- 2,061
GT: HD (this is available for US download as well, not just Japan)
The New – So what’s new in GT: HD? Let’s start with the “traction” meter. While I haven’t exactly had what I would call extensive experience with GT: HD (I played for an hour to unlock everything) it appears to me that the throttle meter is now combined with a new display. Basically, it still measures the amount of throttle input, however, now when you begin to lose traction, a portion of the throttle meter will turn red (filling red from top to bottom). This was actually very helpful for me in learning how to better control higher powered cars (Ferrari) on the lower speed turns and push it as hard as I could. It’s definitely a great addition.
Drift mode is another welcome addition to many fans, and the experience of sharing it is even more so. The way Drift Mode works is through a meter that measures your drift from the start of a turn to the end. The downfall is that the meter does not start until a set point, not when you begin your drift. It works well, however, and the point system is represented by flags that “fill” as you drift. Maintaining a drift for a longer period of time yields more points, and getting the car dead sideways and making a great recovery even more so. I have found that if you begin a drift and lose control, but stay on the pavement, you still receive points. When you post a top 10 time or score in either mode, you can upload your replay to the PSN where other users around the world can download it.
Also new in this series is the sound. While it definitely isn’t a leap above GT4 by any means (let’s hope this changes) I can say that certain sounds and effects have changed. For instance, it seems as though they have put a much greater emphasis on things like the turbo whine when it spools. It seems to me that they are still using the same sound generating algorithm (to create different pitches at different RPM ranges) however, it is improved, though I still feel it has some ways to go. It’s also note worthy to mention that spectators will cheer and gasp as you fly by or lose control. Pretty neat.
Physics – The physics in GT: HD Concept haven’t been “completely” revamped, however, that’s not to say that they aren’t improved. They don’t feel like a huge leap from previous GT titles, but I can definitely tell that each vehicle has it’s own characteristics much more than I could tell in earlier iterations of the GT series. It also seems as though the tire physics have changed, as it feels different (I like it more) when you lose traction and break lose. I tried to break out and do some doughnuts, but I just couldn’t get it to happen, this could be due to the fact that I had my TCS set to 2, but time will tell, I’m not the most skilled player, after all.
Graphics – Wow. They have really upped the ante here. Imagine GT4, with extremely high resolution textures, amazing car reflections, and fully modeled wheels, body panels,
and interiors. Now kick it up a notch and you’ve got GT: HD concept. The lighting is superb, it’s crisp and some-what jaggy free (still here, but to a very very small extent). Things that are still looking for improvement, however, are tire marks and tire smoke. No tire marks combined with tire smoke that still seems last generation is a bit of a disappointment, but the game is made to make much improvement over the next year or two.
Update
Time Trial Mode:
o This is very basic, for the most part, and seems that is it geared to inexperienced drivers. Just to give you some food for though, I'm by no means a "good" GT player, I'm fairly well off, and do good getting my silvers and golds for license tests, but not amazing. Anyway, I digress. I got through the time Trials fairly quickly, and demolished each "Goal Time" by 10 seconds or more, and in some cases by 25+. Turning off aids is such a good thing, lol.
Upon completion of the Time attack mode, you will unlock Drift Mode, the reverse mode of the track, *and* tuned versions of each car. Unfortunately, I have the Japanese demo, so I cannot comment on how the cars are tuned, or their specs, etc etc, since I don't know Japanese. I didn't know the US version was on the store, so yea, my impressions may be a little limited until then.
Edit: Here are a few things you will need for a Hong Kong account if you wish to download from servers with "less demand".
-Make another USER on your Playstation 3...THEN GO MAKE ANOTHER PLAYSTATION STORE ID (This will make it easier to access the HK store on a frequent basis)
-You need an extra e-mail address
-You can use a Hong Kong street address, however I did not, and it worked fine for me. Google for a Hotel in Hong Kong if it gives you problems.
