Revealed: Gran Turismo 4: Prologue

Kazunori Yamauchi reveals a stop-gap 'demo' release of GT4 at the Toyko Motor Show in Makuhari. Details, new screens and video inside.

Although the news that Gran Turismo 4 will be delayed until next year was disappointing, gamers anticipating the release of the milestone driving game will be compensated considerably when they learn that Polyphony has decided to release a cut-down version of the game in Japan for just ¥2,980 - under thirty dollars - to be released on December 4th.

At a conference during the Tokyo Motor Show in Makuhari, Polyphony leader Kaz Yamauchi revealed the 'compact' edition of the game, which features five tracks and around fifty cars, including new models such as Honda Takata Mugen NSX, Mazda Demio Sport, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, Nissan Xanavi Nismo GT-R, Subaru Legacy B4, Toyota Prius G Touring Selection and the Volkswagen Lupo Cup Car. An incredible package, for what's supposedly a demo release.

Yamauchi-san commented on how the release of the cut-down version will allow light users to experience the game before making a 'full price' buying decision, something rarely attempted for AAA titles. To that end, a training mode is included, allowing those who pick up the release to practise all manner of driving techniques required in the game.

The courses to be included are Tsukuba Circuit, Fuji Speedway, Italian Urban District, Grand Canyon and New York's Times Square. Since the demo is so packed full of content, Yamauchi feels the 'budget game' price point is justified, and as well he should. For less than twice the price of Prologue, gamers will get about 400% more game when the full version is released early next year - so it's not like SCE is shooting itself in the foot.

To mark the occasion, Sony decided to release some new screenshots, all of which represent parts of the game available in Prologue. We'll endeavour to pick it up as soon as we can, to bring you the GT4 media blowout of justice.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com