First of all, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is unlike previous releases on the PS3 because it isn’t a full version of the game. “What?” We hear you say. It is, in fact, a glorified demo version of what’s to come in this highly esteemed series.

Now that might seem like the biggest load of nonsense ever. And some might ask what makes Polyphony Digital so special that they can make consumers part with almost 20 quid for something that is essentially unfinished? The reason for doing it is clear – to build up the hype and excitement normally reserved for blockbuster games such as, well, Gran Turismo. It seems to have worked, too, because GT 5 prologue has been as eagerly anticipated as the best of ’em. Not bad going for a demo, so far.

Before you can delve straight into the game, it’s worth noting that you’ll have to wait around 30 minutes for it to install on the PS3’s hard drive. This, of course, is not unexpected since games for the PS3 such as Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction and Everybody’s Golf also have install times, though admittedly not as long as GT 5 Prologue’s. You only have to go through it once, but it’s still annoying.

When that was over with it was time to get our race on. Upon starting the game up (finally) it’s clear from the stunning intro that this is a Gran Turismo game. To our eyes, it features some of the best graphics ever seen on a console. The cars look so life-like it’s amazing!