Gran Turismo 6: VW GTi Supersport Vision GT

Last year, Volkswagen wowed the GT6 players with the VW GTi Roadster VGT, which is part of the game's Vision Gran Turismo lineup of unorthodox concept cars built exclusively for this game, and now, they've introduced us their second chapter to Volkswagen's Vision Gran Turismo entry. Meet the VW GTi Supersport Vision Gran Turismo.



Their latest entry to the Vision Gran Turismo range is what everything a hyper hatch should be, possessing uncanny mobility and speed that only this V-dub can take advantage of.



For a start, this car looks a lot like the latest version of the VW Golf GTi but with all that enhanced aerodynamics, it's becoming to be more of a racecar rather than a hot hatch and like the GTi Roadster VGT from last year, it comes with the same 3.0L twin-turbo VR6 TSi engine which develops 503HP of power and 665Nm while mated with a 7-speed DSG.

Amazingly, the Supersport weighs exactly the same as the GTi Roadster by about 1200kg and when you handle both of these cars, you can't really tell, except by my further understanding that the hardtop version is the better handling one rather than the open-top one even though they both have aggressive aerodynamics and the clever four-wheel drive system.

To find out just how good the GTi Supersport really is, I took on the challenge at the Nurburgring GP/D and I have to aim for the gold target time of  1:28.000.



Hot hatches are great on the racetrack but because of their front-wheel drive layout, they tend to do understeer and no matter how hard you turn the wheel, it doesn't feel like they're responsive enough for your actions. Not so in this GTi Supersport because even when you have the hammer down, it will still do as you ask it to do. With the four-wheel drive layout, light bodywork, and race-inspired aerodynamics, the GTi Supersport can handle like a top-class racecar at ease and even a race-shy rookie can handle this machine at ease.

Thanks to its amazing handling, I managed to beat the gold target time at one go and I did it in 1:27.902. Not the quickest lap I ever made but it's a definitive proof that the GTi Supersport might just be GT6's best handling car you can try.



Expect new additions to the Vision Gran Turismo range soon!

Gran Turismo 6: Lexus LF-LC VGT vs. Alpine VGT

The Lexus LF-LC Vision Gran Turismo...



...and the Alpine Vision Gran Turismo.



These new additions to the Gran Turismo 6's Vision Gran Turismo roster of concept cars will surely make petrolheads coming back for more and even though they're different in any way, these machines are always up for new challenges this game could throw at them.



First, let's take a look at the Lexus LF-LC Vision Gran Turismo, although this is odd to make a GT version of a concept car that already spawned the production version called the RC, if you know what I mean? Looks like the folks from Gran Turismo never understand about the Lexus RC and stuck with the concept car but look at this way, at least it's menacing to look at so lighten up a little, huh?

Having learned their lesson from last year's Super GT season, Toyota's luxury brand wanted to make a racecar capable of tackling GT3-class touring cars dominated with the likes of European makes, and with this car, this is Revelation to them. It's not just a Revelation but this is a warning sign that Lexus will be joining the GT3-class fray very soon.



The Alpine VGT is also like Revelation because by the time we witnessed how its made, the folks from Renault announced that they'll be bringing back the Alpine name next year. Info remains scarce but the legend that was forged by the legendary Jean Redele will return. You can count on it. It comes with two distinct flavors; one is the standard model and the other is the Race Mode, which is the Alpine VGT at its best. Whichever Alpine VGT you choose, you will be blessed by its A110-inspired front, lightweight bodywork, unbiased handling, and a unique way of braking where two airbrakes from both sides will show up.

Both of these machines seem to be evenly matched on the track and to be honest, they want to find out which of these new additions is the best and to find out, I shipped them to the Midfield Raceway. In case you missed it, the Gran Turismo original track has returned from a recent update. How nice it is to have this classic fan-fave track back, right? Anyway, less hands, more drive, and it's time to find out which of these new VGT additions is the best.



Because the LF-LC VGT features a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, it develops around 621HP of power output, while the Alpine VGT is almost 200HP less than the LF-LC VGT. Although specs remained classified, the Alpine VGT feels more lighter than the LF-LC VGT and it handles well than the LF-LC VGT as well. Those three machines are surely trying to familiarize the corners of this classic GT original track and no matter how hard they try, it's all in a name of luck and skill.

In the end, here are the results:

LF-LC VGT - 1:08.324
Alpine VGT - 1:09.463
Alpine VGT RM - 1:09.271



It kinda looks like the Lexus LF-LC VGT has triumphed both versions of the Alpine Vision Gran Turismo but sometimes the results don't really matter because both the Lexus LF-LC VGT and the Alpine VGT done a really good job showing off their motorsport finesse and their teachings from their past motorsport involvements. Looks like these machines are ready to take on the world after all. I just really wish those carmakers behind these creations the very best of luck to push their dreams into reality.

