Project Gotham Racing 3

"Kudos to PGR again, another marvelous racing game!"

Introduction:
I was really looking forward to this racing game and so I got it at launch and it is everything I hoped for. Here is the breakdown.

Graphics: 10/10
Here we have some outstanding use of the 360s hardware, the tracks are lovingly constructed everything looking mind-bogglingly close to it's real life counter parts. London, Vegas and Tokyo. Oh and who could forget New York and the ring. All of them are presented in a fantastic manner that will leave you gaping at the reflections, draw distance and curved courses. Well done Bizarre. Oh and the care models...the garages...(etc. etc.)

Sound: 9/10
The sound effects sound like the real thing as you take the corner sharply you'll hear your tyres squeak. There is nothing to complain about sound fx wise. The music track is however pretty lame in my opinion so I would suggest using your own soundtrack (Highway to Hell, no not the Chris Rhea version either).

Gameplay: 9/10
What would PGR be without the Kudos system? A bliming good racing game. But the kudos systems adds that little bit extra and makes you compete for style and finesse around the courses. The racing is solid and well constructed and there is a large variation of courses to keep you entertained. The career mode is slightly short but there is still the online career and those platinum medals to acquire. Coming back to the online career, at the moment I feel that this is the biggest issue with this otherwise nearly flawless racer but sadly the developers can't do much about it. The tracks are full of unsporting dirty racers who will spin you and things are generally very quiet. This is a shame because if this was fixed then I could really dig my teeth into the online world.

The multiplayer is good however and online playtime is a much more friendly place. Couple that with the innovative Gotham TV (it's nice to watch and chat to your friend while they mess up) and track builder there are things to do when you get bored with racing.

Car wise the game features a list of great cars including ferraris, jaguars, Lambis and the McClaren. All looking glorious and well performing.

Long Term: 10/10
Trying to get the platinum medals, cars and top of the kudos leaderboards will take you long enough. With the track builder, gotham TV, time trial and playtime this title has almost endless possibilities. Especially if they add downloadable content.

Overall: 10/10
Pros:
+ Fantastic looking
+ Great driving
+ Challenging yet possible
Cons:
- Rough online Career
- Slightly shorter offline Career
- Maybe driving isn't your thing...

The best racing game out at the moment with plenty to do and some very small yet noticeable flaws. If you remotely like racing games you still better pick this up.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/06/06