In my latest blog entry, I talk to a great degree about what we COULD expect from the WRC deal in GT5. I discuss some of the various nuances of this package. You can see these details as well as my accompanying YouTube video here:
http://johnbmarine.blogspot.com/2009/07/gt5-speculation-world-rally.html
Now as far as what we could expect, something tells me (unless there's a complete fundamental change in order), that the classic rallycross-style competition in past GTs will also have traditional point-to-point rallies like this.
Co-Driver Notes. Something tells me that either actual voices will be used, or perhaps some on-screen notes for you to take note of. I'm so used to Nicky Grist's voice.
To What Extreme(s)? Are we going to be able to whack a free-standing tree on the far outside of the course? Are we going to fall off of ledges to a vicious fall? Are we going to have to avoid hitting wild animals? (Don't get excited, "fanboys," but...) Are we going to be able to fly off the road and run over spectators? You see, I've done some reading on "Richard Burns Rally" and all the nuances of that game. Do you make the experience unique and authentic? Do you make the game as extreme as possible? That will all depend.
Actual WRC Events, Gran Turismo Originals, Fictional Point-to-Point Rallies, or Any Combination Thereof? Something tells me that these updates will be on a downloadable content basis. Perhaps you get a set number of rallies and stages as a "starter" package with many more events to come in the future.
Now on to more relevant matters to this thread- tracks. If you're talking about some of the better rally events, these would be can't-miss:
* Finland
* Sweden
* Monte Carlo
* Greece (and/or Cyprus)
* Australia (because GT needs some more Australian representation)
* Safari Rally
Any rallies featured will have to have the various surface types. Gravel, dirt, tarmac, and snow are usually the basic surface types. You'll need to have a good variety of different surfaces to challenge rally racers to pick a good set of tires to take on each stage. Personally, I love rallying on gravel since you can really get aggressive in the corners. Tarmac, however, doesn't allow you this sort of aggressive, on the limit rallying. Snow is different because it's fun, but it isn't so fun trying to get as much grip as possible when driving on snow. Ice is even worse. Your car literally becomes an ice sled rather than a rally car.
While I don't know if we'll be getting every last rally (which is unlikely in the final build), I think we'll get just enough rally action to where we'll be enjoying rally racing the way it was meant to be enjoyed. PD will need to focus on getting proper rallying done right. If you recall from the E3 trailer, it looked like a road that's three or four lanes wide. Maybe I'm too critical of this, but those roads are TOO wide for a rally car. All the rally videos I see have roads usually one-lane wide, maybe two lanes wide. It puzzles me as to how rally racers are able to get a compact or a sedan to fully and successfully navigate roads so narrow. PD should just try to have at least one of everything. For each different surface type, have at least one stage or entire rally consisting of these surfaces.
All we can do is mostly speculate. That's why I do these videos and make these posts.
