Gran Turismo 5 Includes 'RPG Mode'

Not content with being a mere fine-tuned racing simulator, Polyphony Digital has revealed a B-Spec 'Management' mode within Gran Turismo 5 that allows players to issue commands to an AI driver in order to lead them to professional-level racing.

Working a bit like an RPG system of sorts, the B-Spec mode won't allow you to actually race. That honour is given to computer-controlled drivers with unique personalities - your aim is to tell them what to do and train them to be the best racer around. You can either nurture or intimidate them during practice runs, and that will have an effect on their performance on the track.

A heads up display details an array of commands you can send to the driver as they tackle a course. Such commands include orders to speed up, match pace, overtake other drivers and slow down. Their physical and mental endurance will have to be noted so you don't overwhelm the AI - if you do it will start to 'panic' and get unpredictable. Similarly, a hot-headed driver may well ignore your commands outright.

This wasn't the only mode on show, as Polyphony also showcased a new custom course generator that lets the game create new tracks on the fly according to specific parameters and themes set by the player. These courses can then be used in online races and shared with other Gran Turismo 5 users.

And we thought it was all about the perfect drive. Is the epically long wait turning out to be worth it? Let us know in the forum below.

Source: Kotaku