-*Select "HONG KONG" instead of "UNITED STATES" when you register* This is in the first few screens, it says "Select Country / Region". If you select Hong Kong, everything from there is smooth sailing
The New – So what’s new in GT: HD? Let’s start with the “traction” meter. While I haven’t exactly had what I would call extensive experience with GT: HD (I played for an hour to unlock everything) it appears to me that the throttle meter is now combined with a new display. Basically, it still measures the amount of throttle input, however, now when you begin to lose traction, a portion of the throttle meter will turn red (filling red from top to bottom). This was actually very helpful for me in learning how to better control higher powered cars (Ferrari) on the lower speed turns and push it as hard as I could. It’s definitely a great addition.
Drift mode is another welcome addition to many fans, and the experience of sharing it is even more so. The way Drift Mode works is through a meter that measures your drift from the start of a turn to the end. The downfall is that the meter does not start until a set point, not when you begin your drift. It works well, however, and the point system is represented by flags that “fill” as you drift. Maintaining a drift for a longer period of time yields more points, and getting the car dead sideways and making a great recovery even more so. I have found that if you begin a drift and lose control, but stay on the pavement, you still receive points. When you post a top 10 time or score in either mode, you can upload your replay to the PSN where other users around the world can download it.
Also new in this series is the sound. While it definitely isn’t a leap above GT4 by any means (let’s hope this changes) I can say that certain sounds and effects have changed. For instance, it seems as though they have put a much greater emphasis on things like the turbo whine when it spools. It seems to me that they are still using the same sound generating algorithm (to create different pitches at different RPM ranges) however, it is improved, though I still feel it has some ways to go. It’s also note worthy to mention that spectators will cheer and gasp as you fly by or lose control. Pretty neat.
Physics – The physics in GT: HD Concept haven’t been “completely” revamped, however, that’s not to say that they aren’t improved. They don’t feel like a huge leap from previous GT titles, but I can definitely tell that each vehicle has it’s own characteristics much more than I could tell in earlier iterations of the GT series. It also seems as though the tire physics have changed, as it feels different (I like it more) when you lose traction and break lose. I tried to break out and do some doughnuts, but I just couldn’t get it to happen, this could be due to the fact that I had my TCS set to 2, but time will tell, I’m not the most skilled player, after all.
Graphics – Wow. They have really upped the ante here. Imagine GT4, with extremely high resolution textures, amazing car reflections, and fully modeled wheels, body panels,
and interiors. Now kick it up a notch and you’ve got GT: HD concept. The lighting is superb, it’s crisp and some-what jaggy free (still here, but to a very very small extent). Things that are still looking for improvement, however, are tire marks and tire smoke. No tire marks combined with tire smoke that still seems last generation is a bit of a disappointment, but the game is made to make much improvement over the next year or two.
Update
Time Trial Mode:
o This is very basic, for the most part, and seems that is it geared to inexperienced drivers. Just to give you some food for though, I'm by no means a "good" GT player, I'm fairly well off, and do good getting my silvers and golds for license tests, but not amazing. Anyway, I digress. I got through the time Trials fairly quickly, and demolished each "Goal Time" by 10 seconds or more, and in some cases by 25+. Turning off aids is such a good thing, lol.
Upon completion of the Time attack mode, you will unlock Drift Mode, the reverse mode of the track, *and* tuned versions of each car. Unfortunately, I have the Japanese demo, so I cannot comment on how the cars are tuned, or their specs, etc etc, since I don't know Japanese. I didn't know the US version was on the store, so yea, my impressions may be a little limited until then.
Edit: Here are a few things you will need for a Hong Kong account if you wish to download from servers with "less demand".
-Make another USER on your Playstation 3...THEN GO MAKE ANOTHER PLAYSTATION STORE ID (This will make it easier to access the HK store on a frequent basis)
-You need an extra e-mail address
-You can use a Hong Kong street address, however I did not, and it worked fine for me. Google for a Hotel in Hong Kong if it gives you problems.
-*Select "HONG KONG" instead of "UNITED STATES" when you register* This is in the first few screens, it says "Select Country / Region". If you select Hong Kong, everything from there is smooth sailing
. Also, can you try to put ASM & TCS off if we can donut?
