Xbox 360 Game Review - Project Gotham Racing

Project Gotham Racing

Developer: Bizarre Creations

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Genre: Racing

Release Date: 11/1/2001

Console: Xbox

Platinum Hit

$19.99

Game Rating: E (Everyone)

Mild Lyrics

Project Gotham Racing (PGR) is not your usual concept of a racing game where you drive as fast as possible vying with other drivers to cross the finish line before others. Except for Time Attack mode involving just racing, there isn't much beyond that. However, in PGR, what's important that you finish your race first. But even more important is to earn 'Kudos'. Kudos are like the stars in Mario 64, you can't complete the game without 'em. Kudos are the key to accessing the game's hottest cars and tracks. But unlike Mario 64, Kudos aren't hidden within PGR. You have to earn them by performing any of the seven special moves during a race, which include: slides, 360s, overtake, big air, two wheels, clean section and navigating cone gates.

projectgothamracing

Slides are performed just like in Crazy Taxi - gain a fair speed & press the A button while turning left or right. The longer you hold the slide, the more points you'll earn. But if you hit the wall while performing a slide or any other special move, all of the points accumulated for that particular move (or set of moves in the case of a combo) will be lost. This can be avoided by swerving while in a slide, but it's risky (not for the seasoned gamer though) and can result in the loss of several points.

360 is the hardest move to perform for as you must continually move forward while performing the 360 and most of the roads are way too narrow to complete the 360 without hitting the wall. However, you receive a lot of Kudos for performing this move. (The spectators who might be watching you live will also applaud) making it worthy for the extra effort.

Then next is to overtake that can only be performed when you are racing against other racers. Remember in PGR, every race doesn't give you an opponent. This may sound strange, but Project Gotham is not your typical racing game. Pass any opponent without touching his car, the wall or anything else to overtake them. You can a bagful of points by quickly passing several opponents in succession.

PGR's soundtrack is packed with scores of different songs from well-known artists like The Chemical Brothers, Eve 6, Iggy Pop etc. They provide the player with hours of great entertainment.

PGR has practically created a whole new genre. It is part racing, part driving and part performance action.

It is one of the best racing games around at this moment. In fact it is a personal favourite. Besides it's nice to have a racing game that can't be completed for many, many days.

Conclusion: If you are a racing fan and yet to try out Project Gotham, then I must say you have waited way too long for this sensational game.