Why Gran Turismo 5 Is a Rightful G.O.T.Y Winner

So when Ben and I got on the phone to go over the nominees and the winners, the process hit a few snags. Some we had expected, some we didn't. The whole rundown is fairly straightforward and simple. Ben had a number of nominees written down per category, but when we sat down to discuss the whole list, I had brought up a number of other titles for various categories that Ben had forgotten. We had changed and removed nominees during the review, and yet the whole process was still relatively easy. There were only a handful of categories where we drew out long list of pros and cons, before ultimately making our decisions. Graphics, for example, was one of them. Both Ben and I came down to God of War III and Gran Turismo 5, and after a lot of scrutinizing I made the case for God of War III and Ben agreed.

The great thing about the dynamic Ben and I share is that we are able to share our objective analysis on any given subject and usually one or the other agrees with it. It's never a tug-of-war process, and we've never once had an instance of bickering. One such example is that I was able to make a case of Gran Turismo 5 being the multiplayer game of the year, and that FIFA 11 was the best sports game of the year - and Ben agreed. But then we hit our metaphorical wall. It was time to pick our Game of the Year. So, as per usual, we had our choices narrowed down and then we start picking those we don't think stack up. Process of elimination brought us to Heavy Rain and Gran Turismo 5. Oh, shit.

So began the case building, I had expressed why I felt Gran Turismo 5 is the best game of the year, and Ben did the same for Heavy Rain. To complicate things more, Ben agreed with me. Yet, I agreed with him. Doesn't that just blow your mind? So after about an hour of us talking about just the GOTY category, we agreed there was nothing left to do but to call it a tie. At one point Ben had said "these are about as polar opposite as polar opposite can get." And he's right. I mean, it's one thing if you're comparing, say, Uncharted to Metal Gear Solid, God of War to Final Fantasy, or Metal Gear Solid to Kingdom Hearts, but it's another when you're comparing Heavy Rain to Gran Turismo 5. The reason being is that, at least in those aforementioned titles, you take control of beings. Living, breathing, (well, sort of) creatures that convey emotion and physical actions, which is largely combat. Those games despite being different genres, have a ton more in common than Heavy Rain and Gran Turismo 5.

But then I said to Ben "are they really that different? I mean, yes, they're nothing alike. But they do share one massive similarity in that they both strive to achieve a certain level of realism that no game in each respective genre has accomplished thus far." And it was at that point that we realized why making this a tie made perfect sense and Ben had suggested I write an op-ed explaining why Gran Turismo 5 deserved it (that's just how much Ben agreed with my GOTY decision). And so here is why the choice was made.

First off, I'm not one to call out other writers out there, but the "critics" who covered Gran Turismo 5 or rather the "gamers" who reviewed Gran Turismo 5 did a pretty lousy job at it. I won't get into the specifics, because luckily forums like GTPlanet and NeoGAF have already done all of the ego-shredding for me. And believe it or not, but both of these forums are an integral part of this decision. If you've visited GTPlanet or even NeoGAF's official GT5 thread, you'll have noticed a collective of enthusiasts not just gathering to race online, but also doing something that I'm sure was a goal of Kazunori Yamauchi - sharing. Yes, sharing. It is absolutely brilliant how the Gran Turismo community gets online to share not just tips for a race, but things like in-depth car setups, down to the very increments of a damper setting on a vehicle's suspension. And if those suspension settings are still not working out for you, how about borrowing an absurd 800HP Toyota? It has a better power-to-weight ratio and it handles better than the impossibly insane Shelby you were trying to win with (like I was).

Yes, you can hand someone the keys to your virtual car and help him score that gold, prize money, experience points, and even the bonus car for winning. Hell, a bunch of people simply let you keep the car they've just gifted you. The community is absolutely riddled with gamers who are willing to help each other out, no different than a real life group of guys (and some gals) who post on a multitude of car forums. Somehow, Gran Turismo manages to take the experience outside of the virtual world and maintain it with fellow gamers such as you…and that's just sensational.

But that's not even the end of it. Then you simply start looking at the features list. 1000 cars. Awesome. 70 track setups. Kick ass. Course creator. Yes. WRC. Formula One. SuperGT. NASCAR. Karts. 16-player online gameplay. 60 frames per second. Custom Soundtracks. That list goes on and on, as you know, and it's only going to get longer. Since launch Polyphony has already released four new updates for Gran Turismo 5, nearly every single one having an affect on gameplay. Fantastic enhancements to the online gameplay have made matches exactly the way they should be with update 1.2, and that just came only a number of days after the launch of the game. Another update added a plethora of advanced race events to the game, quelling those who complained there wasn't enough race content in GT Life. Also added was an online dealership where rare and highly sought after cars can be purchased. A multitude of other little updates and additions were made throughout these downloads, and the craziest thing is that there are many more to come. Polyphony has already expressed that they are fully committed to Gran Turismo 5 as a platform that they will add to very frequently. New cars and tracks aren't just what we can look forward to, but also formerly standard cars becoming premiums, complete with damage and interiors. All of that. Free. Absolutely free. Brilliant.

But that's still not the end of it. Honestly, 1000 cars is a fantastic feat no matter how you slice it. I've said this countless times before, but I'd much rather have those 800 standard cars, then an extra 100 or 200 premium cars. The bottom line is that it's more content and more options. Furthermore, I find the cockpit view to be pretty pointless in a videogame, because it is simply not the best way to accurately drive in a simulator - that would be the bumper or hood cam with a Logitech steering wheel in front of you. So if I'm never even looking at the inside or outside of my car to begin with, I'm not too fanatical about how it looks. Yes, I love the premium cars and I love a gorgeous looking game, but unless you're using the photomode all the time, you shouldn't be too concerned. Besides, I've actually noticed a lot of the standard cars such as the Bugatti Veyron and a number of others look shockingly better than other standard vehicles - which implies that Polyphony did add extra touches to a number of cars they felt deserved them.

Yet, I'm not finished. Because its the physics that really reeled me in. Getting in front of my Logitech G27, stepping into my Nissan 370Z and taking it out for a spin is a great feeling. I have my own personal test track in the game, Autumn Ring Mini, and it's become my proving ground for every car I own. I'll race a new car around stock, note the time, get to work on the mods, and then race it around again and mark the improvements. Currently, my 1230HP Bugatti Veyron and 900HP Audi R8 V10 hold the top two seats, though despite being slower, I prefer the more sonorous and lively Audi over the clumsy, dull, and understeering Veyron any day of the week. The Audi can also perform these epic and controlled drifts that I just have to look back and awe at the 1/4 mile long cloud of smoke I left behind as I went through a curve. It's simply sensational how each and every car feels so utterly different than the last. Even the different variants of the 350Z, the Skyline, RX7, etc. - they all have a unique handling or performance characteristics that makes them instantly discernible from one another - no other racing game achieves that level of detail. None.

And while I contest that Gran Turismo 5 is far from perfect, it is simply unparalleled in the genre. It offers so much in such a tiny package, and yet it keeps on giving. I've been glued to the game from the moment I got it, because as a bleeding heart gearhead, who is often the annoying guy who loves to explain the ins and outs of a vehicle, this game captures my attention. It speaks to me. I know that, for the most part, what I do in a real-life car, I can do in Gran Turismo 5. I know that it's more difficult in real-life to drift a high-powered BMW 1-series than a 370Z - because one has an open-differential and the other a limited slip. Going back to what I said about being the annoying car guy, just two days ago my cousin was confused why only one wheel in one of his cars spins when he's climbing out of a mountain of snow (yay, NYC blizzard!). So I sat there and detailed how a differential works, and the types of differentials that exist and how they function. A few weeks ago, my girlfriend couldn't grasp the concept of a manual transmission. She understands the process of clutching and shifting, but doesn't understand the function. So I sat there and explained to her what exactly is going on internally right below the very seat she was in. So you can see that I'm *that* guy. I'm an absolute automotive fiend and I'm extremely critical when it comes down to authenticity in sim racers, and simply put Gran Turismo 5 matches my expectations, and in some cases exceeds them. Is it the most realistic a racer can possibly be? No. But it's really close.

It's a shame that critical reception was so…dare I say it…wrong for the game. And in many ways, I felt pretty embarrassed reading some of the reviews. But, it is what it is, because in a short amount of time Gran Turismo 5 has already added a slew of content and fixed a number of technical issues it had - a testament to Polyphony's commitment to the game. Looking ahead, Gran Turismo 5 is sure to only improve considerably more and we can't wait. So having said that, I'd like to end this piece with a thank you to: Kazunori Yamauchi, the entire Gran Turismo 5 community, Polyphony Digital, Quantic Dream, and Sony for giving PSX Extreme the ability to pick two Game of the Year winners.

1/2/2011 Arnold Katayev

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Comments (179 posts)

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UK_MrSim_UK
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 8:34:24 PM
Reply

Has anyone seen the game of year choices at gamespot? They haven't even nominated GT5 for game of the year, just a bit annoying. Never trusting that site again. Anyway, good read I love GT5, now to save up for my F1 car..

10 up, 2 down

UK_MrSim_UK
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 8:38:52 PM
Reply

By the way that reminded me, if someone has a Classic Race Car I could borrow I would be extremely grateful. Please?

1 up, 0 down

swapnilgyani
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:14:15 AM

I did it with the Lamborghini Countach I won in some other tournament. Even though it is much less powered, its a breeze through the corners, and is almost weightless!

0 up, 0 down

The X Factor 9
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 8:41:58 PM
Reply

Good luck trying to figure out the GOTY for next year...you'll have a MUCH harder time.

8 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:13:20 PM

Uncharted 3.

16 up, 0 down

Killa Tequilla
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:51:34 PM

That was easy.

7 up, 0 down

TheShadow
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 10:32:41 PM

UC3

thats easier lol

4 up, 0 down

sticklife
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 11:47:51 PM

Pff, ape escape 4 might come out. Not that lame looking one, but the real 4. That would make things tough.

2 up, 0 down

Lemon_Saint
Thursday, January 06, 2011 @ 12:50:22 PM

I must be the only one thinking Deus EX is a contender for GOTY. If it follows the pedigree delivered by the first two, that is.

