Warning: the vehicle driving in this game may appear realistic …

 

The
bicycle leans casually against the wall, likely vibrating as the pulsing engines
rev past it, engines winding up and down through the twists and turns. The
cobblestones on the course through Florence send a shudder through the car, as
it decelerates for the hard turn coming up.

 

The
yellow Seat Leon Cupra R handles well, cutting inside the competition and eating
up the course. Interplay of sun and shadows cut the track, but all that truly
matters are the cars ahead and the clock.

 

Microsoft Game Studios and Bizarre Creations have teamed up for Project Gotham
Racing 2 for the Xbox. To put it bluntly, if you are looking for a racing game
for the Xbox, one that is stunning graphically with superb racing mechanics,
look no further than this title.

 

This
game is all about driving and racing. There is no storyline, and while you can
rub and bump your cars and incur some damage, at the earlier levels it is hard
to rack up major destruction on the vehicles. This is really all about finely
tuned machines challenging a host of tracks.

 

The
player interface has been polished up; almost to as high a sheen as the paint
jobs on the cars themselves. This game has a slick player interface.

 

The
goal of the game is simple and well defined. You are out to be the best driver
in the world. Kudos are the measure of your success. There are two separate
ranking tables – single player and Xbox Live ranking. Kudos are measurements of
the speed and style with which you race – and the daring. If you perform a
particularly tough maneuver, you will earn more kudos. Hit a wall or other
object before your kudos stash can be banked and you erase it.

 

For
example, you race in Florence as a novice, and set the fastest lap time but get
nipped at the wire. You are awarded 500 kudos for style (basically running a
straight race, not too much in terms of daring maneuvers) and 500 kudos for
completion of the event for a total of 1,000 kudos.

 

So you
earn kudos, which translate into a Kudos ranking, which can be used to earn
Kudos tokens, which unlock new cars.

 

There
are 14 car classes, which work out to approximately 100 cars available, from
luxury sports cars to the new Volkswagen classes. The courses span the globe and
are magnificently rendered.

 

The
sound is also very well done and really does a great job in supporting the video
presentation.

 

And
when it comes to the video – you had better be sitting down for it, because it
will blow your doors off. From shadows glancing off the car, to the play of
light on the uneven surface of the car, Project Gotham Racing 2 is graphically
awesome.

 

There
are five difficulty levels, from novice, to easy, medium, hard and expert. As
you progress, you are moved through the difficulty levels. Once you unlock them,
you can go back and try to better your time or placing.

 

Racing
modes include the Kudos World Series, which is a race through several courses in
a street format; arcade mode and Xbox Live Races.

 

The
latter multiplayer aspect has been well done. You can host or join a game,
customize the racing environment and choose the circuit and host. The kudos
awarded in this format is different from the single player game kudos.

 

Project
Gotham Racing 2 is the type of game that will appeal to racing and non-racing
fans alike. This game is graphically superior to almost anything on the market,
and sports racing dynamics that are solid. The controls are not confusing and
the game, which simple to jump into the driver’s seat and go, is such that you
will find challenge and game depth each step of the way.

 

If you
want a street-driving game for the Xbox, this is it.

 

 

Gameplay:
9.5

This is
simplistic. Get in the car, put your foot on the accelerator and out drive the
competition. The courses are wonderful and the seamless.

 

Graphics:
9.8

One
word – wow!

 

Sound: 9

The
musical score is great, and the racing effects are very well done.

 

Difficulty: Medium

You
will have no problems at the lower levels or play, but be prepared for a real
challenge as you get up the ladder. The AI in single-player mode is strong, and
multiplayer is a really enjoyable experience.

 

Concept:
9.5

A new
interface and difficulty settings help make this a well-designed program.

 

Multiplayer: 9.2

Great
online support for this game and the kudos ranking system allows you to find
challenge within your skill level.

 

Overall:
9.8

Amazing, awesome, superb – the superlatives could never end. Project Gotham
Racing 2 is THE street-driving game for the Xbox.