Prjoect Gotham Racing had a lot of pressure when development began. First it was an Xbox Launch title which meant it had to show off as many features as possible and second everyone seemed to be comparing it to Sony's GT3. Well to truthfully put it, PGR manages to show off the features and graphical power of the Xbox and also beats out GT3.

The game features four beautifully crafted cities, with such precision that if you lived in one of these cities you would know exactly where you were. The game has gone so far to put billboards on correct buildings and places. Want to take a ride in San Francisco, Tokyo, New York, or London? Well now you can with PGR.

PGR features an innovative feature called Kudos, though it was used in Metropolitan Street Racer for the Dreamcast, it is now more fine-tuned. Kudos are a type of points. You are rewarded Kudos when you pull of various moves such as a 360, power slide, two wheels, air, and many other exciting 'tricks.ö As you earn Kudos they are added to your total number, which allows the gamer to unlock cars, tracks, and many more exciting hidden options. The game also rewards you with how many miles you have driven, and time spent playing the game. All these eventually allow the gamer to unlock secrets within the game.

The sound in PGR is unbelievable. Bizarre Creations have gone a long ways in making all the sounds authentic, from the rev of the corvette, to the radio stations. Yep, that's right PGR features real DJ's and their radio stations. From Rock to Rap PGR has all the music you will ever need; and if the music doesn't match your taste then burn some of your own music in to the Xbox's hard drive and race to your own tunes.

Project Gotham Racing features many different options, all ranging from Quick Race to Kudos Challenge. In Quick Race gamers race for first place with their accumulated Kudos being added to their score. Earning Golds on these races will be very rewarding. In Arcade Mode gamers race through a series of cones trying to receive the most Kudos. Again, receiving all golds in these races will be very rewarding. In Kudos Challenge gamers race in circuits ranging from style challenges to 1 on 1 racing with the opponents car on the line. Not to mention the intense 4-player split-screen action. There's nothing better than you and 3 other friends racing in one of these four-mastered cities.

With all these great features there has to be a downside, right? Well there kind of is. Project Gotham has received many complaints about not having enough cars. 29 cars just doesn't cut it with some gamers. My reaction is this; GT3 has many of the same brands of cars over and over again. I mean how many vans and mini coopers do you really need to have fun. At least PGR doesn't have some lame vans racing in a circuit. Who races vans anyway?? Well that's just my personal opinion. Tell me your opinion by e-mailing me

Project Gotham Racing makes the cut and lives up to its hype. It's a great game for any racing fan and the AI can be sometimes very challenging. With stunning eye candy, and sounds that make you feel as if your in the car itself, this game is a must have.

FINAL WORD

Graphics
?Great Graphics that show excellent detail. 16,000 Polys per car is absolutely amazing. Everything is so life-like from the scenery to the dents and scratches that appear on the cars.

Sound
?Sound is realistic to the cars and even when driving through tunnels.

Good
?Eyecandy Graphics
?Best Sound I have ever heard in a game
?AI is challenging making the gameplay just that much better

Bad
?Few cars
?Multiplayer could use a little more time spent on it.

8.5/10