0 up, 0 down

mackid1993
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 8:44:29 PM
Reply

Brilliant editorial Arnold. I'm someone who really hates racer and could really care less about the inner-workings of a car, yet I agree with you. Both Heavy Rain and GT5 are genre defining. They are incredibly innovative and give people the chance to play and enjoy the game in ways that they haven't before. I don't particularly care for either game and personally, I would have loved to see BFBC2 or MGS take home the prize, but I do agree with yours and Ben's consensus. These are the two most innovative games of 2010, making them both equally deserving of the prize.

4 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 8:52:14 PM
Reply

Fantastic reasoning Arnold. I really could hardly agree more with what you've written in regards to GT5 being worthy of the title. A massively underrated game, in spite of the fearful amount of hype that was built up behind it. And with Polyphony continuing to add to and expand on the features already in the game, it'll be interesting to see just how different it'll be in a years time.

Also, the way that you two decide on the GotY winners makes a lot more sense than the seemingly random selections of other sites. Perhaps it is simply because they refuse to go in depth with their readers on the subject, but we can see your reasoning and the shared debate on the subject. Seeing other sites, I really do like the transparency that I feel is here. And when it comes to Heavy Rain and Gran Turismo 5, there really is no way to compare the two in any manner that is even close to fair. That's it from me.
Peace.

P.S. Can anyone suggest a vehicle to get me through the intermediate rally challenges? I've tried about twenty different cars with all sorts of varying stats and haven't once come close to even third place. Maybe I'm just a bad driver.

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:29:34 PM

My lovely Peugeot 206, great car, great handling, very "swift" for those awkward rally track layouts.

I need to go through the newer rally cars, but the 206 has never failed me.

For pure speed I recommend the Toyota RSC rally car (effing beautiful car, really fast too).

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 10:55:19 PM

Thanks, I'll make sure to try that.

0 up, 0 down

Bandit1
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:03:02 AM

I used a 2010 Subaru WRX STI. Did all body/chassis mods, suspension, drivetrain, and intake/exhaust up to the horsepower limit. It worked good for me.

0 up, 0 down

DazeOfWar
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 8:52:21 PM
Reply

Awesome article Andrew. After reading this I am super excited to get my copy of GT5 in the mail either Monday or Tuesday. Since they have already had a few updates I won't even see most of the issues most people were complaining about. Great job.

1 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:14:24 PM

Whos Andrew?

6 up, 0 down

PorkChopGamer
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:33:57 PM

lol

0 up, 0 down

DazeOfWar
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:37:25 PM

My bad. I meant Arnold. I was typing and trying to deal with my little boy at the same time. Boy do I feel like an idiot.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:39:13 PM

lol, I figured you did, I just have a habit of singling out mistakes (as if I don't make them)

;)

3 up, 0 down

DazeOfWar
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:55:26 PM

Well I'm glad you spotted it cause it made me laugh.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 8:58:13 PM
Reply

COOL. :)

10 up, 0 down

Zorigo
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 4:43:08 PM

clearly the MOST productive comment of this article

;)

3 up, 0 down

ApexPredator
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 8:59:56 PM
Reply

This editorial was phenomenal! Seeing the reviews utterly destroying Gran Turismo 5 was a shock to me. I couldn't understand why graphics, which are reffered to in many reviews, can diminish the overall experience at all. Thank god, I couldn't care less end was able to experience the best simulation on any platform. It is terrific how much effort the put in every single car. However, many of my friends showed me reviews of the game that made Gran Turismo 5 look like a mediocre game. Until now I was waiting for an editorial like this. You nailed it, we play Gran Turismo 5 not only for fun but because we love cars and this game resembles our love for cars.

4 up, 0 down

jlch777
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:01:02 PM
Reply

Pretty good read Arnold!!!
I am trying to setup the Nascar car right now for the extreme events and its not easy too much oversteer going out of the corners.

4 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:31:18 PM

Nascar shocks me... it literally amazes how far out Nascar really is.
Not as simple as it looks.

Last edited by Scarecrow on 1/2/2011 9:31:29 PM

1 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:16:06 PM
Reply

The reviewers who didn't like Gran Turismo 5 aren't real gamers. They just want easy games like Hannah Montana: The Movie or the endless shooters that they love to churn out. They probably were upset that Gran Turismo 5 didn't have a lame rewind feature like Forza 3 so they could win every race. That's why I ignored many of the reviews. None of these lazy "critics" understood the point of the game.

Thanks for your article, Arnold. It's the plain and simple truth.

BTW, despite Hilary Goldstein saying he's going to play more PS3, he still said Forza 3 is the better game of the two. I guess he doesn't want to upset the little kids who live and die over their Xbox 360 that worship him and his crappy site.

Last edited by n/a on 1/2/2011 9:18:03 PM

4 up, 0 down

TheShadow
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 10:36:54 PM

I played both GT 5 and forza 3 and I got to say gt5 triumps all over Forza 3, not to say forza 3 is BAD, but compared to GT5, why would I play it.

Also the worst reason I really don't like forza 3 is the rewind button mixed with the 360 controller= me keep hitting the rewind button because my thumb is big.

3 up, 0 down

FatherSun
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 10:55:28 PM

That comment regarding Forza over GT5 (HA!) and Halo was strategic. Notice that it was in the first paragraph.

5 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 11:13:55 PM

@ FATHASUN

Strategic indeed. We'll see how true to his "word" Hilary is.

4 up, 0 down

FatherSun
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:00:34 AM

A Double Agent! By Default.

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:17:34 PM
Reply

A good read, and I typically tune out when "That" guy tries to teach me stuff about cars.

I think it is safe to say that most critics don't even have the patience to review the game. Something tells me you can't hire a twitcher to dump 5 hours into it and give it an accurate review.

6 up, 0 down

HighOnFire
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:37:49 PM

Its the same thing that happened with MAG. The community had not developed for that game when the other sites were hammering it with low scores, and the community was the whole point. Same way with GT 5. No patience at all.

4 up, 0 down

FatherSun
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 11:08:49 PM

Not only the patience. I believe many simply lack the skill to play the SIM. And when GT5 damages the ego they go limp and start with the stories.

5 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 8:21:13 AM

Fathasun -

Or, they bring up GT5's shadows.

2 up, 0 down

DemonNeno
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:26:42 PM
Reply

Amen, Arnold! This game is very unique in so many ways, yet it's still transforming itself with every update. It doesn't end! I recently ran across an thread at shoforum.com, one fellow SHO enthusiast met scrutinizing forza fanfare trying to rip gt5 into nothing more than a flop. Again, it's attacked for the detail of standard cars, while other members mention that gt5 isn't the only game running 1080p... Others decide the game is too mundane in environments. Finally, the naysayers nag that it just doesn't feel as "good" as forza..

We all know where that led, right? The problem is, I'm tired of gamers who aren't looking for realism in racing games.. Especially one that's the ultimate racing sim.. Cmon! Give me a frickin break! Gt5 isn't perfect, but between how great it is already and the impressive update intentions, I couldn't be happier... Unless I happened to get an g27 wheel.. :)

2 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:41:04 PM
Reply

Read it all. In depth op-ed that backs up all of the points presented. All objective and authentic.

This is real journalism right here. Thoughtful analysis through and through.

This is one of the things that truly separate Gran Turismo from the rest:

"It's simply sensational how each and every car feels so utterly different than the last. Even the different variants of the 350Z, the Skyline, RX7, etc. - they all have a unique handling or performance characteristics that makes them instantly discernible from one another - no other racing game achieves that level of detail. None."

That combo'd with an amazing set of race tracks from Laguna Seca to Top Gear race track, to Indianapolis superspeedway, and many of the most legendary tracks on Earth is perfection in my book.

Best racing experience this gen, hands down.

PS: I love those classic cars, so much history! :D

Last edited by Scarecrow on 1/2/2011 9:42:39 PM

2 up, 0 down

FatherSun
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 11:03:59 PM

GT5 is a community. This what you get when you buy the box with the disc inside. It opens up an entire world of automotive knowledge and wisdom. It immerses you in it. No other title offers this. None!

4 up, 0 down

StevieRV
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 9:58:13 PM
Reply

i love the game to bits but the only thing that frustrates me is the shadows, any word on whether they will be fixed in a patch?

i know its only minor but it just gets under my skin for some reason, coz the rest of the graphics are stunning but the shadows just dissapoint

0 up, 0 down

eLLeJuss
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 10:22:54 PM
Reply

GT5 is awesome. Specially with the wheel

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 10:26:16 PM
Reply

Excellent reasoning...

...and *this* is why so many of us come to this gaming news site. The depth of the coverage, the clarity of eh discussion, the knowledge of the writers and the objectivity that cuts through the crap. This is why we continue to come here.

Thanks Arnold and Ben for the awards this year, your choice for Game of the year Heavy Rain/GT5 is a perfect choice, for different reasons, and yet the same reason.

4 up, 1 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 8:19:50 AM

Indeed.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:49:22 AM

You mean you're not here for the lolz?

3 up, 3 down

A2K78
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 10:40:08 PM
Reply

If you were to ask me personally, GT5 felt more like GT4.5 rather than a leap that GT3 gave us and its for this reason why I thought IGN's review of the game was right on the money. Overall the king of real cars still remain

In the end even though I like the GT series, the franchise is really showing its age and its really time for PD to move onto something fresh may it be another sim-type game or new genre.

3 up, 11 down

Scarecrow
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 11:12:03 PM

You're the example of someone who knows **** of what he's talking about.

Unlike Arnold, you can't back up your points.

Your statement alone has nothing behind it. You're going to tell me that the physics in GT4 are as good as the ones in GT5? Online? Robust A-spec and B-spec? graphics? Mods? weather? time of day? 16 cars? Nascar? Kart? portable music? pin point calculations in how the game calculates drafting, breaking, steering, etc.

You're the kind of person who would say Final Fantasy was getting old, or that Metal Gear Solid is getting old, or that Gears of War is getting old, or that Uncharted is getting old.
You're hopeless.

Last edited by Scarecrow on 1/2/2011 11:18:55 PM

10 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:00:34 AM

Ignore him. He only exists to be arbitrary and I can pretty much guarantee he doesn't even know where the dipstick is in a car.

12 up, 1 down

FatherSun
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:03:03 AM

Dipsticks Ben. Two when he is in it.

