With this early look at GT5, Polyphony has managed to show how things are supposed to be done on the PS3. Visually, the game is far improved over the Tokyo Game Show build. That version had framerate problems, no lighting, and blurry crowds. Those problems have been taken care of here. The framerate is solid, the environment is fully lit, with environmental reflections on your car and actual shadows when entering the tunnel midway through the course, and the crowds actually move around. The game has also been spiced up with some nice effects, like an impressive glare as you emerge from the track's tunnel, and those waving flags that PS3 developers seem to love (see MotorStorm and Heavenly Sword).
One thing we've come to appreciate with the demo is how much detail Polyphony has been able to push out. In addition to just about the finest car models out there, the track is packed with detail, from dozens (or possibly hundreds!) of animated spectators, to thick patches of trees, and even fully realized mountains in the distance. In our new videos, in addition to racing and replays, we've included a clip focused exclusively on the background scenery of the tracks, so you can see for yourself why we're so impressed. This video consists of footage that loops in the background as you wait to begin a race.
As good as it looks, the demo still shows lots of room for improvement. The spectators are still pretty stiff overall. The game also has some image quality problems, at least when compared to the super clean trailers that we've been seeing at the official GT5 site.
Still, considering GT5 is a ways from release, and Polyphony has managed to come this far in just three months, we wouldn't be surprised if the final product ends up pushing the PS3 like the GT series pushed the PS2 and PS1. It's worth noting that the demo runs at 1080p and 60fps. Maybe it already is pushing the PS3 like no other game.
Of course the final releases of both should be stellar, but both need a bit of work at this point.
No reason a flagship racer should be without dynamic weather (better be a user selectable option!), damage, cockpit view (although a rough trailer & hood cam that takes road grade, texture, and inertia into account is also very good IMO as well), and so forth. Shaping up niiiiicely. Now lets get those real world cars... into a real looking world :smile: 
