93% Awesome Graphics Responsive Controls Very Addictive

After playing Metropolis Street Racer on a friends Dreamcast years ago, I had officially been won over by racing gaming. On hearing that the very same company, Bizarre Creations' were going to bring a similar driving game to the XBox, I couldn't wait to test drive Project Gotham Racing on my shiny new console. On start up - PGR just oozes with visual splendour. The detail on the cars and the circuits are simply second to none and the smooth visuals make this one hell of a title. Sparks fly as you apply the handbrake, skyscrapers reflect on your shiny bonnet and shoulders jerk as the driver is thrown forward during crashes.

The game centres around obtaining Kudos (style points), for negotiating tricky corners, good use of the breaks and well timed over taking etc. In Kudos Challenge, you need a set number of these credits to progress, unlock cars and win other cool stuff. Personally I preferred the Quick Racing which requires you finish in the top three to move on to the next track of either New York, San Francisco, London or Tokyo.

Multiplayer is a blast and highly recommended. I noticed no reduction in frame rate on split screen, which is surprising considering the shear beauty of the backgrounds and car visuals. One nice touch is the ability to compile your own CD list, whether from the in game jukebox or your own CD collection saved to your XBox. If you are lucky enough to have a Dolby 5.1 system and suitable speakers the sound effects and CD music sound fantastic.

The controls are excellent. Every car I drove was very responsive and reacted well to the game pad. The visuals and sound effects provide a truly awesome driving experience in cars that are shrouded with pure digital realism. If you are a racing fan and like fast cars, you cannot possibly go wrong with Project Gotham Racing. A definite buy!

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