Last edited by FatherSun on 1/3/2011 12:04:18 AM

10 up, 0 down

Fabi
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:29:39 AM

I may be wrong, but I think a Game Of The Year should appeal to all. And while I don't doubt GT5 is amazing if you love cars. I played it, and hated it. I would rather play something like Ridge Racer that I can pick up and have fun with.

2 up, 8 down

Lawless SXE
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:57:28 AM

Fabi,
No game can really appeal to everyone. Precious few come close, but most fall far short. Strategy games are lost on those that have no mind or patience for it. Shooters do not generally work well for those people with slower reflexes, and the amount of coarse language in most is a turn off to a lot of people. Difficulty will ward some people off. Other people just don't like certain aspects of certain genres, like the grinding of RPGs. And yet others just don't like certain games because of what they are, or what they represent to that person.

TL;DR, There is no universal appeal.
Peace.

3 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:44:00 AM

@Fabi
Yeah, dude, there is no game in 2010 that could possibly appeal to everyone. It can't be done. Best to go with quality, innovation, and then through in a general fun factor in direct correlation to the style of the game.

2 up, 0 down

Fabi
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:35:19 AM

I know that guys, I've been gaming long enough to know that.

But ask how many people didn't enjoy Uncharted 2, and you will be hard-pressed to find someone who says they didn't.

I have no clue what the ratio would be with GT5, but I have 4 gamer friends in real life, and none of them enjoyed GT5, and laughed their ass off when I mentioned the idea of it being game of the year. And they aren't Call of Duty or Halo zombies. They enjoy great games and have been gaming with me since we were in grade school.

But what I mean is that GT5 for the most part only appeals to someone who loves cars. I'm the kind of gamer who enjoys ALL genres if the game is accessible even without interest in the subject matter.

I hate American Football, but can easily pick up Madden and know what I'm doing and have fun with.

I can't do the same with GT5.

Like I've said, I'm SURE it's the greatest racing sim ever made, but I just can't see it as Game of the Year because it really only appeals to certain type of people. I think Games of the Year need to be accessible to most if not all people who pick them up.

3 up, 5 down

Scarecrow
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:57:19 AM

What games do your friends play? And how old are they?

3 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:57:50 AM

Not true Fabi, Beamboom didn't enjoy Uncharted 2.

Also not true, I don't "love" cars. I like them, but not like Arnold and I still find GT5 a blast and well deserving of the award.

Last edited by Jawknee on 1/3/2011 12:00:45 PM

2 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:07:05 PM

Fabi: Okay, so I guess both our picks for GotY were "wrong," then. Heavy Rain appeals to even less people, right?

I'm sorry, but Game of the Year should be based on quality and quality alone. If we start factoring in mass appeal, we'll just become the Oscars.

7 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:17:45 PM

LOL! The Oscars. Ha!

3 up, 1 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:27:45 PM

Either that Ben, or the VGA's. That way COD always wins.

3 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:11:20 PM

There are a lot of places that give GOTY awards. In the past, it was not uncommon for the winner from ANY site to something other than the top sales.

There was a time RPG's were often GOTY winners or at least contenders... but they aren't by far the most played genre out there.

1 up, 0 down

kraygen
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 5:14:51 PM

Anyone who agrees with ign is delusional.

As for goty, I'd rather it was based on quality over mass appeal any day. Even if a game is not my particular interest, that doesn't mean I can't see what makes it appealing to others. It doesn't mean I can't see the quality in it.

The problem with goty awards is that many places think sales are all that matters. To many places make it about personal feelings toward a game. To honestly give reviews and choose winners, you need to be able to see the good and bad of every game, whether it is to your liking or not.

Here's an example. I am not a fan of horror games. They don't scare me, they don't put me on edge, they simply just aren't my interest. For this reason I didn't finish Dead space. I know that it was an amazing game. There were several great things about it, but it just didn't appeal to me.

Honestly how goty be judged by appeal. Most games have a large group of ppl who love them, what makes one groups opinion of a genre better than another group.
When you break it down into quality, best visuals, best controls, best music, it becomes comparable on an unbiased level.

Quality over preference or else they're not awards, just individual opinions without rhyme or reason.

0 up, 0 down

swapnilgyani
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:33:58 AM

Game of the Year is for quality in gaming.

For mass appeal, there's People's Choice award.

1 up, 0 down

Fabi
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 2:56:48 AM

It's not about being wrong Ben, you can choose whatever the hell game you want as GOTY. It's my opinion that GT5 shouldn't be GOTY because of reasons already stated.

You can claim all you want that it's based on quality, but it's based on your taste. Because while I can see that there is quality, it's just not a game that is playable for everyone.

If EA took 5 years to put out one FIFA game with all the division 1 and 2 teams of every country and included every major stadium in the world, and I claimed that it was Game of the Year. I guarantee that everyone here claiming GT5 is GOTY would be up in arms because they hate "soccer". And they just can't get into a video game of a sport they dislike.

No one is saying that mass appeal S*IT is better. But this is gaming. It's not that deep, if something is fun, it's fun for most no matter what, as long as they give it a try.

I know too many people who HAVE given it a try, and just don't feel it. Games like Bioshock, Uncharted, Killzone 2 and MGS4 are loved by most, no matter what kind of gamer they are. GT5 isn't like that.

And my friends and I have been gaming since monochrome King's Quest 4 on DOS, and have owned every Sega system, every Playstation system and every Nintendo system, only one of us owns a 360. And play everything from LBP, Fallout, Starcraft, FIFA, Final Fantasy, MGO, Fire Pro Wrestling and Smash Bros.

Hell, we still throw on Time Splitters and WWE Day of Wreckoning on the GameCube at least once a week.

But anyway, like always, it's impossible to have a debate here with 1,000 mini Bens coming to Ben's rescue all the time.

Last edited by Fabi on 1/4/2011 3:11:39 AM

0 up, 1 down

Underdog15
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 9:06:05 AM

Maybe you'd have a few mini Fabi's if you made better arguments than saying a GOTY should appeal to EVERYONE...

You made your argument, and I found it unconvincing. So did other people. Why does that make them mini-ben's? I mean... you typed a lot, but you made not a single concrete point about why GT5 is not amazing enough. You mentioned no flaws. You merely said, in a nutshell, that you liked other games better. It's not a strong argument just because it's long winded.

You're entitled to your opinion, dude, but I mean, come on, the best argument you've made (which was good, actually), was that games like Bioshock, Uncharted, Killzone 2, and MGS4 are loved by most people if they give it a try. Problem is, none of those are 2010 releases. I didn't must like Bioshock, myself, but I realize I'm in the minority. And I agree that the Uncharted series is better than pretty much anything else on PS3, or at least pretty damn close to the best.

But 2010 had NO games like what you describe there. What... GOW3? It's great quality, but I guarantee you that's a title not everyone loves. RDR is in the same boat, and really, doesn't boast the same production quality of a game like GT5. My point is, there is not a single game in 2010 that appeals to everyone like the games you listed. If there had been, you'd have a point. However, with the way things are, I think GT5 and Heavy Rain were excellent choices for this year, and Arnold made a much better case for that than you made against him.

I think a truly strong point would have been made if you could somehow refute the points Arnold made in this article.

I know you won't agree with me, but I'm ok with that. But when you fail to make a strong argument, despite how pationate or long winded it might be, I really think you're out of line saying there are tonnes of mini-Ben's running around.

Besides, it was very easy to debate with you. And it's always easy to debate on this site, provided you make good points. You just are in the unfortunate position of battling for an opinion that many do not agree with.

That hardly makes anyone here a "mini-ben". It just sounds like you're floundering.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 9:37:26 AM

Fabi: All you're doing is assuming that some games are closer to being universally "fun" than others. You have the leisure of doing that; critics don't. Nor should they. Just because you and all your friends will have fun with Killzone doesn't mean the majority of people on earth will have more fun with KZ than with GT.

The best game of the year is the best game of the year, anecdotal evidence aside. But even so, GT5 will sell more than most other exclusive titles out there, so I'm not even sure why you consider it too much of a niche title.

And don't hide behind the "oh, I can't debate because everyone comes to Ben's rescue." That's crap. I think two people replied to you, and the counter arguments were there. You just didn't feel like replying and instead decided to be bitter. Don't do that.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 1/4/2011 9:37:43 AM

1 up, 0 down

TheShadow
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 10:43:06 PM
Reply

I can say honestly I'm not the biggest fan of racers, the only 2 I like are mario kart and gran turismo 5 (by series I mean) never tried modnation but by the looks of games this year I might never get to try.

2 reason why I love GT5:

1. Features (1000 cars, 70+ tracks, course maker, online racing, B-spec, f1, nascar, karts (oh boy, the karts are awesome and one big reason I got gt5, but the more I play the more I like the regualr cars, but the karts are always fun and require precision, timing and a wee bit of luck)

2. Graphics- I do not know why people say forza looks better I'm sorry it just dosen't

4 up, 0 down

FatherSun
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 10:46:25 PM
Reply

Excellent Read Arnold. You have definitely differentiated yourself and have provided insight as to why some of us question if you and Ben were one and the same. You seem to share many ideas and insights and have a rare bond. It reveals itself in your writings. That is very admirable.

You speak with passion and confidence in your automotive skills and knowledge. That translates into confidence in this reader that you are sincere in your words. Thank You for the review and award to a most deserving title. GT5 Game of The Year 2011!

As far as the negative reviews. I cannot help but get a sense of de ja vous from the time that the PS3 was announced up until it launched and even to this day. It is a known fact that GT5 is a definitive PlayStation title and as if on queue the Media comes out in force against GT5 upon release. It saddened and angered me at the same time. Sad for the state of the Internet Age and angry because it is shameless bullshit!

Anyway.. back to the good stuff. In an almost completely negative environment The PS3 has pushed through. An entire year without a presence, Premium price, Minimum content and the PS3 is not only catching up but is also setting up for an overtaking if they maintain this momentum. Games like God of War III and GT5 are the reasons for this. Sony knew this a long time ago. Now in 2011 they are now armed with not only Quality this year, but also Quantity. A constant wave of exclusives coming our way. This can only be good.

Happy New Year to All again!

6 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 2:20:38 AM

And yet, it's so typical of the internet age.

