GT Pro Series

Infobox VG
title = GT Pro Series


developer = MTO
publisher = Ubisoft
MTO (Japan)
released = vgrelease|NA=November 19, 2006|AUS=December 7, 2006vgrelease|EU=December 8, 2006vgrelease|JP=January 11, 2007
genre = Racing
modes = Single player, Multiplayer
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Everyone|PEGI=3+|OFLCA=General
platforms = Wii
media = Wii Optical Disc
input = Wii Remote, Steering Wheel Attachment

"GT Pro Series" is a franchise developed by MTO and published by Ubisoft as a launch title for Nintendo Wii. [http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/index.php?p=59&art_id=60&vars=c2VuZGVyPUFMTCZzZW5kZXJfdXJsPWluZGV4LnBocCUzRnAlM0Q1OSUyNmFydF9pZCUzRCZjb21faWQ9MzYxJmZpbHRlcl90eXBlPSZmaWx0ZXJfbW9udGg9JmZpbHRlcl95ZWFyPQ%3D%3D Ubisoft Expands Support for Nintendo's Wii with Seven Titles Available at Launch] . Ubisoft. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.] It includes over 80 licensed Japanese cars, next-gen physics and many gameplay modes, including Championship, Quick Race, Time Attack, Versus (4 players), Drift, and Replay.Casamassina, Matt (August 3, 2006. [http://wii.ign.com/articles/723/723081p1.html Interview: Ubisoft on Wii Launch Games] . IGN. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.] Casamassina, Matt (October 17, 2006). [http://wii.ign.com/articles/731/731777p1.html Interview: GT Pro Series] . IGN. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.] Graphically, the game uses a cel-shaded style. It does not support 16:9 widescreen or progressive scan.

Critics have noted that the graphics are generally underwhelming, according to IGN this is because the visuals are largely ported from the older GameCube game "GT Cube" with minor updates. "GT Cube" was released in Japan in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube.

Gameplay

"GT Pro Series" features eighty Japanese cars from various companies, including Honda, Subaru, Toyota, and Nissan.Mueller, Greg (November 18, 2006). [http://www.gamespot.com/wii/driving/gtproseries/review.html GT Pro Series for Wii Review] . GameSpot. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.] The tracks are in the same vein as those found in the Gran Turismo series of games, but are of a less overall quality.Welsh, Oli (December 21, 2006). [http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=71232 GT Pro Series Review] . Eurogamer. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.]

The game features cel-shaded cars driving in more realistic settings.

Wii Steering Wheel

As with Monster 4x4 World Circuit, a steering wheel shell for the Wii Remote is bundled with the game. The peripheral steering wheel is created by Thrustmaster. Other games which are controlled by turning (but not tilting) the Wii Remote can be used with this peripheral as well.

Development

"GT Pro Series" was first purchased by Ubisoft on August 3, 2006. [http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/index.php?p=59&art_id=60&vars=Y29tX2lkPTM2Mw%3D%3D&PHPSESSID=f2122556462bc94934592daf1ec90369 Ubisoft Takes a Ride on the Wii Side with GT Pro Series] . Ubisoft. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.] By September, GameSpot was able to get a glimpse of the game through a small video demo, reporting that though the cars looked cartoonish, they still had a certain realistic flair to them.Ekberg, Brian (September 14, 2006). [http://www.gamespot.com/wii/driving/gtproseries/news.html?sid=6157624 GT Pro Series Impressions] . GameSpot. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.] A few weeks later, GameSpot looked at the game again, and walked away "impressed with the controls."Ekberg, Brian (October 9, 2006). [http://www.gamespot.com/wii/driving/gtproseries/news.html?sid=6159522 GT Pro Series Hands-On] . GameSpot. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.] IGN also looked in-depth at the game, commenting on the high quality of the control schemes.Bozon, Mark (October 17, 2001). [http://wii.ign.com/articles/739/739204p1.html GT Pro Street Preview] . IGN. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.] Both sites later gave poor marks to the game in their reviews of the final product.

Reception

"GT Pro Series" received mostly mediocre reviews from critics for its abysmal graphics and gimmicky control scheme. GameSpot criticized the awful look and sound to the game, writing, "The visual presentation in "GT Pro Series" looks like something from the Nintendo 64 era, and the sound isn't any better." IGN complimented the gameplay, stating, "GT Pro Series" feels like a quick cash-out title, and Wii players deserve better."Bozon, Mark (November 28, 2006). [http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746542p1.html GT Pro Series Review] . IGN. Retrieved on May 20, 2008.] Eurogamer pointed out how the game shows serious problems for any future serious racers on the Wii, while commenting that the game itself was, "... absolutely, unequivocally, shockingly awful."

References

ee also

*GT Cube