Project Gotham Racing

• High-speed, circuit-based racing simulator.
• Choose from 20 different cars and compete on more than 300 city-based circuits.
• 100-plus individual and wheel-to-wheel challenges.
• Photorealistic environments and real-time weather.
• Featuring single-player arcade and 4-person multiplayer modes.

Product Description ------------------- Xbox's super-slick Project Gotham Racing lets players strap into more than 20 licensed cars and compete on more than 300 circuits in cities around the world. In addition, the game boasts 100-plus individual and wheel-to-wheel challenges, an arcade mode, and a four-person multiplayer option. You may want to put your seat back--this could be a long drive. In a unique twist, players are rewarded with a ratings system that scores their style, dexterity, and placement. Throw on the flare, boast your driving skills, and prove your daring side and you'll be rewarded. Unlike Crazy Taxi's reward scheme, Project Gotham Racing is a true-to-life racing simulation (no bounding from rooftops here). The tracks--located in global centres such as London, Tokyo, New York, and San Francisco--are incredibly detailed, adding a thick layer of realism to the course. The cars are just as nicely rendered, each shining with the gloss of a fresh paint job and driving with the appropriate responses for its particular style. Those looking for a game with speed to match the hardware should add this racer to their list of Xbox must-haves. .co.uk Review ------------- Bizarre Creations, the developer of Metropolis Street Racer for Dreamcast, makes its Xbox debut with a sequel of sorts. Project Gotham Racing is very similar to its predecessor, except with refined gameplay mechanics and vastly improved graphics. The focus of this racer is unique and centred on the "kudos" system. Players are rewarded bonus points for sustaining slides, riding on two wheels, catching air, clean driving, and passing other drivers. Chaining any of these actions together results in high-scoring combinations. So in addition to trying to finish the race first, the player must worry about style and technique to succeed in this game. The kudos system is fun and definitely makes this game stand out from the competition. Another highlight of the game is its detailed graphics. The more than 200 circuits based on London, Tokyo, San Francisco, and New York are extremely authentic. Those familiar with the areas are sure to do a double take at the numerous courses. The game's cars are also beautifully rendered and feature impressive reflection and lighting effects. Gameplay is quite diverse with quick race, arcade race, kudos challenge, time attack, and multiplayer modes. Kudos challenge alone features nine different types of gameplay that ranges from races, time trials, and obstacle courses. The only significant drawback with this game is its difficulty. Most players will find that two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through, the game becomes exceedingly difficult to the point where it's more frustrating than fun. Despite this problem, it still provides dozens of hours of entertainment for most and a challenging time for the hard core. All players will find that Project Gotham Racing is a truly distinct and beautiful racer. --Raymond M Padilla