People, consumers, sheep, whatever....They make decisions on astoundingly little information. Because they frequently lack any expertize in the specific field or genre of information they have to make a decision on, they rely on others to provide the information. However, human nature apparently is self destructive because rather than trying to learn enough to be capable of evaluating the worth of the sources of information, they simply listen to the most appealing source. They like to have their ears tickled, so to speak. It doesn't matter how right or truthful you are, if someone with an opposing viewpoint sounds better than you, you're not going to be listened to.

It's like people have abdicated their own responsibility to think before acting. This is something I have noticed in nearly every field of human endeavor these days. People do not want to think, or learn and evaluate, they simply want to be told what to think and do by the most persuasive voice.

It's absolutely maddening to live in what might be classed as a low information society. Yet that is where we are, that is where we are headed. I fear for the future if we cannot regain our ability to use our minds.

1 up, 1 down

tes37
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 11:08:37 PM
Reply

It's a shame that not everyone is fortunate enough to find this website. Especially the people who have been misinformed about the quality of work put into making GT5.

A great editorial Arnold, and well worth the time to read.

6 up, 0 down

FatherSun
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:13:48 AM

Its the law of averages. The average reader is looking for a quick fix that will justify their decisions and purchases. Logic be damned!

When they evolve and choose to swim from that shallow pond they begin to find deeper thought and more substance.

PSX provides that substance. Intelligence, Insight and wit.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 11:32:37 PM
Reply

How's your other site doing Arnold?

1 up, 0 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:52:58 AM

It's on hold. I've currently undertaken a massive opportunity which fills up most of my time these days. But I do plan on reviving the sites soon.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:51:11 AM

Good luck!

1 up, 0 down

CrimsonGamer
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:11:08 AM
Reply

If only I had a PS3 I'd be playing the crap out of GT5 right now!!

1 up, 2 down

Bandit1
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:58:36 AM
Reply

Awesome article. Totally agree, nearly everything in GT5 blows me away the physics are unrivaled and the graphics are amazing truely an underrated game

2 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:20:47 AM
Reply

Arnold & Ben,
All I've got to say is.....

"Two hands clapping"

4 up, 0 down

Shams
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:34:59 AM
Reply

Excellent and much need article, Arnold. The internet, being inundated with drivel needs eye-openers like this one.

GT5 is/was my personal GOTY for 2011, partly because Heavy Rain depressed the hell out of me, even with the optimal ending.

Really they both are not even video games. One's a simulator encompassed in an expanding universe of features, while the other is a cinematic roller-coaster of emotions.

Excellent award selection. I look forward to it every year....Jeez, next year's gonna be tough one, that's for sure.

1 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:47:21 AM
Reply

I remember years ago reading an interview with Yu Suzuki (The SEGA guy) the reporter referred to his latest masterpiece, Ferrari 355 Challenge, as a game, Yu interrupted the media editor to clarify that F355 Challenge was not a game, but a simulator.

There's a difference. When a designer sits down to design a game they have to think about rules and rewards and how to create "fun" or entertainment from their product. A simulator isn't designed with those conventions in mind. It's purpose is to simulate reality. Granted, I think it's important to package all of a simulator's components into an attractive presentation with accessibility. BUt really, GT5 is only about everything that makes driving real. Nothing else.

I think right within IGN's review summary they claim that as a game GT5 is a 5, and as a simulator it's a 10. So why didn't they just rate GT5 a 10 then? The product isn't misleading anyone, the name "Gran Turismo: The Real Driving Simulator" is clearly stated right on the cover. A person can pick up a game like Hot Pursuit and know it's fictional and designed to be intense and fun like a game.

Anyway, it's sad to see something like GT5, a goty worthy product, lost in a sea of conflicting ideals with a misunderstood identity.

And while I never played the full game of HR. I knew it was quality. I even voted it as my GotY pick during the first voting phase. Later, I resolved I never really played it so I couldn't feel good about vouching for it. Though, on Christmas day and a few days after, I got a chance to spend good time with GT5 for the first time. I was floored by how meticulously detailed and well presented the product was.

I'm glad I didn't have to try and decide between HR and GT5 for goty because they're so different in purpose and experience it'd be hard to declare any real winner when it seems both are high quality standard setting products.

3 up, 0 down

WolfCrimson
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:33:05 AM

Ok, let me get this straight: You recognize Heavy Rain as quality, even picked it in the first phase of reader's GOTY. But you didn't play it.
There is so much wrong here.

What are you waiting for?! Get HR man!

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:42:14 PM

lol, yeah, I know. I must be nutz =p

Ill give it a go someday. I think.
Because I'm pretty selective with content I sometimes have a hard time getting into some titles. HR's atmosphere and story premise are a little outside of my typical interests. Though, the critic in me knows to recognize elements independent from my preferences and favorites. If you're anything like me, many of your actual favorite games aren't always the highest rated games. I don't expect people to like games like Ninja Gaiden, Tekken and Mass Effect as much as I do. But I do value those games to myself more than most games, even higher rated ones. So when trying to critique HR while wearing my critic cap, it really appears to be one of the best representations and progressive design approaches we've seen over the last year, even if it doesn't look and feel like a ninja or spaceships =)

Similarly, a buddy of mine let me borrow Alan Wake a couple weeks ago. I'm semi-interested in playing that "psychological thriller" but I know it's creepy and suspenseful. I still know it's good. Maybe I'll actually play it before giving it back. I read that it's about 8 hours or so. I could have it finished in less than a week.

1 up, 0 down

Kevin555
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:47:53 AM
Reply

I respectfully, disagree. The article is a good read but imo a potential GOTY candidate should have it's flaws patched up prior to it's release, not after.

I'd give GT5 about an 8.8 personally, it's a fantastic game, but it's not jesus on wheels.

Last edited by Kevin555 on 1/3/2011 1:49:35 AM

3 up, 6 down

Scarecrow
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:16:11 AM

The game didn't have any flaws upon launch. The patches it got later on were extras. These patches will keep coming (for free).

Now tell me you're going to complain 'bout FREE content.

The game doesn't need this free content mind you. It's already a 9+ game without it.

4 up, 2 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:11:32 AM

The patches weren't fixes, as far as I know. I could be wrong, but I thought they were extras.

4 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:21:31 AM

Exactly. There were no flaws; nothing needed to be fixed. CoD was half-broken at launch - especially on PS3 - and needed fix-it patches. The only updates for GT5 have included more content.

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:55:28 AM

I get the feeling Kevin hasn't really played the game. Just read IGN and Gamespots crappy reviews.

5 up, 1 down

Kevin555
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:08:42 PM

Dry your eyes ladies. GT5 was locking up quite abit for me during the online mode, whether this is a server problem i doubt it as my other titles go smoothly online.

So atleast in my experience the game has frozen more than a few times which is why i was under the impression the game was released with a few probs. To be fair i haven't played the game after the updates so whether it's fixed or not i'll have to suss it out. It could be a PAL thing.

So chillax on the butthurt nerd rage.

Nice one on the Gamespot/IGN comment too Timmy, that was rather cute. ;)

0 up, 6 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:16:27 PM

Play the gamer for more than 5 minutes before acting like you know what you're talking about.

5 up, 1 down

Kevin555
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:22:34 PM

That's nice. Do you feel better now?

I've played a good amount of GT5 & will most likely check it out after the fixes.

0 up, 6 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:14:35 PM

I've never experienced anything wrong with GT5 so far.

@Ben
COD BO had fixes, yes, but it is still immensely broken in terms of online play. While COD has more people online, GT5's online is a million times more reliable.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:29:06 PM

Didn't some of these "fixes" actually make Black Ops worse?

2 up, 1 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 4:52:45 PM

@Jawk
Yeah, there was one patch made to patch the patch prior to it.... Your party can still get stranded in matchmaking... and finding a good host is still elementary... if your host rage quits, it's very likely they'll take some people with him, often splitting up your party.

One thing I love about Black Ops though in comparison to MW2, is that there is much less opportunity for cheating. No quick scope glitches, for example! ^.^ They still left Last Stand in, though... which apparently means during your fall to the earth, you're impenetrable...

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 2:06:53 AM
Reply

Sorry but being a car fanatic does not make GT5 game of the year.

Your first argument is that GT5 has a well supported community?? That's irrelevant because the game with the strongest online community gets dismissed year after year in the awards. How is it relevant now all of a sudden? Because it's about cars? That's the impression I'm getting.

Then you list the features. And yeah, many are great. For a racing game. So it's racing game of the year. But game of the year? No. You have to be more than just "unparalleled in the genre" to be game of the year.

3 up, 14 down

Highlander
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 2:31:38 AM

The reason it's GOTY is not that it's about cars, good lord, did you not pay attention to the article. GT5 does something different to every other racing game out there, and does what it does better, with greater depth and breadth than any other attempt. The point of GT5 is not the external look of the less than perfect standard cars, it's not the interior dash view. It's about the modeling of the track, the car and the physics thta govern the car's performance, all of that wrapped up into a game/simulation experience with a game framework around it to keep the player engaged.

As for the online elements. GT Academy was announced long before the arrival of the game at retail, so Polyphony was very clear about what they were going to do with online. The features that Arnold mentioned like the ability to share car set ups and the community that builds up around sharing that knowledge is part of that online experience, as is the ability to share or gift cars to other players.

I think that you are allowing your personal distaste for GT5 to cloud your opinion, but then I could equally be allowing my own personal liking for GT5 cloud mine. Which is precisely the point here. Every gaming site has their picks for GOTY, the differences are what makes it interesting, but unlike the majority of the choices for GOTY, the choice for GT5 here does at least have a rationale that can be articulated.

5 up, 0 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 8:05:24 AM

1) Who are you exactly to tell me what is my GOTY or not? Here's a thought, start your own site and pick your own GOTY for the world to see. I won't stop you.

2) Online community in GT5 and online community, in, I assume you're talking about COD, are completely different. One just has a massive fanbase of constantly online players, the other has an entire group of enthusiasts who are there to discuss the very finest and most intricate aspects of their game *offline* by helping out other members of the community beyond just giving them tips, but actual configurations catered to specific tracks, or even lending them a car.

