Besides the usual sorts of single player circuits to complete, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue's various online options no doubt provided ample incentive for eager auto-enthusiasts to buy. Races can be set up with up to 16 players online, although the lack of certain features and connection issues left some critical of this feature. Additionally, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue features "GT-TV" with video content on automotive events, reports on various cars and the like, giving a glimpse into the promised "car culture" options of Gran Turismo 5.

"Besides being the first Blu-ray Gran Turismo product on PS3, I think the large draw for players was the fact that Gran Turismo 5 Prologue offered an interior dash view and online racing with up to 16 players for the first time. Consumers can expect online updates in the near future that will continue to enhance the online functionality," noted Yoshimoto.

"[The] in-game online channel has certainly sparked the interest of automotive fans who want to have worldwide automotive content at their fingertips. Its automotive and motorsport programming, including recently announced Top Gear from BBC, will offer GT fans more than just the racing experience. It certainly is a glimpse of what to expect in Gran Turismo 5."

All of these sales are just Prologue
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue was promoted both in gaming stores and on TV. The spots themselves were short, and unsurprisingly emphasized the game's graphics. We couldn't shake the feeling that the promotions, much like the game itself, were merely a tune up for the full Gran Turismo 5.

GameDaily BIZ certainly respects the fact that Sony is letting Polyphony take their time with Gran Turismo 5. While Gran Turismo 5 Prologue serves as a nice reminder to fans that the next game in the franchise is coming, the PS3 "needs" a full Gran Turismo game as quickly as possible. The Gran Turismo franchise is probably SCE's biggest hit on a global level (having sold upwards of 40 million copies worldwide), and with the Project Gotham Racing and Forza Motorsport series already present and accounted for on the Xbox 360, few games could help the PS3 make up some ground like Gran Turismo 5 could.