Video games: Drive time with 'Gran Turismo 5'

Say what you will about the developer's inability to put out a game in a timely fashion. Polyphony Digital's singular vision and commitment to delivering a great race experience pay off in "Gran Turismo 5." It's not the most complete racing game because it doesn't deliver on every front, but when you get behind the wheel of "GT 5" it is a racing experience like no other.

A great racing title isn't just about going fast or a big selection of cars, and "GT 5" succeeds in capturing that elusive adrenaline rush. The graphics undoubtedly play a big factor because of their high level of realistic detail. Racing is all about living in the moment, and nothing helps that more than combining the game's great sense of speed with impressive graphics. I highly suggest you get into a premium car and race from the cockpit view, where you'll feel the sensation of every bump on the street and get a better idea of the rigors of racing. Add in snow, rain and night environment variables, and you've got a game that visually lives up to the hype.

One of my continuing criticisms of the series has been the cut-and-dry, sterile feeling of its career mode. Although "GT 5" doesn't abandon its traditional racing events format, I appreciate how relatively easy it is to earn money and XP to move up the ranks. You no longer have to grind the same racetrack to progress, thanks to the new additions like the kart racing and rally special events. The game also aids its progression with seemingly disparate rewards like paint chips (which you use to color your cars), free cars, photo travel locations and more.

Even with a relatively generous progression curve, I don't mind working my way up the car ladder. Having to race all kinds of vehicles gives me an appreciation of what different cars are good and bad at, and it helps me as a racer in general. In some ways, this is the heart and soul of what "Gran Turismo" is all about.

"Gran Turismo 5" tries stretch the franchise's horizons by adding car damage, but it strangely unlocks only later in the game.

The online racing, with its smooth racing experience, standard community features and pre-race practice options is satisfying, but disappointingly lacks overall rankings or leaderboards. I also think Polyphony passed up a larger chance to integrate the online portion back into your main career. I wish they'd done this with online instead of the underwhelming B-Spec mode, which has you directing other race car drivers while they race for you. Why would you want to surrender the wheel to someone else?

We've waited a long time for "Gran Turismo 5," but it was worth it. Every aspect of "GT 5" didn't blow me away, but the sheer amount of effort and craftsmanship that went into the game is impressive. This is an experience that racing fans should not miss.