The GT Academy time trial (showing off GT5’s new physics engine) is now available for FREE in the PS Store.

I just downloaded it myself, and am quite impressed.

Better physics, engine and tire sounds, a more polished interface (specifically the horizontal menu bar), and of course, a new track. The Indianapolis GP course is not my favourite track, but the fact that it’s something new is refreshing.

A few things I’m not happy about – full tuning (I guess they wanted to keep it the same for everyone), and the fact that the clutch doesn’t work with my Logitech G25.

You’re seated in a Nissan 370z – both factory and a tuned variant. Surprisingly, they recommend beginners start with the tuned version (where in previous GT games I’ve found the tuned cars to be a bit more “intense”…and usually you start off the career mode in one of the cheapest, stock cars in the game).

After playing for about 45 minutes I’ve been able to achieve a ranking of 650 in the tuned 350z, and 230 in the stock version. I’ll be working on this as much as possible, but I’m not as into as I would be if I had the opportunity to partake in the REAL GT Academy.

Sure it would be great to win 2 tickets to the Indianapolis 500 – but I’m pretty sure I’d rather become a professional race car driver.

For more information, check out GTPlanet’s extensive articles and forums.

Posted in: driving simulators |