Back in 2001, Microsoft suggested that Sony might not always rule the hard-core racing roads when it released "Project Gotham Racing." Of course, before that, practically the same exact game was released for the Dreamcast under the moniker "Metropolis Street Racer." Both games ride the line between arcade racing and simulation, with a unique progression system and plenty of cars and tracks. As you'll see this week on "X-Play," the sequel, shockingly titled "Project Gotham Racing 2," gives you more of everything.
Kudos to you
The heart of "PGR2" is the kudos world series. There are 14 circuits to master. This mode begins with the lowly compact sports series, populated by Mini Coopers and Bugs, then speeds through the American muscle and grand touring series to the ultimate setting, where the holy grail (a Ferrari) can be yours. Each series has a number of races you must complete in sequence before moving on, but each race has five different skill levels. It's not terribly difficult to move up the ladder by skirting the low edge of the difficulty curve.
But who wants to simply skate to the end? Blazing a trail under the checkered flag is only the beginning. This is about racing with style, and to truly conquer "PGR2," you'll have to master more than basic track layouts. That's where the kudos come in.
What the hell is a kudo?
Kudos is the method by which "PGR2" tracks your performance. You'll earn a kudos bonus for winning any race, but points are also handed out for drifting, running clean lines, overtaking competitors, drafting behind other cars, and more. Following the extreme sports lead, you can chain kudo-worthy moves together into combos, which adds a point multiplier to the equation. It's possible to combo the length of a track if you've got the patience and skill. Besides the point bonus, a huge combo is far more satisfying than simply winning. Just watch the cones and barriers, as knocking into those drains your current point bank.
Your kudos total also translates into tokens, which unlock additional cars. Because tokens aren't terribly easy to come by, you have the option to test drive cars before laying out for them, which is a welcome addition. The showroom lets you wander with a first-person camera through the entire car collection, which is a tantalizing way to whet your appetite for what's down the road.
With the emphasis on hazardous moves, it's evident that "PGR2" isn't quite a simulation. As with the previous games, there's a healthy arcade sensibility here, but it's all anchored by a solid physics model that's unique to each car. Control is tight, with each vehicle behaving strictly according to its ratings. In other words, the handling stats aren't simply phantoms. The triggers prove perfectly capable for basic acceleration and braking, while the Y button handles a very useful rear-view function. Control is solid enough that the various tricks are eminently manageable rather than frustrating.
Defensive driving
One potential complaint with "PGR2" -- the only one, really -- is the competing AI. While other drivers' performance is well scaled based on skill level, you'll find that these aren't the most imaginative bunch on the road. Other drivers will run the same line with a consistency envied by driving instructors worldwide. The downside isn't merely that there's a pattern to conquer, but that the competition has little room to react to your actions, making for some aggravating collisions. It certainly cuts into the enjoyment of the single-player mode a good deal, but dropping the clutch online will help you to forget.
If you're equipped with Xbox Live, one thing that's obvious right off the starting line is the tight online integration. The game is constantly connected, with results of single-player races uploaded to the server immediately, creating a ghost for anyone to challenge. The upshot there is that you've instantly got perfect training tool for learning the techniques of great players. That's serious motivation, easily making up for the dodgy AI. Obviously, you can also join races with up to eight players online, with a wealth of customizable options. While you can also play via split-screen or system link, "PGR2" is one of the most compelling arguments for Xbox Live.
This is a beauty contest
"Project Gotham Racing 2" has the best graphics in any racing game currently available, bar none. With incredibly sweet car models across the whole range of autos and a draw distance that borders on the (occasionally foggy) infinite, this is an amazing use of the Xbox's graphics muscle. It's been well-publicized that the upcoming "Gran Turismo 4" won't feature damage due to restrictive contracts between Sony and auto manufacturers, but they must have signed a bum deal. "Project Gotham Racing 2" doesn't skimp on the crunching of quarter panels. Too bad collisions fail to affect the performance of your car.
Tracks are located all over the globe, with Sydney, Stockholm, and Moscow among the very welcome additions to last year's stock collection of San Francisco, New York, London, and Tokyo. The modeling in each is highly realistic, and there's enough variation among the routes to keep die-hard Ritalin chewers interested.
The lighting engine is beautiful, with some really nice reflections off the polished tarmac. Sound isn't neglected, either, with perfectly respectable engine sounds and effects. Each city also has a selection of radio stations featuring a surprising range of music that ditches the cookie-cutter corporate punk-rock paradigm, and DJs whose accents (or language) reflects the city.
Pedal to the metal
Even though this isn't a strict simulation, Sony's "Gran Turismo" series finally has something to worry about. "Project Gotham Racing 2" blows the pants off most other racing games. If you're already playing your Xbox online, it's a no-brainer. If not, you've finally found a valid excuse to get connected. "Project Gotham Racing 2" is world class.
"Project Gotham Racing 2" (Xbox)
