14 DAY TRIAL // Two major franchises will follow Gran Turismo 5's launch and - according to its developers - this one will feature some neat Top Gear content. The Xbox 360 demo version of NFS ProStreet has just been made available and Polyphony Digital have to increase their stake, in order to be able to compete with EA's latest NFS title. Including some Top Gear episodes and the official Test Track in GT5 is a smart move, capitalizing on the TV show's huge fanbase.
Statistically speaking, most of the people who watch Top Gear are gamers and car freaks, so mixing up two major phenomena can turn even a mediocre title into a hit. Not that Gran Turismo 5 is a mediocre game or something, but it tends to pale when it's compared to the latest Juiced game or the likes of PGR 4. The Top Gear episodes will be available through the "GT Network" and fans of the show will be able to watch it on "GT TV".
The BBC producers of the show were pleased to be part of the project, but the bad news is that we'll see the result of this initiative in 2008, if GT5 isn't delayed again. Being a fan of the Gran Turismo series, I'm open to all the novelty and original content that Polyphony Digital have promised to deliver and Top Gear is a fine example of such innovations. What about Fifth Gear and all the other major car-testing top-speed-breaking TV Shows?
While other games rely on customizable aspects and decals that imply the inclusion of Pimp My Ride content, GT5 targets a different type of public, that won't be looking for a car with a "phat" feature list. Top Gear and GT stand for racing sims, real driving experiences, stunts, test drives and good taste...