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The Plot: When it was released, "Project Gotham Racing" became a big hit, offering players a racing game that delivered the required dose of speed, yet forced racers to use skill. The game used "Kudos" points to award players for pulling off stunts, catching air or racing a stretch cleanly. Some tracks forced players to build up a certain amount of points to successfully complete it, but players could also lose the latest points if they hit the wall directly after pulling off a trick. Kudos are also built up to unlock additional features, such as new cars. The second "Project Gotham" features more cities (10 - Florence, Chicago, Moscow and more) to race through, online play via XBOX Live, better graphics, more cars and more depth. The single player effort features Kudos World Series, Arcade Racing, and Time Attack modes, with 5 different difficulty levels available for each city. Although the easiest races pit players against opponents of satisfying difficulty, once players start reaching higher levels, one missed curve can be the end of a race. Car choices - there are more than 100 in all (Ferrari Enzo, Porsche GT2, BMW Z4, Pontiac GTO, Mini Cooper S, and many more) - are important, as each car clearly handles differently. Although all of the cars don't handle completely realistically, the physics still are closer to lifelike than most games. Cars can also sustain visible damage. The only issue that I found in the game is that the AI, while difficult, is occasionally a little too perfect and a little too predictable, not always adjusting to you. Although the game's single-player and multi-player (split-screen) experience is excellent, there's a lot more for those who have XBOX Live. Players can race against up to 8 others online, race against "ghost" cars that accurately present how someone else raced and see stats to find out how you fared against others. Although the game's circuit-based racing may not appeal to all - such as those who enjoyed the somewhat more freeform racing of "Midnight Club II" - but this is still a fabulous racer that really pushes the adrenaline. Rating: 9.5/10 The DVD Graphics: While the first "Project Gotham" looked great, the second game is a nice improvement. Those familiar with some of the cities will be impressed at how accurately they have been rendered (cities are photo-realistic and were researched), although it's still odd to race through cities that are completely devoid of any background activity. No people are on the streets, there's no activity in the windows (I just mean lights going on and off), no nothing. Still, the cities are beautifully rendered and much attention has been paid to the cars. All of the cars look shiny and sleek, with impressive reflections and little animated drivers inside. Framerate is solid throughout, and lighting is exceptional. Overall, although more animation would be nice, this is a stellar visual experience. Rating: 9.6/10 Sound: "Project Gotham Racing 2" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 on the XBOX. Although this game doesn't put 5.1 to a great deal of use, the game's sound design is still very enjoyable. Engine sounds seem well-recorded and accurate, while bumping and the few other sound effects present are also both clean and dynamic-sounding. The music (there's both a good soundtrack and the option to select your own) is bassy and clean-sounding. Rating: 9/10 Rating Issues: "Project Gotham" is rated "E" (Everyone). Final Thoughts: Although it's clearly suited to those with XBOX Live, "Project Gotham Racing 2" offers enough for those without it to enjoy, as well. The sequel's graphics are also an improvement, while the sequel offers a deeper and more immersive experience. Recommended. |