with the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Ayrton Senna Institute, the FIA and NASCAR. Gran Turismo 6 is the first game to feature officially FIA-certified content.

<i>Gran Turismo 7</i> 2022 video game

Gran Turismo 7 is a 2022 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is the eighth main installment and the thirteenth overall in the Gran Turismo series. It was released for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on March 4, 2022, making it the first multi-console installment in the series. Gran Turismo 7 also features virtual reality support compatible with PlayStation VR2 through a free in-game update.

<i>Gran Turismo Sport</i> 2017 video game

Gran Turismo Sport is a 2017 racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. It is the twelfth game in the Gran Turismo series, the seventh game in the main series.

<i>Gran Turismo</i> (film) 2023 film by Neill Blomkamp

Gran Turismo is a 2023 American biographical sports drama film directed by Neill Blomkamp from a screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin. Produced by Columbia Pictures, PlayStation Productions, and 2.0 Entertainment, it is based on the racing simulation video game series of the same name developed by Polyphony Digital. It tells the true story of British teenager Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player who became a professional racing car driver. The film stars Archie Madekwe as Mardenborough alongside David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner, and Djimon Hounsou.

References

  1. "Gran Turismo HD Concept Trailer". IGN . May 16, 2005. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  2. Bramwell, Tom (December 1, 2006). "Sony repackages Gran Turismo HD as demo". Games Industry. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  3. 1 2 3 "Gran Turismo is back". SPOnG. February 26, 2007. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  4. 1 2 3 Gantayat, Anoop (November 30, 2006). "Sony Drops Gran Turismo HD". IGN . Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  5. 1 2 ハイクオリティー版、オンライン版のふたつを収録 (in Japanese). Famitsu. September 22, 2006. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  6. "Gran Turismo HD Concept PlayStation 3 Trailer - TGS 2006 Trailer". IGN . September 23, 2006. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  7. 1 2 Gantayat, Anoop (September 25, 2006). "Gran Turismo Still For Boys". IGN . Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  8. Gantayat, Anoop (September 28, 2006). "Premium Ferrari for GTHD". IGN . Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  9. "Gran Turismo HD Featuring GT Cars". Sony Computer Entertainment. October 2, 2006. Archived from the original on December 19, 2009. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  10. "Gran Turismo HD Concept". Sony Computer Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 31, 2008. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  11. "Gran Turismo HD - Skyline testing". Eurogamer . April 26, 2007. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  12. "Gran Turismo HD Concept for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved 2018-10-18.