3) Your seemingly comical logic never fails in your third paragraph. So let me get this straight: just because it's a racing game, it can't be game of the year? You have effectively said that anything classified under a genre cannot be an overall winner. You heard it here first, folks, just because Uncharted 2 was a great action game, that makes it action game of the year for 2009, but not game of the year.

Amazing. Truly amazing someone would actually post something like that.

10 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:20:58 AM

Hey guys COD is FPS of the year!

There's NO WAY it can be Game of the year :D
Maybe they should start making a "Game of the year" genre from now on lol.

4 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:03:43 AM

Alienage, your rants over the past couple days in relation to GT5 and Heavy Rain are totally bogus. You normally make great arguments here, but everything you've said about this topic has just been totally backwards in the logic department.

Lets review your last couple of days:

Fang stole the show, gave the story purpose, and was therefore an embarrassment?

A cliche cowbow is far more well developed than an origional character? Why, because everyone else has written another version of the same cowboy in their own stories?

Because Heavy Rain spent time on mundane actions, it was somehow poor literature? (You didn't say but agreed with it) And that despite the fact that the specific mundane action mentioned was HUGE to character development.

Heavy Rain is a ... um.... interactive COMIC?

GT5 doesn't deserve to be game of the year, because it's racing game of the year?

Because there are a lot of people that play CoD, it's therefore a functioning community? (Dude... it has almost NO offline experiences and is full of kids who claim they did my mom... which is nothing to be proud of, I'm sure of that (love my mom, but she's in her 50's and let's face it... isn't the best catch)... GT5 has an abundant offline community that works together and builds each other up... you know... like a healthy community would act. If you ask me, CoD might have a BIGGER community, but GT5 has the best community... and it's obvious.)

You defend people that others disagree with by saying everyone else is just ignorant for not liking his opinions, then do the exact same thing to Arnold and agree with bold statements like "GOW3 is more fun than Heavy Rain", rudely dismissing anyone that might think adversely to you? The most frustrating part about this is that you continually jump on board OTHER people's bold statements, and never make any supporting arguments of your own!

And to top all this off, you NEVER... not ONCE... have backed up what you say with ANYTHING objective or analytical!

And all just this week! I dunno what's going on in your personal life this week, but it's really strange to hear you take it out negatively here. Normally, you're much more analytical and witty. What's going on?

Everyone here has been disagreed with at some point, but at least most people back their shit up! Right now, all you're doing is being rude to the writers of this site! For someone who claims to value the community here and it's comments section, you sure don't back THAT up either!

12 up, 0 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:22:12 AM

If I could, I'd give you 1-million thumbs up. Alas, I can't. =(

But here's your first thumb up.

6 up, 0 down

Alienange
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:29:31 AM

Well Arnold let's get one thing absolutely straight. I am nobody to tell you what YOU'RE personal game of the year is. As a critic however, why are you giving us your personal game of the year? Shouldn't you have turned a critical eye to even your favorite game?

I came to this article hoping to read why GT5 is better than Heavy Rain, GoWIII and RDR. Those are the games everyone else is giving goty awards to. So why is GT5 better than those? What I'm seeing is a car enthusiast's ravings about a car simulator.

I also think it was unkind of you to twist my words to make your third point.

2 up, 6 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:07:16 AM

Alienange, I don't think I get it. You're saying we gave it to GT5 because we love cars and racing. Arnold's telling you that BECAUSE he knows cars and racing, he knows the game is worthy of the overall award.

It's not about personal preference. It's about knowing enough about what we're looking at to know it's one of the year's best.

6 up, 0 down

Kiryu
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:46:02 AM
Reply

gran Turismo 5 what a game.what a masterpiece.what realism.So much depth.I think i will be playing this game forever.

3 up, 0 down

Bjorn77
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:55:07 AM
Reply

The fact that you have to write an essay explaining about the "why" question tells me that it was a forced decision.

Well it's your choice and in some sort of way I like that someone gives GT5 the love it deserves, but deep down inside my heart I know it is wrong.

This year brought 3 absolute masterpieces:
* Mass Effect 2
* Red Dead Redemption
* Heavy Rain

This year brought a lot of awesome games:
* GT5
* GOW3
* Fill in your own favorite

In my honest opinion the GOTY can only be 1 of the 3 above, and since this is a Playstation site, only 2 games apply.

2 up, 7 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 8:13:53 AM

I seriously don't believe Arnold was "forced" to do anything.

He wrote an commentary on why PSX went with the decision they came to with the 2010 GOTY.

In my book, that's nothing more then taking care of the readers here.

4 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:19:19 AM

We explained why because the majority of GT5 coverage has been grossly inaccurate. Therefore, to say it's Game of the Year might require some extra elaboration.

Nothing was "forced." And just because you say what are masterpieces and what aren't doesn't make your opinion fact.

6 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:53:50 AM

Grossly inaccurate is an understatement Ben..

4 up, 0 down

Bjorn77
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:07:39 AM

Oh no this is bigger then me Ben...

Red dead is world wide Game of the Year, so it means game critics think it is a solid masterpiece.

Mass Effect 2... You own a XboX, maybe you have played it. It is XboX game of the year for a reason. It is something else, and many many many critics have the same opnion.

Heavy Rain... You chose that one yourself, and for good reason.

1 up, 5 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:32:46 AM

Bjorn, when you create your own website you can list a half baked, buggy third person shooter or a buggy open world game as GOYT. Until then, let Ben and Arnold run their site they way they choose.

5 up, 3 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:04:40 PM

Bjorn: "Bigger than you?" So, because the majority don't think GT5 is deserving, that means we're somehow wrong?

...since when are real critics supposed to bow to silly peer pressure, especially when the real critics actually know what they're looking at?

4 up, 1 down

D1g1tal5torm
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 5:28:25 AM
Reply

GOTY - GT5.

From two car enthusiasts the result was always a given.

It is of no surprise that some element of sub-concious bias, kicked in.

My honeymoon period with this game has finished - the 'grinding' is just too tedious.

As always - the is just IMHO.

Happy new year!

4 up, 5 down

Scarecrow
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:23:29 AM

grinding? Are we playing the same game?

4 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:45:11 AM

By grinding, do you mean a race followed by yet another race? Were you hoping it would move on from race to something other than race?

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:29:36 AM

Oh yes because Call of Duty online isn't one big grindfest to rank up.

You're just not very good at GT5 if you have to keep grinding the same tracks to raise money.

5 up, 1 down

D1g1tal5torm
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 2:27:16 PM

At level 24 I'm grinding.

I didnt read any guides I just picked cars I like.

So to qualify for some of the specialist races you need at least a few mill to get a car which has a hope in hell.

I'm grinding and I'm not liking it.

I just feel for a goty - should I get this feeling?

@jawk - COD is enjoyable - probably because it's twitch gaming. Something that I like, but that's just me. For someone who doesnt like cod - you've got a lot of opinions on it.

To take a leaf out of your book, which I'm sure you'll appreciate...

...you're just not very good at COD if you have to keep grinding to rank up.

Me personally, I voted HR for goty; in my book it won it by a country mile.

Last edited by D1g1tal5torm on 1/3/2011 2:31:26 PM

3 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:27:28 PM

I'm not great at COD but I'm not terrible either. I'm only pointing out your hypocrisy in complaining about "grinding" as COD is the ultimate grind fest.

1 up, 3 down

D1g1tal5torm
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:40:00 PM

For me - it just feels a little more tedious.

I'm not saying GT5 is a bad game - far from it.

I bought it, I even user reviewed it.

I just dont feel that it's goty material.
I think there is a candidate that far outshines it this year.

3 up, 1 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:47:30 PM

Well, I can speak for Jawk in that he did play MW2 and not Black Ops. He's on my friends list. His Kill/Death ratio (when paired with win ratio are the best measurable factors of skill, imo) is well over 1.00. In my books, if you stay over 1.00 you're doing your part to help your team. I think he's just fine at it.

He also, after a trophy comparison, has completed much of the single player campaign. He's certainly played enough CoD to form a viable opinion, whether you agree with him or not. I'm sure you've played enough to form one as well, whether he agrees with you or not.

However, I can say, there is virtually NO advantage to grinding your levels out in COD, and for the amount of time and work put in, GT5 rewards you much greater than CoD ever will. I got to prestige level 1 in Black Ops, and I've been at level 50 for that for a long time. I will NEVER prestige again. Why? Well... why should I? The prestige titles, emblem choices, and face paints are SUPER lame compared to what's already there... and as long as I don't prestige I maintain ever Pro-perk, all weapons, all attachments, and all killstreaks.

Not only that, but even if I DID want the extra image customization, there isn't much extra added!! I don't need 10 classes to be good at the game (I'm spoiled with the 6 I have now!) Really, for the grinding you might do in COD, you get nothing that adds to the gameplay. By level 50, NO prestige, you get everything you'll ever need!!! At least GT5 has immense and continual awards (until you own every car and modification for each car!!).

Anyways, I am NOT a car enthusist, and I don't play racing games. I still don't own anything other than kart racers, but after my GT5 renting, I KNOW I'm buying my first true racing game soon. With a little reading and research, it's not difficult to understand why GT5 is so amazing... I get that people don't like it due to the genre, but you have to be daft to not see it's merrit. Honestly!

Besides... I hate GOW and the series. But I still acknowledge it's an amazing game. I also acknowledge GTA is a great franchise, but I really dislike that too. And finally, RDR was a little fun, but I never finished it due to a lack of interest, and I don't know if I'll ever start it on my own PS3. If GOWIII or RDR had won GOTY, despite the fact that I don't enjoy them, I wouldn't have put up much of an argument, because I know others see merrit, and although I don't see the appeal, I CAN understand why others see it.

Perhaps all the GT5 and Heavy Rain naysayers (2 games I DO enjoy!) should develop the same skill. It's perfectly understandable that some people don't like them, but I simply cannot understand why people don't know how to see quality even in the things they don't enjoy. It truly isn't hard.

1 up, 2 down

D1g1tal5torm
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:57:53 PM

You miss my point.

I think, imo, that heavy rain is a clearcut winner.

jawk mentioned cod, as he usually does, not me.