With the Lexus LF-LC VGT and the Alpine VGT part of the roster, which carmaker will be joining the Vision GT family? Find out soon!

Gran Turismo 6: Mini Clubman VGT

Take a normal Mini Clubman Concept, strip it down, give it racing credentials, have it featured in Gran Turismo 6, and what do you get? This:



This is the new Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo, Mini's entry to the Vision Gran Turismo lineup, a series of concept cars that can be played on Gran Turismo 6 and by the looks of it, it looks more like the new Mini of today, only a little more shouty in the character traits.

 

Drawing inspiration from Mini's involvement in motorsports, the Mini Clubman VGT is built to be a Mini that can adapt through any racetrack it sees fit. The power output of the Mini Clubman VGT is said to have a 395PS of power output and it weighs a very light 1050kg, so the 0-60mph time is under the 4 second mark, namely 3.5 seconds, and it can flat out in over 180mph, meaning that this Mini's like a rocket.

It's not just the speed that makes the Mini Clubman VGT bewildering but the handling is superficial for a Mini, thanks to its low center of gravity and the wheels positioned far outside the body. It has better aerodynamics as well thanks to its split rear spoiler and a fully enclosed underbody.



I once tried it at the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit and based on my experience, the Mini Clubman VGT doesn't feel like any other Minis at all, in fact, its starting to feel like the Minis of yesteryears when they pit these machines on the track and triumphed against the bigger racecars. It's kinda like the David and Goliath effect but in a spectacular fashion.

Although I don't find the handling to be as go-kart as they've promised but for a Mini, it's starting to show off its true character. It just starting to show what a real Mini can do, adapt through any corners of the track and show them who's the boss. When the pace gets pushed further, this Mini is not out without a good fight and it just keeps on going as it pleases.



The Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo has proven to be one of the best handling cars in the Vision GT roster and it expresses the ultimate definition of what a Mini should: NOT NORMAL. It shows that this Mini can be very adaptable on any corners of the racetrack as long as the driver meets up to its expectations. Get out there and try the Mini Clubman VGT by yourself on GT6.

More cars are coming on the Vision GT roster very soon!

Tales of Zestiria

Tales of Zestiria

Since the first ever Tales of game launched in late 1995, the Tales of series from Namco has been the forefront of Japanese RPG history. As the franchise keeps evolving into new and exciting ways that will keep JRPG fans longing for more tales, fans will really keep looking forward for the series' 20th year this 2015.

Bandai Namco kicks off the Tales series' 20th birthday with the brand new addition to the Namco Tales family and it's called Tales of Zestiria.

According to the people behind the scenes, the latest installment of the long-running Tales franchise is classified as an "RPG where passion lights up the world" and because 2015 is the Tales of's 20th birthday, they want this latest installment to be the template for the series' future just like what other past Tales titles done for the fans worldwide. For this new chapter in Tales history, Tales of Zestiria will hopefully garner a new set of fans, old and new alike, thanks to new and exciting features as well as the storytelling which has been the forefront of the Tales of series.

Amazingly, Tales of Zestiria is a hybrid game because not only it has the main game on it but also comes with the complete TV mini-series of the same title, serving as the taste of what lies ahead of the main character Sorey and his allies on their epic journey to save the world from an imminent threat, so you can experience the dramatic storyline that you can expect once you start the game and go on an epic journey as Sorey and his friends.

The battle system has been evolved from the past Tales of games and now, TOZ features a brand new "Fusonic Chain - Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS)" which gives the series' real-time battle system a whole new overhaul and features a gauge that allows characters free battle to their heart's content and effects such as healing and blowing away enemies are usable. Also, this battle system comes with the brand new "Kamui" feature and don't tell them what that is because this feature lets Sorey join forces with Heavenly Beings such as Lailah, changing his form and unleash a barrage of powers to blow away the opposition. Now this is a strategic work players need to master if they want to survive the battlefield.

Aside from new ways to battle, there are other ways to do on foot as well. You can engage in a chat sequence (which is kinda like the skit part from past titles), clear obstacles, accessorize your characters with new outfits and accessories, engage in optional subevents, test your battle skills on the colosseum, and so much more. There are so much to do while you're taking a break on the main quest or if you need a little boost on what lies ahead.

