Reviewed
11.26.2005
Publisher
Microsoft
Developer
Bizarre
Creations
Format
1x
DVD
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
Nov.
16, 2005 (USA)
Dec.2,
2005 (Europe)
Dec.
10, 2005 (Japan)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
1st/3rd
Person
Genre
Racing
/ Simulation
Player(s)
1-2
Split Screen
2-8
System Link
2-8
Online
Options
HDTV
720p
Xbox
Live
Requires
350KB
save
Features
DD
5.1
Downloads
Leaderboards
Spectators
ESRB
E
10+
Importable
n/a |
| Introduction |
|
> Bizarre Creations began this series with Metropolis
Street Racer on the Uberconsole (Sega
Dreamcast) then released two sequels (Project Gotham
Racing and Project Gotham Racing 2) on the Microsoft
Xbox. In each sequel, players were treated to enhanced
graphics and features. For the new generation, Project Gotham
Racing 3 is poised to set the benchmark for Xbox 360
racing games. Features include fully integrated Xbox Live support,
HDTV output, fully licensed automobiles, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound,
and much more. |
| Graphics |
|
> Nothing short of shock and awe. Bizarre Creations
produced the smoothest driving engine for Project Gotham Racing 3
since Test
Drive Le Mans. Everything from the car models, to the
photo realistic locales, to the ultra smooth frame rate, to the lighting,
to the reflections is better than ever before. I usually play using
the bird's eye view, but the driver's seat view with functional dashboard
is a sight to behold. Players can even see impurities on the windshield!
I also have to mention the sense of speed in this game -- never before
have I raced so realistically at 200 mph from the stationary comfort of
my recliner. Truly next generation visuals. |
| Control |
|
> The gameplay in Sega
GT definitely had a steep learning curve, albeit quite rewarding.
Although Project Gotham Racing 3's gameplay is similar, it's
certainly more forgiving and easy to master. Just like previous iterations
of this franchise, players race in various events to earn Kudos, which
is a system of tracking their expertise and level of completion.
Players also earn Credits for completing events, which can be used to buy
new cars. That's all great, but I do wish there was a system of upgrades
for the cars.
> The controls are pretty much standard fare -- accelerate, brake, steer,
shift up/down, handbrake, look back, change view, music controls and look
around. Thanks to the Xbox 360's excellent controller,
players will have minimal fatigue and precise inputs. I just wish
some of these cars weren't so squirrelly. |
| Sound |
|
> In all actuality, I love the sound effects, and think the music is varied
and decent enough in Project Gotham Racing 3. However,
custom tracks is the way to go for me. What's there is good, but
I'll be utilizing the option to jam some Loudness. |
| Fun |
|
> There's so much to do, earn and advance in Project Gotham Racing
3 that it might as well be some sort of racing RPG. There's
over 75 cars to race in the cities of Las Vegas, London, New York and Tokyo,
plus Germany's demanding Nurburgring track. Players will earn a TrueSkill
rating to match similar abilities while racing online. With eleven
different events that combine in varying amounts to make up a plethora
of racing cups to win, players will be enjoying this game for a long time.
I love saving snapshots, walking through my garages and creating race tracks,
too. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> The full integration of Xbox Live combined with a game
built from the ground up for Xbox 360 produces one of the
best racing experiences (definitely on the simulation side of the spectrum)
on any console. Project Gotham Racing 3 is easy to
get into, amazing to watch, and full of rewarding gameplay to keep a player's
interest level high. This is a must-have launch title for the Wundermachine. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.3 | Graphics: 9.5 | Control: 9.0 | Sound: 9.0 | Fun: 9.5 |
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