1 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 4:55:43 PM

That's fair, but what about the last 3rd of what I wrote unrelated to COD? From about the part when I said that I'm not nor have I ever been a car enthusiast? I thought I made some good points there. At least imo. lol

0 up, 0 down

D1g1tal5torm
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 5:14:44 PM

Does giving a game 9 in a user review constitute seeing quality in a game? :0)

0 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 9:09:05 AM

If you gave it a 9, then surly you can understand why someone, somwhere, might give it a GOTY award. 9+'s should be pretty hard to come by. :)

0 up, 0 down

D1g1tal5torm
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 7:08:07 PM

Not when there's a game that has better innovation, more immersion, more emotion and is much more preferable to play is a more worthy winner.

An article justifying a selection smacks of desperation. The award and it's reasoning should have been more than enough; after all is said and done it's only an opinion, just like mine.

Wrong in my eyes - right in Arnolds. Agreeing to disagree. The power of choice.

1 up, 0 down

ABUrabad
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 5:49:39 AM
Reply

I totally agree with all above , thanks God , PD has created the best ever game in all generation for me , I'm a real car fan and this game has brought to me what ever I'v dreamed about , and I know for a lot of other people there is a lot of other great games beside GT5 but for me this what I only need for my PS3 ,

My GT5 disk has been there in my PS3 for a round a month never been removed there is a lot of things to do at anytime beside the continuous Updates for the games they have introduced the seasonal races and challenges updates which are to be considered a free DLC every couple of weeks ,in other words the continuous support of GT5 by PD is a thing that make this game better than any other game on any console ,and also they keep their ears open for any suggestion from the fans over the web to help in improve the quality of the game more and more .

If I were been able to rate this game (and I dont think im illegible for this since Im only a fan )Id rate it 10/10 at it's day one of release , but still I may give it more than that for PD great support for the fans , the game and ME.

I know its a little bit late but happy new year for all PS3 fans.

Last edited by ABUrabad on 1/3/2011 5:50:55 AM

4 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 8:08:38 AM
Reply

Excellent write up. It's a shame that people don't get GT5 for what it is, or can't get over a missing feature or two.

To me, GT5 is all about the experience of driving an automobile. I drive with all assists off minus TC (set at 5) and ABS (set at 1). These are the settings that were in place during the GT Time Trial, and they kind of stuck.

Last night, Jawknee and I were on the Nurburgring at midnight testing and tuning some 600 hp vehicles. It's the place I go to when I build all my cars. If you have yet to drive that track at midnight, it's such an amazing experience.

In total, I spent 1 hour on track and in the "garage". I adjusted my LSD, my spring rates, and compression rates several times. All of the tweaks, no matter how small, made a difference in the Ferrari 458 each time I did.

That's something I have never felt in any other racing game on the consoles (non GT titles). That's what GT is all about, and I am so glad that PSX "gets it".

Here's to a good 2011!

Tom

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:27:09 AM

Yes that was fun indeed. I wish they had time changes for Trial Mountain Circuit. It's one of my favorite tracks.

5 up, 1 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:36:01 PM

I'll be on tonight with a 500BHP GTO.

Same track.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 2:45:52 PM

I'll be there. :)

0 up, 1 down

ace_boon_coon
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:14:45 AM
Reply

I love this game, and the cmmunity is great. I thank Jawknee and Maxpontiac for letting me borrow their cars, so could score my gold trophies. This game is awsome. This may be my game of the year also.

5 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:07:29 AM

All good man. If you see me online, I am usually testing out a vehicle, and you are welcome to join me.

4 up, 0 down

ace_boon_coon
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:27:37 AM

thanks man, you could probably give a few tips.

4 up, 0 down

Robochic
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:15:40 AM
Reply

Hey Arnold, amazing write up on GT5 even though I'm not into racing games this one is a game I would even want to try :) my hubby really wants it so I'll be picking it up for him when I pick up LBP 2 collectors edition.

I love the commercial for the GT5 as well :)

2 up, 0 down

Radiohead
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:49:38 AM
Reply

This is out of topic but does anybody else have freezing issues with GT5?

0 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:08:55 AM

I don't, and I haven't read anything about it either.

It's possible your system data for GT5 got corrupted at some point. It can happen when power is cut while saving, if there's a small power surge while installing (although if PS3 is plugged into a surge protector probably won't happen.), or just some fluke programming glitch that occurred on your system completely unrelated to the game!

My suggestion is, if you continually experience the problem, delete the system files for GT5 and re-install the data. If some other game caused the corruption and it's affecting GT5, you might have to reformat your PS3. :( Sometimes that happens to any computer, PS3, XBOX360, or Wii. (Anything with a HDD) See if deleting GT5 info (not necessarilly save files, but the system data) and reinstalling helps before you go reformatting.

You COULD always try to play a different disk of GT5 to see if it still freezes. If it does, it's not the game, it's your HDD. Hopefully that helps.

0 up, 0 down

ABUrabad
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:34:46 AM

I do Have freezing issues just when the online access is jammed so u need to check the speed of your connection when ever u play

0 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:52:56 AM

4000 miles in, and GT5 has not froze once on me. I play on a PS3 Slim.

0 up, 0 down

ABUrabad
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:21:08 AM

as I am playing there is no freezing at all , its just when I am at the menu and the game need to access online to get some new information as once happened when i were trying to get into new seasonal events with a very sluggish internet access at my ps3 because I have passed beyond the download limit at that time .

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:04:10 PM

Clear your cache

Go to options and go all the way down where there's an option to clear your cache.

It's mostly when you're online that it happens.

0 up, 0 down

NazzyQ
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:06:49 AM
Reply

Alright, I'll probably get negged for this, but here goes.

I enjoyed GT5 very much. The physics and attention to detail are unparalled. I think that the weather system, the course maker, and day/night cycles are excellent additions to the series.

But IMO there a few crucial things that keep GT5 from being a GOTY contender

1000+ cars looks very good on paper, but, you can see that there are many variants of the same car (there multiple versions of the S2000, BMW M3, Nissan Skyline etc). Also, I do appreciate that Polyphony Digital is a Japanese company, but at least 50% of the available cars are Japanese. Is it unreasonable to expect a driving simulator of such high standards to offer a more diverse range of cars? I personally would have been happier with a car list of say, 600 cars, which was more varied and included more contemporary models.I agree with EA, some cars are bit 'irrelevant'. Does anyone really want to drive a Samba bus?

The AI doesn't seem to have any idea of your presence and doesn't react dynamically, as they'll bump into you as if you don't exist. AI drivers will only deviate from their standard 'fixed' driving patterns if you knock them off the road. I find it hard to believe that the perfectionists at PD haven't seemed to have improved AI much from GT4. A more competitive AI would have made offline races a lot more exciting. Too often I'm in 1st place, and the AI offers no real challenge, despite the fact that they're driving similarly-powered cars.

In terms of graphics, the cars and main tracks look utterly superb. However, banners, foilage and certain lighting effects look very archaic (some shadows are bit blocky). Of course, the game is all about the cars, but if these small things don't match the quality of the rest of the game, it kind of kills the immersion.

So those are my complaints. I'm not contesting your GOTY choice Arnold and Ben, but these are the reasons GT5 doesn't quite cut it for me personally.

5 up, 4 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:24:32 AM

"1000+ cars looks very good on paper, but, you can see that there are many variants of the same car (there multiple versions of the S2000, BMW M3, Nissan Skyline etc)"

I will never understand this b*tching and moaning about more content. So what!? They gave us more cars than any other racer ever made and you're complaining?

Unbelievable.

Last edited by Jawknee on 1/3/2011 11:25:07 AM

4 up, 1 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:53:57 AM

The variants of cars do share differences, as I mentioned in my article. Those differences are suspension based, power based, visual, one or the other, or all. It simply feels nice to know that this game has your very exact car, down to the trim - as opposed to just your body style/generation.

The A.I. complaint is addressed with a video on YouTube I'd like to point you to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_HJSJLL8_I

I think it speaks for itself.

4 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:46:04 PM

NazzyQ -

Your complaint in regards to GT5's 1000 cars actually has merit, to a degree. However, it's not in the lines you are thinking of. We'll come back to that later.

The one thing I believe you (and others) are failing to realize is that PD puts cars in there that KY himself loves, and vehicles that certain PD and Sony employees drive.

Take the Nissan GTR for example, Kaz loves that vehicle, therefore there are plenty of variations. Sure, some are close, yet all different as brilliantly described by Arnold in his commentary.

Sure, GT5 is missing a few cars that should be there, but since the game is only a month old or so, there is plenty of opportunity to offer DLC.

Remember, GT5P's car list expanded during it's first year, all for free. GT5P was the home for a few car announcements and unveils. Do you honestly see PD not doing the same with the full release?

Now on to the only issue with the 1000 cars. When it comes to the Standard Models, there is a few problems.

Outside of painting and a rear wing, you can't do anything else to the exterior. No carbon fiber hood, extensions, or front splitter. You can't change the wheels or paint them either. That's the games only factual negative marks. Does this stink? Sure. But when I am driving my 04 GTO, it's all good.

Thankfully, PD has stated that several Standards will recieve the Premium treatment for free (there is that word again). So this again proves PD's commitment to supporting the game.

All I am really saying is look at the big picture here!

1 up, 0 down

NazzyQ
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:35:11 AM
Reply

Jawknee, I'm not stating that I want more cars in GT5, but that it would've have been preferable if some cars missing from GT5( e.g Ferrari 355 spider, or perhaps the Lamborghini Reventon) were in place the 'duplicates'? Reasonable, no?

Like I said, I would have preferred a smaller car list, but with more variety.

It's the old quality over the quantity thing.

1 up, 3 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:53:18 AM

There is a car in there for everyone. 1000 car is no reason to complain even if there are similar models to one another. There are decades of cars to cover, most of them are the same models just newer versions of each other just like in real life. I see no reason to complain, yet you are.

Last edited by Jawknee on 1/3/2011 11:53:45 AM

2 up, 2 down

ABUrabad
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:06:09 PM

I do agree with what NazzyQ in some way , there are couple of iconic cars arnt there in the list , and there are also some iconic cars I would really like to see as premium cars for example the Bugatti Veyron or Lambo Countac
But as Iv been reading in some posts PD is already working on improving this library of cars ,Im sure with time there will be a lot of gifts from PD

Last edited by ABUrabad on 1/3/2011 1:07:40 PM

2 up, 0 down

NazzyQ
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:07:29 PM
Reply

@Arnold
Thanks for your reply, which actually addressed my complaints rather than contesting them.