There are DLC contents heading your way on Tales of Zestiria, as well as collaboration ones from Evangelion, Capcom's Sengoku Basara, God Eater 2, and of course, The iDOLM@STER. Expect more DLC items heading your way, especially those that can make a match not just for Sorey, but also Rose, Leilah, Edna, Alisha, and more!

So, how come we sum this game up? Well, while this game remains available only to Japan while Bandai Namco awaiting their decision for its global debut, the latest chapter of the Tales of series sees this franchise grow into new and exciting ways that fuels not just Tales veterans but also newcomers as well. There's so much to love about TOZ and we think that's enough for that.

Overall, Tales Of Zestiria is definitely the best present for the series' 20th anniversary since 1995's Tales of Phantasia.

Japan's prototype stealth aircraft becomes playable in Ace Combat Infinity

ATD-0

Once as Japan's experimental aircraft that made headlines on the press, now became a playable aircraft in the PS3-exclusive free-to-play Ace Combat Infinity game as Bandai Namco Games released this month's update to their F2P flight shooting game where over 2 million players have been downloaded this game.

For whatever reasons, it's been named as the ATD-0 and according to the in-game description, it features technology such as a sensor, avionics, and a weapon system allowing it to obtain data from the battlefield. In-game, Japan's prototype fifth-generation fighter jet can be armed with 4AAM, QAAM, and SAAM, if the player levelled up this plane's performance crucial on surviving the aerial warfare. For the first time, players can get their hands on Japan's prototype fifth-generation fighter jet that caused headlines from Japanese media.

Also on the January update, three fan-favorite Ace Combat original fighter jets have been added to the list such as the X-02 Wyvern from Ace Combat 04 Shattered Skies, ADF-01 FALKEN from Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War, and the ADFX-01 Morgan from Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.

Due to the addition of the Morgan on the Standard Aircraft lineup, two special Morgan planes previously appeared last year have been renamed as ADFX-01 -Pixy- and ADFX-01 -Block1-. There has been no changes to their performance or capabilities. Up until March 4, 2015, those two special Morgan planes are available on the Special Supply Items Catalog for a limited time only. If you haven't got either of the two special Morgans and if you got enough Special Supply Tickets, now's the time to do it!

There's a new Special Raid Mission for this month's update and for a limited-time, engage on the brand new Satellite Interception special raid mission where you and your fellow pilots are tasked to destroy the SOLG (the military satellite from Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War) before it smashes to the ground. Remember the time The Ghosts of Razgriz destroyed the SOLG and saved the Osean capital city Oured at the finale? Time to relive the epic moment when you had the chance!

Lastly, there's now a HARD difficulty on the Pipeline Destruction online co-op mission. Be prepared because the enemy forces stationed on the so-called Troia Route now come with extreme firepower.

More improvements and corrections have been made on the January update but be sure to check it out once you're prepared for your next sortie!

Details: http://ace-infinity.bngames.net/news/

Gran Turismo 6: The Mazda LM55 VGT

So, this is Mazda's Christmas Present to all of the players of Gran Turismo 6, their representative of the game's Vision Gran Turismo range called the LM55 Vision Gran Turismo.




So, what's it all about the LM55? For a start, Mazda's virtual racing is the pinnacle of Mazda's motorsport heritage which dates back to the 787B, the first and only Japanese machine that won the 24 Heures du Mans since 1991. By the looks of it, it really resembles like the legendary 787B and this racing machine incorporates Mazda's Kodo -Soul in Motion- design philosophy that has been stapled through their production vehicles.

This is the first time I have ever seen a Kodo-designed Mazda in the history of video games but not what I'm expecting at because this is a fantasy machine forged from the minds of both carmaker Mazda Motor Corporation and developer Polyphony Digital Inc.

Its performance remains a mystery but the drivetrain is 4WD, allowing this machine to get through corners with unprecedented grip and agility. Aside from that, the extensive use of carbon fiber components and an advanced drivetrain technology, which remains a mystery for now, provides the LM55 an outstanding power-to-weight ratio beyond compare of its class.



I tried one of these via a special Seasonal Event made specifically for this car and whatever lap they set can own the LM55 VGT for no charge in-game but I decided to go for the Gold Target Time to see how good the LM55 really is. It feels twitchy at first and it's a bit difficult to master for a future LMP prototype like this when going too fast but when I'm becoming more careful and brave through the LM55's key fundamentals, I'm starting to realize how the LM55 learned its lesson from its 787B predecessor and no matter how tight the bends are and how high the elevation is, this machine really does the talking and with my great execution towards this machine, I've snagged the Gold Target in 1:15.509. Regardless of lap time, I got to keep it for use in-game.



