|
If you are a racing fan, the 360 is the place to be right now. In the last few months, the system saw the release of DiRT, arguably one of the best rally racers available, and Forza Motorsport 2, which not only provides a great simulation experience for gearheads, but a new canvas for more artistic players. Project Gotham Racing is a series that has been with the Xbox since the very beginning and offers a new style of racing; it isn’t quite simulation, but at the same time, it isn’t an arcade racer either.
The biggest news in Project Gotham Racing 4 is that the garage has been expanded to now include motorcycles. While past games have focused primarily on cars, the arrival of their two-wheeled cousins gives the game a whole new look and a new set of challenges for players to conquer. Motorcycles will make up roughly a quarter of the vehicles available in the game and include manufacturers Honda and Ducati. They will join the other 100+ cars available that include such exotic rides as the Jaguar S-Type and Enzo Ferrari.
Of the ten locales available, five are returning favorites: London, Vegas, New York and Nurburgring. Five new tracks, Quebec, Shanghai, Macau and the Michelin test track will also be included as well as St. Petersburg, which makes a return from PGR2.
Another addition to PGR4 is a custom livery editor that will let you add your own personal touches to your vehicles and riders. Though the editor won’t be as extensive as Forza 2’s, there will still be enough decals available that you should be able to come up with something that is uniquely yours and stands out. You will even be able to share your designs with buddies and give your racing team its own look. During single-player games, fans in the stands will start wearing your team colors once you start winning and increase your team’s reputation.
Weather effects are for more than just show and will have a big impact on how you race. While racing through St. Petersburg, you may have to contend with icy roads while you’ll have to race through rainy streets in London. These conditions will have a big influence on how you approach turns and how your car handles. In some levels, you’ll also have to contend with fog – I probably don’t have to elaborate much on how this will affect racing conditions. Weather is dynamic; fog will build and dissipate, while rain will come and go – sometimes leaving slippery ice puddles if it is cold enough.
PRG4’s driving system will remain largely the same as in past versions, though some aspects will receive minor tweaks. The more noticeable of these changes involves the Kudos system. While you will still gain points for individual accomplishments, you can also earn Team Kudos for protecting teammates (especially your bike-riding ones) or helping them out in other ways. Team-based points should open up a completely level of strategy and depth to both the offline and online racing modes.
Photo mode will once again be available so you can share pictures and video of your races with other players.
Project Gotham Racing 4 is still a few months away from release, but already it looks like it will meet and exceed the high expectations set by past games. The core mechanics remain the same, but the inclusion of motorcycles, a team-based aspect and weather should present long-time fans with a whole new set of challenges to master. A built in “brag system” only sweetens the deal. |