The video shows that the AI in both GT5 and Forza is competent, but far from perfect. Obviously, nothing compares to racing others online, but I still believe more aggressive and dynamic AI would be beneficial to racing games in general

1 up, 0 down

RebelJD
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:11:46 PM
Reply

Awesome.

0 up, 0 down

OzRacer
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:30:30 PM
Reply

i've read a lot of rubbish on the net about GT5 but I wish I knew where I could get a pair of the rose coloured glasses you guys are wearing. I'm a die hard GT fan, hell I've even got a car seat in my living room because of it but GT5 game of the year? You've got to be kidding. This article is basically telling game developers it's OK to release flawed, unfinished games. When GT4 was released I had a GT party with TV projector, racing frame and everything. I couldn't wait to show my friends. Since GT5 was released I've almost been embarrassed to show any of my friends what a mess they've made - and after five years. And as far as I'm concerned, since I don't go online, I've downloaded around a gig of patches that haven't made a scrap of difference to my gaming experience. And while on the subject of downloads, Kaz has already stated that there won't be any new cars or tracks available and that maybe 'some' of the standard cars will be made premium.
Since I've always enjoyed watching the replays as much as the driving GT5 has been a real disappointment to me what with the shadows (which permeate everything) screen tearing and frame rate issues. And whether you like to look at the cars or not you would think that considering PD spent a reported six months on each premium vehicle that they would want them to look there best. Also I think the weather effects are so poor they should have been left out as should the damage which is laughable . On the other hand I seem to be the only one who thinks that the AI is greatly improved. I guess it depends on how you drive.

Yeah it could be a great game, the ingredients are there but do you give a game GOTY because of what it could be or what it is? I'm still playing it and I hope the patches keep coming (there'll need to be a lot of them) but by that time it may be too late for me at least going by how much of the game I have left to complete.

1 up, 0 down

daus26
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 12:47:20 PM

The A.I is actually greatly improved. Infact, I don't think they can be that much better, considering the ps3 has its limits on calculations. Of course they're not perfect, but most often it's the player driving reckless and being unaware of it which would cause the A.I to seemingly make big mistakes like ramming. Try racing online and try to avoid a reckless driver trying to block your path. It's harder than it seems, so imagine a programmed A.I doing it.

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:06:30 PM

For a die-hard GT fan, you seem to only care about graphics and nothing else.

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:25:21 PM

The screen tearing is pretty much non existent and the frame rate is fine. and this is coming from me, a graphics whore. Stop whining, this game is a gem.

0 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:33:23 PM
Reply

Hey, good news everyone. After reading all these comments and unfortunate griping I have come to a positive conclusion. People are passionate about GT5. For or against, at least people care about it enough to nearly strangle each other :)

6 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:36:51 PM

HA!!

3 up, 0 down

daus26
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 1:41:05 PM
Reply

I know this article is about why GT5 is a rightful winner, so anything negative about it is left out. I would agree that GT5 is deserving of GOTY, but I begin to wonder is if it's the reason that I'm just a big GT fan, or because the game really fulfilled the desire I have felt from the past GT games? GT5 is a completely different experience than GT4 so its hard when I ask this question myself.

Gran Turismo 5 does excel at what it's suppose to be; the ultimate driving game. However, no matter how realistic it gets, its just a game, so how well does it deliver that experience? To me GT5 is a project that never had a clear and set routine from the beginning. It seemed like loads and loads of plans were changed midway, and pressure of certain features wanted by fans are forcefully being developed in the game on later days. Besides the PD team being small, I believe this is one of the big reasons why GT5 took so long to make. Unfortunately, this aspect does show up in the game.

Gran Turismo 5, as Kaz say is the beginning of a new era. As a dedicated GT fan, it's exactly how I feel about GT5, just a beginning. Reflecting back from over a hundred hours (yes, 100) I've played the game, GT5 feels short of what it's "trying" to achieve, not what it is now... big difference. As its current state, its probably more than enough to satisfy a lot, especially casual players, but if you think about it, look at all the features GT5 has. Yes it's mind boggling. You have weather (dynamic too!), snow/dirt rally, Nascar, Kart Racing, Course Maker, Photo Mode, visual/mechanical damage, and so on. But then think, about how those features are executed in the game. It's almost non-existent. There isn't even A-Spec Rally (only special events), Nascar and Kart Racing are barely featured, weather is only on a select few, mechanical damage only shows up in practice/online, and Course Maker is only fun if you want to drive someplace different. I was hoping you can at least drive it with your friends.

Those are just new stuff, but what about the stuff that has always been in past GTs? In past GTs I've always enjoyed its surreal offline experience. I'd spend lots of times racing the many different events, re-earn cars and cash. GT5 feels a bit different than that. In GT5, offline events are few. Combine that with the new XP system and what do you get towards the end? Repetitive grinding. You'd have to be really skilled and have a lot of time in your hands in A-Spec if you want to experience the new XP system with minimal grinding as you'd have to gold every special event and repeat endurance races to get to the next level. The XP earnings in B-Spec get really ridiculous towards the end, but then again, you're not driving, just directing. Because of this, it's a bit disappointing for me that most of the hours I've spent on the game are repeating the same events just to do a new one, instead of actually doing many different events that covers the vast amount of cars in the game. I thought with 1000 cars in the game, GT5 would have a lot of events that would make you buy and use the cars like past GTs. It seems the Seasonal Events will do this job, but it's unfortunate for those that can't go online, even if only a few.

I know this suppose to be a positive article and by no means am I trying to take that away. Everything said by Arnold is true. As I have always been, I'm always afraid that a lot of players would expect too much of GT5 and later gets disappointed by it when they play it. I just want every player out there that's planning to get GT5 to have one thought: GT5 is an amazing game, but like the article say, it's FAR from perfect.... A sentence I want everyone to take more seriously.

GT Forever.

2 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:05:13 PM

I do have a question, though- you mention how great it was, doing races over and over again and earning cash...then you say it's "grinding" to do races over and over again to level up.

...I must be missing something.

2 up, 1 down

daus26
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 10:55:45 AM

Yes you're missing something. It's something you'll miss unless you're really towards the end. There's a big difference Ben. In the previous, you can do any events any time you want, therefore more variety, and also finish it at your own pace. In GT4, you go through an unlocking phase in the events, but you get them as a whole, not one by one. In past GTs, I mostly grind to collect all the cars in the game as a hobby, not to do the next event or completion of the game.

In this game, I grind not just for cash, but to do the next events as well. You can't jump to a higher level race to earn hard cash, and there are little varieties in the events. Imagine finishing a race, and you can't do the next one because you don't have the right level, but you have every cash and car possible to do it already. You are literally forced to do an endurance event over and over towards the end (as it is by far the most efficient way of doing it), and that includes both A-spec and B-spec. Not a simple race, but an endurance. Where I am at now, it would take me 5, 24 hour races at LeMans or about 20, 500 miles Indianapolis endurance races(approximately 45 hours with this) to reach level 40 and do the final event. Is that necessary? Doing a regular race is not an option, as the XP you earn will take you years to get enough.

It seems none of you are as far as I am in the game, otherwise you'd know what I'm talking about. I was hoping at least Arnold, as hardcore of a fan he is, would know. Where I am at, I'm lvl. 36 A, and 29 B, 97%, and A LOT of miles. Anyone can add me if you want proof.

Last edited by daus26 on 1/4/2011 11:21:58 AM

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 3:02:42 PM

I'm not disagreeing with you; I merely asked a legitimate question.

No, I'm not that far but I imagine Arnold is a good ways along. Either way, I'm not sure how that impacts the quality of the game. It's a structural decision; one you may not like, but one that may be more subjective than an objective detriment.

0 up, 0 down

daus26
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 4:40:30 PM

Sorry if I seemed hotheaded... and also that huge blank space.

The structural is fine, it's just how it's executed.

Quality of GT games since GT3 and GT4 has always been the many different events it has to offer in the single player experience, and that it offers varieties that would make good use of the cars presented in the game. GT5 felt short of that considering several friends of mine (whom I consider to be hardcore) and I got past 80% in the game over only 3-5 days. If GT5 didn't have the leveling system, it would take us a week to get GT5 to 100% completion. That is not likely at all for the franchise.

The leveling system is something I actually welcome (as I love rpgs), but towards the end it becomes broken and unnecessary, due to its unbalance over time spent, available events, and the XP earned. 1000 cars, 45 events (plus 9 endurances), and an XP system that exponentially becomes too steep really ruins the experience. Special Events are great since they gave pretty good XPs at the earlier stages of the game, but the majority felt like another "license test" or time trial attacks. I'm lucky to get 2 million XPs for each of the 3 Sebastien Vettel challenge when I was level 30, shooting me straight to nearly 34. Like I said before though, only a few will be able to do this. Others will have to find 6 million XPs elsewhere, endurance races being the most efficient. Never in the past, am I forced to do endurance races over and over again just to finish the game.

Perhaps its just me, but I keep getting the sense that PD was really cut short by Sony, as well as the pressuring fans, on time. Or maybe I care too much about the franchise.

*edit

I want to add that, thankfully, the online experience makes up for it, if not, more. To those that don't go online... well, not much for them. Other than that, I can't agree more that GT5 is certainly an amazing achievement and it's scary that it's only the beginning.

Last edited by daus26 on 1/4/2011 5:08:39 PM

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 6:07:54 PM

daus: I understand. Personally, I'm not a big fan of focusing so heavily on online play, especially in regards to a franchise I've always played by myself...even if it's a franchise obviously designed for multiple players. :)

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:00:39 PM
Reply

Yes, I think we all know the loser trolls will go bye-bye, so don't waste time responding to them.

And I think everyone should note that anyone who has a problem with GT5 only has a problem with cosmetic, almost trivial elements. Not a one is talking about the physics; the primary core of a driving simulator. And they're not talking about that part for two reasons: 1. it's the most accurate/realistic physics we've seen to date, or 2. they have no idea what great driving physics ARE.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 1/3/2011 3:12:33 PM

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:30:22 PM

Hypocrites the lot of them. If we were talking about Mass Effect 2, those people would tell us to ignore the obvious, somewhat game breaking flaws it has.

