Gentlemen, Start Your Engines
The most realistic driving experience this side of the planet is in stores. We're talkin' Gran Turismo 4, baby!
Published: February 22, 2005
Multiple delays, an online mode put into jeopardy. Sound familiar? Such has been the case with this year's and last's most anticipated racer of the year, but through think and thin, Sony Computer Entertainment America has managed to give the green flag to Gran Turismo 4, which can now be on shelves exclusively for the ol' black brick.
Following up on Polyphony Digital's 38 million unit-selling Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, GT4's main claim to fame is the inclusion of over 700 vehicles that have spanned the last century and further, with standouts including the 1915 Ford Model T Tourer and Mercedes-Benz' 1886 Daimler Motor Carriage. Also new to the series are the B-spec and Photo Modes, with the former putting players into the shoes of a race team manager and the latter, for those photographers at heart, allowing for in-game shots to be snapped and printed with a USB printer.
"With its broad appeal and large array of features highlighting car culture, we are excited to bring Gran Turismo 4 to market," admits 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."
For lucky gas guzzlers in the Los Angeles area, Gran Turismo 4's launch kicked off right this morning, where from 6-10 AM, a Mobil Gas Station was transformed into a GT4 pit stop, rewarding consumers with free fuel and the chance to give the game a test run.
So that's that. Gran Turismo 4's in stores and you'd best be on your way to the store if you've yet to pick up your copy. If you want the full experience, look no further than the Logitech Driving Force ProT force feedback wheel, said to be the most advanced steering wheel in gaming and retailing at a cool $149.99. Stick around for our take on the game via a full review in the near future.
Following up on Polyphony Digital's 38 million unit-selling Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, GT4's main claim to fame is the inclusion of over 700 vehicles that have spanned the last century and further, with standouts including the 1915 Ford Model T Tourer and Mercedes-Benz' 1886 Daimler Motor Carriage. Also new to the series are the B-spec and Photo Modes, with the former putting players into the shoes of a race team manager and the latter, for those photographers at heart, allowing for in-game shots to be snapped and printed with a USB printer.
"With its broad appeal and large array of features highlighting car culture, we are excited to bring Gran Turismo 4 to market," admits 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."
For lucky gas guzzlers in the Los Angeles area, Gran Turismo 4's launch kicked off right this morning, where from 6-10 AM, a Mobil Gas Station was transformed into a GT4 pit stop, rewarding consumers with free fuel and the chance to give the game a test run.
So that's that. Gran Turismo 4's in stores and you'd best be on your way to the store if you've yet to pick up your copy. If you want the full experience, look no further than the Logitech Driving Force ProT force feedback wheel, said to be the most advanced steering wheel in gaming and retailing at a cool $149.99. Stick around for our take on the game via a full review in the near future.
