Project Gotham Racing 3

"Now this is arcade racing done right!"

Project Gotham Racing 3. Thats what comes to mind when I am asked for my favourite racing game. Why? Well, read on and see.

Gameplay: 8/10

This game excels thoroughly when it comes to its racing. The racing physics of this game are great for this games style, and although hardcore sim racing fans may not like them, they allow this game to be intense and very fun at the same time.

The car selection is beautiful, although it is limited to high end performance cars, no Civics or other such cars to be found, and although that may make a few people angry, it does not retract from that game all that much.

Another thing this game lacks is customization, the only thing you can change on the cars is the paint, and that is limited.

Controls: 10/10

These controls are perfect. The set up is beautiful, the vibration is nice, and in all, I have no complaints at all about the controls in this game.

Graphics: 9/10

I have very little to complain about here. The cars and tracks look beautiful, the detail is spot on, the colors are great and the lighting is perfect.

The only reason that this game doesn't have a 10/10 in this column, is that I have noticed a few jagged edges. They are hardly noticeable, but I wouldn't feel right putting a ten here, when it isn't really deserved.

Sound: 10/10

When you are in a big V8, you hear it! You know that your engine has a lot of power by just listening to it. This is one reason that this game is head and shoulders above the competition.

Another thing in this section is the tire and road sounds, and again, they are perfect. When you're hitting bumps, you hear it. When you're squealing around a corner, you hear it. Everything is perfect for the sounds.

Single Player: 8/10

Could have been better. The lack of customization really hurts it here. Also, you can use the same car for the whole game, as the computer uses the same class car that you use. I think this not only hurts this game, but it almost murders it.

The thing that saves the single play though, is the racing types. You aren't always stuck on a circuit racing other people, sometimes you have to show off a little skill, like having to get a certain speed at a certain point in a course, or having to get a good enough Drift around a corner.

Multi-player: 9/10

The multi-player in this game is great because of Xbox Live. Several different classes allow for tight racing, no matter what you want to race. Another great thing about Online, is that you can race Career, allowing you to make money and Kudos without having to do the same boring racing again and again.

Overall: 9/10

Great game, worth picking up for sure. If you like racing, arcade or sim, you'll like this game, it is just enough of both to keep everyone happy.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/05/06