Polyphony Digital goin' two-wheelin'

When it comes to racing simulators, few series can compete on the same track as Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo franchise. The games are renowned for their ability to re-create an authentic four-wheeled racing experience for car fetishists who like to tinker under the hood.

Many fans of the meticulous developer expected to see it represented at this year's Tokyo Game Show, perhaps with a showing of Vision Gran Turismo for the PlayStation 3 or the well-guarded Gran Turismo Mobile for the PSP. What fans didn't expect was the announcement of the developer's latest game, Tourist Trophy.

The new game explores a different world of racing--that of the two-wheeled variety. According to Japanese retail sources, the motorcycle simulator will be exclusive to the PlayStation 2 and is scheduled to ship in Japan in the fourth quarter of this year. Sony has not made any announcements about a North American release.

Gamers who couldn't make the trip to Japan this year can race onto the Internet for a bit of information on the game. Sony has launched a teaser Web page (in Japanese), and GameSpot has a trailer for the game.

GameSpot will have more information on Tourist Trophy soon.

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