Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Racing
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 02 Oct 07

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Overview

There is no doubt that racing is a big part of video games, just look around on any game store and you will see just a plethora of racing games. There has been and continues to be a strong market for these racing games, ranging from simulation racers to arcade racers. To show you their impact, Microsoft publishes two big racing titles for the Xbox 360, one being the Forza series and the second being the Project Gotham Racing (PGR) series, both of which have had a good deal of success. Today we are checking out the latest in the PGR franchise and the last of Bizarre Creations tenure with Microsoft. Can Bizarre go out with a bang with Project Gotham Racing 4? Read our full review to find out.

Gameplay

There is no doubt that the PGR franchise has created quite the following since its original release on the Xbox. Since then we have seen such a fantastic ride for the franchise that the recent news of the split up between Bizarre and Microsoft came as somewhat of a surprise, and really leaves the future of the series up in the air. With that being said, we still have the newest addition to the series here today, so let's get into it.

So one of the big new additions to PGR4 for better and for worse are the addition of motorcycles. There is this new trend in video games today that says that you can't just do one thing, you need to keep things fresh and do a lot of things, and it seems like Bizarre felt the same way. The addition of motorcycles is nice, they handle pretty good, and they do give some variation to the game. However for me, I don't play PGR for motorcycles, I play it for the cars, and so I think although I can see how that might sound like a good idea, the actual need of the motorcycles definitely didn't pan out in the game's ultimate favor.

I should say the other big addition to this year's game are the dynamic weather effects. I don't know the last time I was this excited to talk about a game's weather effects, but PGR4 does weather like no other. There is a very real and often a bit creepy feeling when you can just see the changes in the weather in the game. The weather has a distinct effect not only visually but also under the hood, making driving conditions under different weather conditions to be an added challenge.

The career mode in this year's PGR title has also got a facelift, this one for the better. This is by far the deepest career mode in the franchise, and there isn't even really a close second. There is just a ton of content in this area of the game, that if you let yourself really get into the game, then you're going to be in for one long, long ride. This is one of those modes that not only hones your skills, it really tests your endurance for one grueling yet enjoyable career mode.

In terms of mechanics, PGR4 feels like many of the previous games, nothing much has changed there. Thus if you have played a PGR title in the past, you will know what to expect from this game, which is a bit of a hybrid between a simulation and arcade racer. Kudos are still a big part of the game, and as always they add an extra layer of incentive to the game that has worked in the past and continues to do so here. The AI is one of those areas that I have always felt needs a bit of work. The game is challenging, but at the same time there are too many "tendencies" that occur as in if you get in the first position and as long as you don't do anything off the wall bad, you never see the AI catch up. There are a few little AI things that I think could have used some work.

Speaking of AI, if you go online you don't have to worry about the computer AI, and if you have Live (which most of you should) then there is no reason why you shouldn't take PGR4 online. There is plenty of content online and this game seems a lot smoother than last year in terms of lag, and just all around competition online seems to be really strong. If you get into your racing and think you're good, wait till you go online, it's impressive.

Graphics

Visually speaking PGR has always been a gorgeous game, that was the case on the Xbox and that continues to be the case on the 360. Both the bike and car models are just drop dead gorgeous, with plenty of detail and a swagger about them that just brims with sophistication. The game also has those new weather effects, and it's great that they work under the hood, but they also give a very strong visual presence on the race track. The weather adds that extra level to the experience and it just all comes together and works quite nicely.

Fun Factor

As much as Bizarre has done to improve PGR4 from PGR3, I just can't help but say the additions to this year's game just weren't as strong as in year's past. I for one was not in favor for the bike addition, not because they interfere with the races, or are poorly implemented, but because I think it takes away from the PGR experience instead of adding to it. However there is still a lot to enjoy in this game. For one, the online play is fantastic, and the career mode is one of those modes that can be as deep as you make it.

Overall

There is no doubt that even with this game's shortcomings, PGR4 is still a fantastic racing game that just came up a bit short from the high bar that has been set for this franchise. If you like the franchise, you're still going to find a lot to enjoy in this game, I just don't know if the reaction is going to be as overwhelmingly positive as it may have been for PGR3. Still if you own a 360 and enjoy the occasional racer, PGR4 is a fantastic one to pick up.

Gameplay
8.0

Graphics
9.0

Fun Factor
8.0

Overall
8.0

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