GT5 frustrates, impresses fans

After delay after delay, the Playstation 3 exclusive Gran Turismo 5 (GT5) racing simulation video game was finally released on Nov. 24.

Six years ago was the last time a full Gran Turismo video game was released. It has been two years since game developers Polyphonic teased gamers with the unsatisfying Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (GT5 Prologue).

GT5 Prologue was released with the intention of giving gamers a sample of what was to come in GT5, but it left gamers feeling frustrated since the game was so limited in car, track and race challenges.

GT5 is a racing simulation game where players navigate through race challenges to earn trophies and collect money to buy new, better cars.

The game is a frustrating mix of amazing content and glaring shortcomings. Because of this, fans of the Gran Turismo franchise are feeling a love/hate relationship with this game because the game was so hyped and touted for years as the next greatest racing game. It's not revolutionary, nor is it groundbreaking.

Fans of the game and those familiar with the history behind the franchise will love the game despite its flaws for the simple fact that it's a new Gran Turismo. Anyone new to the franchise will think its just another racing game.

GT5 is less of a new revolutionary racing game and more of an extension of its predecessor Gran Turismo 4 (GT4).

The most frustrating aspect of this game is the excruciatingly long loading times.

Taking over an hour to install the game data onto the PS3 hard drive is ridiculous.

The actual gameplay is great. There are 1,000 cars, hundreds of events and 71 track variations to choose from including a new addition to the game: the famed Top Gear test track modeled after the British television show.

Cars in the game range from a Prius to a Redbull Formula 1 car.

The physics of the game feels fantastic and is a big step up from GT4. Improved collision physics cause there to be less "bouncing" off walls and other cars in this game. Instead, when you bump into another car either you or your opponent will end up spinning off the track.

Sadly though, there still isn't any collision damage in this game. That is something fans have been asking for every time a new Gran Turismo game is released.

In place of this is the addition of used cars available for purchase that are already damaged.

Another new addition to the series is the special events section. Here, players can be taught the art of drafting through traffic by Jeff Gordon and learn the art of drifting from Rally World Champion driver Sebastien Loeb. These events are the highlight of GT5, but most are very short.

GT5 is a must buy for fans of the franchise and gamers who love a good racing game. However, gamers seeking an innovative, revolutionary gaming experience will not find one here because GT5, to be frank, is just another simple racing game.