With the LM55 under my care, looks like I decided to challenge this car against its predecessors at the Circuit de la Sarthe. First up is the 787B, the first and only Japanese Le Mans contender to win this enduring race and the other the Furai Concept, the concept that was once destroyed by a famed motoring show by accident. You may remember that pitiful moment, right? But no matter. I pit these two predecessors to the famed Le Mans Circuit and keep track of the times set. The legendary 787B set a lap time of 3:41.058 while the Furai Concept's lap time is 3:59.366.



The LM55 Vision Gran Turismo combines the best of both worlds. From the heritage of the 787B to the future technology of the Furai, the LM55 harmonizes both past and present from Mazda's motorsports involvement and when the going gets tough, this future machine keeps on going all the way through the very end. When I keep longing to this machine, I'm starting to respect its overwhelming performance carried out from the 787B and as the saying goes, great power comes great responsibility. It takes responsibility to master the LM55's hidden talent if I want to survive long tracks like this. After one lap round the Sarthe, the LM55 did it in 3:37.828, quicker than the 787B!

So there we are. The LM55 VGT follows where the 787B and the Furai Concept left off and when taken with great responsibility, this machine is worth capable of unleashing its inner potential, resulting to its winning formula that the 787B pulled off from its glorious past. With the LM55, the Vision GT lineup is now consisting of 12 fantasy machines starting from the Mercedes-Benz VGT. Look forward for more VGT cars coming this 2015!

Gran Turismo 6: Chaparral 2X vs. Infiniti Concept

Two new Vision GT cars have arrived in the latest GT6 update. One represents the future of Inspired Performance while the other revives a legendary marque that Gran Turismo fans truly remembered for its bizarre aerodynamics. The Infiniti Concept VGT and the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X VGT are now here and here's your chance to try out these two new machines only on GT6.



Let's talk about the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X first and this Vision GT could be our new favorite because for the first time, this concept racer features a unique powertrain that no racecar in the history has ever done before. Don't be surprised but this racecar's powered by laser pulse shock waves generated by an advanced propulsion system made by Chevrolet. That's right. This car's laser power...and it's diabolical indeed. The laser pulse shock wave generates an equivalent of 905HP of power and because it weighs 405kg, its power-to-weight ratio is on its explosive levels. Yes. Calculate that and that power-to-weight ratio is an exploding 2011 horsepower-per-tonne. WOW! No such car can get that kind of ratio! Not even the Bugatti Veyron!

Apart from its unique powertrain, it comes with a very unique cockpit where the driver has to lie down like a flying squirrel to operate it. That driving position looks awkward but when it's already in motion, this driving position for a future racing machine is worth thrilling. It's like you're on a free-fall from the sky, except you're going horizontally.

The bodywork is made up by its "layup schedule" which lets the whole structure to act alongside with its suspension and its super-ridged propulsion structure ensures optimal thrust parabola to the laser pulse cone. With the combination of the multi-vane adjustability and the lower Thrust Vectoring panel, the Chaparral 2X provides a greater downforce that fits on any track.

It's the hallmark of Jim Hall's legacy of motorsport innovation that was carried from his past creations such as the 2D and the 2J.



Now, let's talk about the Infiniti Concept VGT. You see, a group of a well-talented and creative men behind the project have been gathered at the Infiniti Design Beijing studio to design this one-of-a-kind Infiniti machine that carries out the luxury marque's Inspired Performance tagline. With its beautiful silhouette and its monstrous performance, this one-of-a-kind Infiniti dream machine liberates every driver to experience the full freedom of driving on the open world. The folks from Beijing worked really hard to bring this fantasy machine into virtual reality at their own hands and they did. Needless to say, this car is surprisingly Asian because this GT machine is packed with the "motorsport passion of Asia".

This car is rear-wheel drive and it's powered by a 4.5L V8 engine, which is the kind of engine Nissan no longer makes, and it's connected with an electric motor and a battery. Which means that the Infiniti Concept VGT is a hybrid sportscar with the combined power output of 535HP while mated with a 6-speed gearbox. Because it weighs 1680kg, the power-to-weight ratio is over 335 horsepower-per-tonne. That's more than what the TVR T350C gets. Not only that, its weight distribution is well-balanced enough to have this car do drifting on the corners just for fun.

With me being one of the many GT6 players who acquired both of these machines via Seasonal Events, I think it's time for me to compare these two and to do that, I went to Suzuka Circuit with the 2014 update in it, Yep. The revised one with the same layout as before.




