Gran Turismo 5 Looks Set To Release Later This Year.

Gran Turismo 5’s appearance at GamesCom was a little unusual. While we watched the show-floor videos in awe, many of the Gran Turismo community picked apart every little detail of the game and perhaps came away a little disappointed. We don’t neccessarily agree with holding a game to Godly standards — however, we can see how some might have found the demo a bit limiting. Here’s the strange thing: Sony made no mention of Gran Turismo 5 in their press conference at GamesCom. Which is strange because Europe is one of the biggest territories for the game. You’d assume with a franchise like Gran Turismo, on show in its biggest territory, Sony would have made a song and dance about it. So that’s why its appearance was weird.

Still, the most important thing about the game being playable at GamesCom was that Sony must be ramping up to something. With still no date confirmed, but speculation of an ‘09 release, a brochure handed out around GamesCom seems to point to Quarter 4 of this year. That means, we have to assume Sony are going to do a massive blow-out for Gran Turismo at TGS.

We trust Polyphony Digital will not let anyone down with Gran Turismo 5. But it looks like the wait is still on for more details. Still, we can probably assume it’s coming this year, right? That in itself is massive.

The PS3 Slim Could Be The Best Thing To Happen To Sony This Generation.

Moods must be positive around camp Sony. After months of being kicked to the ground by sales figures, negative press and competition – they have to be feeling bullish after responding to their worst critics. GamesCom 09 was undoubtedly a monumental success for the company. A company which now seems to have left their complacent attitude behind and really got the bit between their teeth. Nice to have you back, competitive Sony.

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Ears open folks: Billy Hatcher is in Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing. Our question to SEGA: if Billy Hatcher counts as a SEGA All-Star, Ryo Hazuki has to be in there right? Right?

Still, while Billy Hatcher might be the guy nobody picks, we’ll almost certainly always pick Beat. That dude is just way too cool. And the Jet Set Radio games are awesome. The latest trailer also reveals Knuckles and Alex Kidd as playable characters, the latter of which is sure to provoke a few cheers from those who should know better.

There’s an interview with developers Sumo Digital after the jump.

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Will PS3 Owners Finally Get To Experience The GTA DLC?

Don’t take it as fact folks but Playstation Community mod Yaster apparently has confirmation of Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost & Damned being playable on the Playstation 3 at GamesCom.

“And they [Rockstar] were certainly showing some PS3 love – Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned was available to play in a special 18+ area, we didn’t manage to get our hands on it due to the MASSIVE queue – but those inside looked pretty ***** excited.’”

VG247 have also picked up on a strategy guide for second DLC pack The Ballad Of Gay Tony being listed for PS3.

Prepare yourself for 9 minutes of Snake-to-the-power-of-four action. This trailer is up there with Kojima’s best. Get some pop-corn. Put it in the microwave. Turn the microwave on for a bit. Cover it in salt. Add some butter while it’s still warm. Sit back. And press play. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker deserves that kind of attention.

Sony’s semi-shock announcement from E3 ‘09 was Final Fantasy XIV. Here is the game being shown off at GamesCom. It looks very much like an MMO to us. To be totally honest, we have no idea what’s going on in this video or how it compares to Final Fantasy XI (the previous FF MMO). All we know is that the graphics look pretty.

Namco Bandai Babes Vs. Tekken 6 Sticks - A Battle Worth Debating.

Tekken 6 is coming bundled with an exclusive stick if you want to shell out $150. We must admit, they do look rather neat. The question is, what looks neater — hot Namco Bandai girls or hot Tekken sticks? We couldn’t possibly choose.

Thanks Joystiq for the photo.