Ron Harris, AP Writer

A scene from the Gran Turismo 5 video game produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. - AP

SAN FRANCISCO:

The Gran Turismo series continues with Gran Turismo 5: Prologue, a release oozing with style and computer graphic splendour, but lacking in the captivating game-play department.

I took GT5 (US$39.99) for a spin on the Sony PS3, it's lone platform for release, and treated myself to the latest in controllers. I tried the game with the new Logitech Driving Force GT (a steering wheel and pedals) and Sony's new DualShock3, complete with 8,000-year-old vibration technology. (Sorry Sony, you earned that one by removing the rumble from the Sixaxis in favour of Wii-like motion sensors I've rarely used.)

Mature game

A scene from the Gran The long-awaited Rockstar video game 'Grand Theft Auto IV' hit the streets in the United States earlier this week. The road to Grand Theft Auto IV has been less ballyhooed than last year's over-the-top 'Halo 3' debut. - AP

On to the game. GT5 launches to a smooth and jazzy piano riff instead of a Linkin Park blast or some other loudness. This grown-man approach to gaming continues throughout, and I soon realised the title is not targeted towards the white-knuckled gaming teen.

While these are not your father's Oldsmobiles, this is your father's video game: It's mature, refined, technical and, I might say, a tad dull.

Yes, the graphics are gorgeous. Yes, the engines growl and purr with precision. And the force feedback on the Logitech controller as I tore through the competition was impressive. But this is homage to the automobile - and not a nod to the pure fun that race gaming has delivered before.

As I careened around the curves behind the wheel of a 2004 Honda Integra in an early 'Class C' race, the car didn't lean or sway enough, as though the game physics hadn't given it enough heft. Perhaps this was the most accurate representation of the real Integra, but it just didn't feel game-like. There was something antiseptic about it.

I needed to place in the top three to snag a trophy in each Class C race in order to move on to Class B, and later Class A. Each ensuing class demands better cars, which are purchased using credits earned through high race finishes.

But I wanted damage to the vehicle as I ploughed into walls and other cars. That wasn't there in the races I played. I wanted more bumper-to-bumper clanging and the gnashing of metal. That was oddly absent. I was spun out frequently by AI opponents tapping me from behind, but it was a benign experience at best.

I sought a bit more adrenaline on the track, so I went online hunting for real opponents.

Improved experience

Using my winnings, I purchased a spunky little 2006 Ford Focus and a 2000 Clio Renault Sport. I clicked the 'Online' option and was met with several available race options. Other drivers online popped up and we headed for the starting line-up.

This improved the gaming experience because I trust humans to make more mistakes than the game's AI. Most of my opponents opted for the Honda Integra, a nice blend of power and handling for the early rounds.

There were some brief glitches in a few races, where my opponent's cars appeared to jump and blink around a section of track, fading in and out and burning rubber. I'm not sure if it had to do with a poor host connection or a software bug, but it only happened the first night I played online - so I gave it a pass.

Accurate accomplishment

The online races were the most fun. There was a steady set of a dozen or so drivers online that raced the same track about 10 times in a row. If a particular driver cut me off and finished ahead of me in one race, I quickly restarted after we finished the race in hopes of a little payback in the next race with identical opponents.

This game is an accurate accomplish-ment and a detailed driving simulator, but I found myself waiting for the good times to break out - and they rarely did.

Two stars out of four.