As of this writing, the PlayStation Network is down. The online network for Sony’s PlayStation 3 is supposed to have been taken down by the early release of Gran Turismo HD, which clocks in at over 1GB. Apparently, everyone is trying to download the demo, causing severe overload for Sony.
Please refer to this story for more information on the free release.
Earlier this month it was confirmed that Gran Turismo HD would be released as a free demo in Japan. Now, Sony has announced that it will also be available for free to North Americans, starting December 24, for a “limited” amount of time, however.
Based on Gran Turismo 4, this demo runs in 1080p resolution and features online leaderboards, although there is no online multiplayer. GT HD supports video replay uploading as well, and will include the following ten cars and one track - the Eiger Nordwand - which will be available in reverse mode too.
- Suzuki Cappucino
- Mazda Eunos Roadster
- Honda Integra TYPE R
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR
- Infiniti G35 Coupe
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR
- Lotus Elise 111R
- Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Vspec II
- Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car
- Ferrari 599
Sony’s Japanese website reveals that Gran Turismo HD will not be given a retail release, but will be available for free via the PlayStation Network starting December 24. The company decided to forgo GTHD in favor of working on Gran Turismo 5, the true successor to Gran Turismo 4 (PS2), maybe due to development costs and the recent negative press concerning the use of micro-transactions.
The freely downloadable game will contain ten vehicles and two variations of a track. No North American or European release dates were mentioned.
The first in a series of PS3 screenshots from TGS:
Enchanted Arm
Eye of Judgment
Fatal Inertia
Formula One 06
Gran Turismo HD
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