GT5 Prologue gets green light in UK

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has been officially dated for Europe, following news last week that confirmed the car models and tracks for the game. The PlayStation 3 game will be available on Blu-ray Disc on March 26 for £24.99, and as a download from the PlayStation Network on March 27.

A new bundle, as previously reported, will also go on sale on March 26 and will include a 40GB PS3, a Sixaxis controller, and the game for £299.99.

The game will also be getting the four additional features previously announced for North America, presumably as a thank-you for having had to wait so long. These are: drift mode, in-depth car tuning, two-player split-screen racing, and new race events.

In drift mode, "the player's drifting technique is measured based on drift angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various turns of the course." The in-depth car tuning will allow players to quick-tune whilst racing, as well as adjust the car's power, tyres, and suspension.

Two-player split-screen racing will let two offline buddies race head-to-head, and there will also be scheduled events and time trials online.

The full Gran Turismo 5 will be launching in 2009. For more information on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, check out GameSpot's hands-on preview with the Japanese version.