2 up, 2 down

OzRacer
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 2:07:32 AM

Yeah I didn't mention the vehicle physics in my post because I don't have a problem with them. They've always been the best imho and they just keep making them that little bit better every game. I also didn't mention a lot of other things that the game gets right. But I'm a Graphic Designer and graphics matter to me…a lot. It was the first thing that drew me to GT back in GT3 even before I knew how good the driving was. And I can't imagine that PD spend all of the time they do trying to get the game to look realistic for people who 'don't care about the graphics'. No they do it because *they* care and for people like me who *do* care about the graphics.

If they didn't think that there were a reasonable percentage of the demographic that love to watch beautiful machinery travel around beautiful environments then they wouldn't bother to try and make the game look as good as it usually does. Sure the graphical glitches aren't a game breaker but they are not "trivial elements' either. Ask PD, I bet you they'd agree 'cause I bet it wasn't PDs decision to release the game as it is. I'll bet Sony was jumping down their throat.

It's only because I love GT as much as I do that I felt compelled to post on this forum. To send the message to Sony/PD that this game is worthy of GOTY is giving software companies the licence to say 'OK, it's good enough for release, we'll fix it later with patches' and that's something that really needs to be stopped.

Remember, not all countries in the world have free (or even good) internet access and although, in the case of GT5 I'm prepared to wear it I'm basically still paying for a game I should have finished paying for at the store.

1 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 4:02:07 AM

I care about graphics just as much as the next guy and I don't find any seriously problems with GT5. Screen tearing is very, very minor and the frame rate is fine.

1 up, 2 down

Shadow_Ninja
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:09:54 PM
Reply

Great article Arnold, i like the fact that you announce a GOTY and a whole separate article as to why you chose it. personally, im a car guy myself and i think it's amazing how well this game physics are. everything from engine sounds, individual car handling, graphics, power bands are all highly detailed. then there are what i think of perks like, online sharing and gaming, custom sound tracks, course maker etc.

My one and only complain is on the G35 Coupe. That's the only car that doesn't have the same exhaust note as in real life (i used to own one). but that's just one individual car. and it's not like im not going to like the game just because of one flaw in the exhaust note of one car.

This is the GOTY for me not because i like it, but because of everything it is and has that made it a great game and Game of The Year

1 up, 0 down

HighOnFire
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 3:33:33 PM
Reply

Since the GT5 post has brought out the trolls here is my GT5 problem: I still dont have it. A trip to Best Buy tonight will cure that problem.

2 up, 1 down

NazzyQ
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 4:13:10 PM
Reply

*sigh* . Look guys, I know there are trolls out there who hate on GT5 for no reason, but myself and some others are not one of them. We raise legitimate issues with the game because we enjoy the series and ultimately want PD to improve some aspects of the experience. Yet, whenever we try to raise a valid complaint, we either get someone like Jawknee immediately telling us our arguments are not grounded, or Ben stating that our opinion has no merit because we don't understand driving physics or whatever. You know, I used to enjoy commenting on this site, but some members of the community have become quite hostile, and frankly I think that's really a shame

Last edited by NazzyQ on 1/3/2011 4:18:10 PM

2 up, 2 down

maxpontiac
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 4:40:23 PM

For starters, I addressed your comment in a civilized fashion with more then one valid point.

Missed it did you?

1 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 4:54:02 PM

I've reviewed the replies to your comments, and I have no idea what you're talking about. I never once responded; I merely made a general comment that most naysayers don't mention the physics as a flaw.

Arnold also replied very civilly to you, as did maxpontiac. Nobody was ever hostile to you, so your complaint seems entirely unfounded. Nobody is being hostile, anywhere.

If you don't like that your points were countered, counter back. If you don't feel like it, that's fine.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 1/3/2011 4:55:40 PM

1 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 4:57:23 PM

@Nazzy
When ben mentioned the "loser trolls", he wasn't referring to you. In fact, I missed anything directed at you personally.

0 up, 0 down

NazzyQ
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 5:24:57 PM
Reply

Well I've taken a look back at the comments, and I did thank Arnold for his reply. I must have missed yours maxpontiac, sorry. No hard feelings, ok :). Anyway, looks like I erroneously thought that some comments were directed at myself. I would like to apologize for that. I hope I can still provide some insightful comments on this site. Well, anyway let's hope we can round off this comment section on a high note

Last edited by NazzyQ on 1/3/2011 5:26:38 PM

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 5:58:23 PM

I probably should've specified when I mentioned the trolls. Of course I didn't mean you. :)

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 6:22:38 PM

You're not the troll. Ben took take of him awhile ago. :) apologies if you felt I was rude. I have seen a lot of people complain about the amount of cars in GT5. I just think it's a silly complaint. However I do agree with Max in regards to the standard cars.

2 up, 1 down

maxpontiac
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 10:53:39 AM

It's all good.

Yeah, Jawknee, the Standard cars have some issues I am not thrilled over, but in the end, the 04 GTO feels alot like it's real world counterpart.

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 5:43:38 PM
Reply

Well this may seem slightly off topic, but it was mentioned several times during the comments and I feel the need to point out some things.

I haven't played gt5 so I couldn't tell you one thing good or bad about it. However many ppl keep referring to Red Dead Redemption and how lots of ppl are giving it goty, like the vga's for example.

I don't mind pointing out that for years ppl online, this community included, have pointed out that the vga's are a popularity sham that has more to do with sales than quality.

As far as RDR goes, I think it's pitiful that it was even nominated. I would like to point out that I have played RDR for over 80 hours so don't go thinking my experience with the game is limited. It's a lot of fun, but I don't see how it's worthy of a nomination, let alone a win.

RDR is not the graphical achievement some ppl seem to think it is. If you explore the game world, you might notice for one there isn't much to it at all. It's open world, yes, but an open world with very little in it.

None of the characters are original, the further into the game you get, the glitchier it becomes. Parts of the open world aren't even finished, the story is full of holes, characters drop in and out at random, all of Johns costumes are identical, the promised mp free roam might as well have been a big white room for all there was to do, and the list goes on and on.

I heard several excuses about how all open world games have graphical problems, but I don't see how that makes it ok for RDR to have area's of intense screen tearing, and unfinished graphics.

I enjoyed RDR, loved a lot of things, but I'm not blind either. Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom was one of my favorite games of 2010, but I know it's no goty contender either.

Instead of questioning psx's goty choice because many sites chose RDR, I think you need to ask why so many others chose a game that was obviously inferior in multiple ways to several other games.

0 up, 0 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 6:36:53 PM
Reply

Open invitation to you GT5 guys (jawknee, pontiac, mustang 5.0, etc,) add me on PSN: ArnoldK

Let's get some races going. We can start with a drag races on Top Gear test track's runway. :)

0 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 7:51:44 AM

I sent you a FR last night.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:45:20 PM

As did I. :)

0 up, 0 down

daus26
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 5:12:15 PM

I'll be adding you guys if you all don't mind.

0 up, 0 down

TheShadow
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:30:51 PM
Reply

GT5 "sign"

that name haunts me, haunts me because (other then uc2) i'm addicted to it, lol.

Thank you guys for making a well thoughtful list I appreciate coming here and reading intellectual thoughs and journalism.

again, thank you.

0 up, 0 down

MadPowerBomber
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 6:10:49 AM
Reply

I hate you guys. I don't like cars -- I don't even own one currently, although I do miss my Eclipse -- and I really don't like racing games.

But EVERY FRIGGIN' TIME I walk by GT5 at work, or at some other store I go to, I think of the hype you guys have put into it...

...and I really want to buy it...

I don't even remember the last Turismo I played.

1 up, 1 down

PharaohJR
Wednesday, January 05, 2011 @ 3:57:32 AM
Reply

i enjoyed reading this article aswell as reading atleast a 100 out of 175 comments for this topic. for HR & GT5 to be the last 2 games in yall 2010 GOTY, i was surprised cause they were mines too. however i chose HR 1 percent over GT5 due to it being something refrefreshing to gaming & overall it was executed very good. my comment though wont be bout HR its bout this materpiece GT5.

GT5...... man i love this game.... even more than the previous GTs. some of the comments i seen why GT5 shouldnt be considered game of the year i partially understand .... i can see why some view it the way they do.... but when u realise this product is a sim before a game your perception begins to change if your a open minded individual. when u have knowledge of racing cars in different ways u begin to see GT5 for what it is.

i decided to shorten this message due to some problems. jus know that the amount of content, detail & features in this product surpases any other racing sim available. also as a game released in 2010 delivers better quality than any other game present therefore making it a contender & even GOTY based on whoevers perspective.

so much more i want to say for the simple not having a mind, cant appreciate, recognising quality, & noticing art individuals...... (sighs)

0 up, 0 down

CaptainWinkie
Thursday, January 06, 2011 @ 12:27:27 PM
Reply

GOTY...another lame abreviation. Notice how the article doesn't say one bad thing about GT5. You want to actually do an accurate review next time? Plenty of cons to the game....especially after 6 years. 1000 cars...dint u mean 200 and 800 copied cars? Damage is still a joke. Shadows are a joke. Course creator? You mean simple creator? Steering wheel setups....etc. Not a professional article as well from the language to the grammar. Well Done!

0 up, 0 down

CaptainWinkie
Thursday, January 06, 2011 @ 12:29:47 PM
Reply

Heavy Rain? Are you kidding the linear game play and the "WORST"...yes WORST...voice acting I have ever heard in a game.... EVER!

0 up, 1 down

Banky A
Thursday, January 06, 2011 @ 2:46:30 PM
Reply

Amen Arnold. Thanks for this.

0 up, 0 down

Emini
Thursday, January 06, 2011 @ 3:33:47 PM
Reply

I don't even understand how Forza gets 9+ and this beautiful game gets 8s and even 7s...ridiculous but honestly it's probably because of how long the development time was. They expected "more".

1 up, 0 down

BadWolf1
Sunday, January 09, 2011 @ 10:15:01 AM
Reply

daus26 said: "GT5 is an amazing game, but like the article say, it's FAR from perfect.... A sentence I want everyone to take more seriously."

I couldn't agree more. GT5 is not perfect.

@maxpontiac-what's your PSN id? i want to add you my friends list, you seem to know alot bout GT5.

0 up, 0 down

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