First up is the Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo. Because of its balanced weight distribution, this car feels so well-balanced on its mobility and it's very stable as well, although a little too much might cause some oversteer, suffering its lap time record until you can counter it. Still, this is a lot fun to drive than any other European VGT concepts I tried over a few months. There's no need to fighting over to get it through the bends and it feels so...easy to drive even for a rookie.



Now, for the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X. The sound of the laser generating is like fireworks on New Year's Day or some popcorn popping when you get the hammer down but despite its popping-like sound from the laser, it's probably hard to handle when going too fast, giving it a tendency to understeer. Even this car is a concept machine, its mobility and stability are on the same level as a NASCAR, so if you're a rookie, this racing machine is not recommended but if you're a highly skilled driver, it's just fine. The trick is not to overdo it aggressively when cornering because this is highly difficult to corner when going too fast.

After driving these two, here are the results:

Infiniti Concept VGT - 2:09.378
Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X - 1:39.758



Yes. This Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X is almost half a minute quicker than the Infiniti Concept VGT but it doesn't matter. Those records didn't matter to these anyway but what matters most is that these machines truly demonstrate the future of driving in different but exciting ways. The Infiniti Concept VGT ventures to the future of the brand's Inspired Performance tagline while the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X puts a new twist to the legendary motorsport marque with three unique features; its powertrain, its driving position, and its aerodynamics.

Hope you'll look forward to driving both of these new VGT machines only on GT6!

Gran Turismo 6: The BMW M4 M Performance Edition

This is the BMW M4 except for one thing, it isn't. Of course, it kinda looks like an M4 but by the looks of it, it's becoming more of a safety car of some sorts. What this is is called the BMW M4 Performance Edition, and this special kind of M4 is playable in the world of Gran Turismo 6 via the current update.



Appeared at the 2014 SEMA Show and made for Gran Turismo fans, this Gran Turismo-original M4 is designed to recreate the image of safety cars used in certain motorsports. Underneath, it's still the BMW M4 we know. It still comes with the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine developing 425HP of power and 405.9ft-lb of torque and it's mated with the 7-speed DCT gearbox.



I know it behaves like a normal M4 judging by its disappointed noise and its power steering issues but what's so cool about this special M4 is the optional lighting to the roof and you can buy this accessory for the M4 Performance Edition at the Custom Parts section on the My Home screen.

When they see one from behind, it feels like they're being pursued by a pace car for no reason and this special M4 with the lighting accessory on the roof really turns the hunters into the hunted and the hunted becomes the hunter on the road and on the track. Try not to mess with this one cause this one's coming at your six.



I decided to try the M4 M Performance Edition on the Suzuka Circuit, now with the 2014 update to replicate what's Suzuka Circuit looks like today. This 2014 update Suzuka Circuit features new replay angles, newly resurfaced west course, relocation of crashpads and guardrails, addition of circuit objects, and the revision of the final chicane. It supports time-of-day changes and with the guardrail at the Spoon Curve gone, getting through is now accessible to drivers.

Even with the new update, it still feels like the same Suzuka Circuit as we know it and this special kind of M4 enjoys warming up for the challenge I'm setting up for it. It looks like it's having a little free time in the real-world track over there.



Since this M4 M Performance Edition is a pace car made for the world of Gran Turismo, I decided to compare this one to another pace car made for the world of Gran Turismo and I think I got the answer.




This is the GRAN TURISMO SKYLINE GT-R Pace Car. It's based on the R34 Skyline GT-R, this Gran Turismo-original machine features a unique livery that you won't find anywhere else a long time ago and a bright rotating emergency lights on the roof that makes opponents think they're being pursued by this car. It still features the same RB26DETT engine as the R34 model producing 276HP of power and 289.3ft-lb of torque and it features Nissan's legendary 4WD drivetrain.

Even if it's a pace car, it feels like an R34 GT-R, which is still a favorite among speedo boys everywhere. The 4WD system really feels like it's sticking to the road and as a track-proven machine that lapped round the Nurburgring quicker than the R33, it's pretty impressive as well.

After one lap, the GRAN TURISMO SKYLINE GT-R Pace Car set a lap time of 2:29.148.



The M4 M Performance Edition maybe rear-wheel drive but it's lighter and more powerful than the GT-R Pace Car but is it any better? Although it has a big advantage against the GT-R Pace Car, its tendency to oversteer is one too many, spoiling your progress, but doing it well makes everything better and approaching to the finish line is as smooth as a baby's buttock.

And the time...2:22.214! In the end, it's official. This BMW M4 M Performance Edition makes it a perfect pace car even without the emergency lights on the top.



Uh oh...Looks like someone's busted. Well, I'd better get going now before I'll get noticed by these two. He he he...