Summary

Release Year: 2003
Genres: Racing
Platforms: Xbox
Developers: Bizarre Creations
Publishers: Microsoft Game Studios

Project Gotham Racing 2 (2003) Review

Project Gotham Racing 2 (PGR2) is a racing game developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft for the Xbox. It is the sequel to the highly successful Project Gotham Racing, and was released in October 2003. PGR2 is known for its realistic graphics, challenging gameplay, and innovative features.

Gameplay

PGR2 is a racing game that features a variety of different race types, including circuit races, time trials, and drift events. Players can choose from a wide range of licensed cars, each with its own unique handling characteristics. The game also features a dynamic weather system that can affect the handling of the cars.

One of the most innovative features of PGR2 is the Kudos system. Kudos are points that are awarded for performing skilled driving maneuvers, such as drifting, drafting, and overtaking opponents. Kudos can be used to unlock new cars and tracks, and to purchase upgrades for the player’s cars.

Graphics

PGR2 was one of the most visually impressive games of its time. The game’s graphics engine was capable of producing realistic car models, detailed environments, and stunning weather effects. The game also ran at a smooth 60 frames per second, which made for a very immersive racing experience.

Soundtrack

PGR2 features a soundtrack that is composed of electronic music and licensed rock songs. The soundtrack is well-suited to the game’s fast-paced and exciting gameplay.

Reception

PGR2 was a critical and commercial success. The game received high praise for its graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack. It was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. PGR2 is considered to be one of the best racing games ever made, and it is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Legacy

PGR2 had a significant impact on the racing game genre. The game’s Kudos system was a major innovation that has been copied by many other racing games. PGR2 also helped to popularize the use of realistic graphics and physics in racing games.

The PGR series continued with two more sequels, Project Gotham Racing 3 and Project Gotham Racing 4. However, the series has been dormant since 2007. Despite this, PGR2 remains a popular and influential racing game.

Conclusion

Project Gotham Racing 2 is a classic racing game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s realistic graphics, challenging gameplay, and innovative features make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Score

9/10

Additional Information

Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Microsoft
Release Date: October 2003
Platforms: Xbox
Genre: Racing
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer

Screenshots

[Image of a race in Project Gotham Racing 2, showing the high-speed action and realistic graphics.]

[Image of a car drifting in Project Gotham Racing 2, showing the Kudos system in action.]

[Image of the Kudos menu in Project Gotham Racing 2, showing the different rewards that can be unlocked.]

Additional Details

Cars

PGR2 features a wide range of licensed cars, including:

Audi TT Quattro
BMW M3 GTR
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Ferrari 360 Modena
Ford GT
Lamborghini Murciélago
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Nissan Skyline GT-R
Porsche 911 GT3
Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Tracks

PGR2 features a variety of tracks, including:

Amalfi Coast, Italy
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Edinburgh, Scotland
London, England
New York City, New York, USA
Prague, Czech Republic
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tokyo, Japan

Game Modes

PGR2 features a variety of game modes, including:

Career Mode: The main single-player mode in which players race to earn Kudos and unlock new cars and tracks.
Arcade Mode: A quick-play mode in which players can race against the AI or other players.
Time Trial Mode: A mode in which players race against the clock to set the best possible time.
Drift Event: A mode in which players compete to earn the most Kudos by drifting.
Multiplayer Mode: A mode in which players can race against each other online or via LAN.

Features

PGR2 features a number of innovative features, including:

Kudos System: A system that rewards players for performing skilled driving maneuvers.
Dynamic Weather System: A system that can change the weather conditions during a race.
Rewind Feature: A feature that allows players to rewind time and correct their mistakes.

Critical Reception

PGR2 received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack. It was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. PGR2 is considered to be one of the best racing games ever made.