Project Gotham Racing (Xbox)
	Developer Bizarre Creations Publisher Microsoft Reviewed by Wesley "Proteus" Button [Feedback] [Author Bio] Review Date February 7, 2002

Rating (out of 5.0) 4.0 out of 5.0*

Judge for yourself

Strengths Abundance of tracks and cars Realistic sound Near-photorealistic car models Weaknesses Lackluster lighting and flat surfaces No system link play

Screenshots MORE SCREENSHOTS

* Notes Gaming Voice ratings are based on the technical and/or gameplay merits of a given product as well as the developer's choice of features and delivery of same. Our rating is not an endorsement of the thematic content of a given title. Gamers and parents are cautioned to determine if such content conflicts or coincides with their values and beliefs.

It holds its place well among the racing giants for other systems.

Now Bizarre brings their latest effort for the new beefy Xbox console. The name can be misleading, because racing is almost a secondary objective in this game. The key to success here is all in your style and technique, measured in "Kudos" points. Kudos are earned in various ways including perfectly executed slides, overtaking a car during a race, breaking air (not wind), and turns on two wheels. At any time should you crash while earning Kudos, your points for that trick will fly right out the window. Kudos are the only way you can unlock new tracks, cars, and gameplay modes.

Racing is almost a secondary objective in this game.

The game itself is made of a slew of gameplay modes. "Quick race" allows you to floor it against an AI opponent on any of the levels you have earned in the "Kudos Challenge" mode, which is where you earn your new cars and tracks and generally beat the game. "Arcade Race" is similar to quick race but against multiple challengers. "Time Attack" has you race to beat the clock -- and your ghost. Multiplayer mode is limited to four players -- no system link support -- and you can only race on unlocked tracks. Speaking of tracks, did I mention that parts of London, Tokyo, San Francisco, and New York were fully modeled, with over 50 circuits available in each? This game has prima race area selection for your 25+ cars.

Graphically, the car models are absolutely beautiful and not overly shiny -- although you can unlock those extremely shiny paintjobs. The cars will reflect the objects, cars, and rest of the track you drive by in real time -- no reflection maps here. Near a big yellow turn warning sign? You'll see it reflected in your car. The tracks are also beautifully done; bump mapping and specular lighting really bring out the texture of the road. However, the graphics start to fall short in two areas: texturing and lighting. Buildings, trees, and signs lack depth and contrast. In fact, I would go as far to say that the track details are Dreamcast quality, which in itself isn’t a slam, but we know the Xbox can do much better.

Project Gotham's realism is enhanced even further with its near-flawless audio. Engine samples were taken from the real life counterparts of all the cars. From the deep and growling Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, to the steady hum of the VW Beetle RSI, its all in there.

The graphics start to fall short in two areas: texturing and lighting.

Musicwise, this is one of the few titles out now that will let you use your Xbox soundtracks in-game. The only drawback here is the audio mix is a bit off, music is very faint when at default levels, so if you want to hear "Can't Stop the Rock" over your V12, you're going to have to fiddle with the sound settings. As always, DD5.1 sound is perfectly implemented here as you can hear cars approach you from behind or as you gain on cars in front of you.

It's going to take you a very long time to finish this game and earn all of the tracks, cars, and bells and whistles. And it only gets harder as you work your way up to that perfect machine at the top of the car list: the Ferrari F50. Multiplayer will also keep you coming back for more. Project Gotham Racing was the only street racing title available at the XBox launch, and it holds its place well among the racing giants for other systems.