So it's prudent to presume that Sumo's latest project, an HD update of GTI Club for the PlayStation Network, is going to be a standout title for PlayStation 3's online service – and having gone hands-on with the game at Leipzig this year it's shaping up to be just that. Sumo's Tony Casson, GTI Club+'s executive producer, took us for a tour of the game's cote d'azur at a recent press event in the less sunny surrounds of a Charlton warehouse.
IGN: You're masters at reinvigorating old IP – what drew you to GTI Club?
Tony Casson: It was Konami, really. They were looking through their stuff, and we've obviously got a good working relationship with them from Track & Field, they knew what we could do and they'd obviously seen that we'd done other racing games in the past, so they came to us and said come and have a play on this arcade machine. Some of us already remembered it – it's the famous game with the handbrake.
IGN: I've got a lot of hazy memories of the original GTI Club – there used to be a cabinet in my local. It's a game I remember fondly, but not in much detail...
Tony Casson: Everybody goes back to it, and instantly it clicks.
IGN: So is this port arcade perfect?
Tony Casson: As much as we could – we really analysed the track and tried to copy it as much as we could. The guys who did the original designed the track and it worked - it's the right size, it's got the right shortcuts in the right places, so why try and fix something that's not broken? It was a case of having a look at the arcade version and updating the visuals, making an HD version if you like.
IGN: How difficult is it working with someone else's game?
Tony Casson: Before we even started we had the guys come across from the arcade division and talk to us. You could see it was their baby and they didn't want anyone to mess with it. We got a few assets off of them, and a bit of help off of them - we've tried to be as accurate as possible.
IGN: Why is it a PlayStation Network exclusive?
Tony Casson: It was just the right time – when we started this PSN was new and fresh, as it is now.
IGN: Were some of the limitations Microsoft places on downloads behind the decision?
Tony Casson: It's quite a small download, it's about 350 MB, so we're not pushing the download limits. It's just the right decision.
IGN: You've worked marvels with SEGA's IP with OutRun 2 and Superstar's Tennis – and now you're doing the same with Konami's IP. Is there any Konami game in particular you'd like to work with?
Tony Casson: There are a few games I'd love to do – I'd love to do a Silent Scope. And there's a lot of people who'd love to see a new Rocket Knight Adventures game.
IGN: And are you still working with SEGA – could you be going back to any of their older properties?
Tony Casson: Possibly....
IGN: Could you please port Afterburner Climax? We really need that game.
GTI Club+ is coming to PlayStation Network on December 4, and we'll have a full review early next week.