Great Sites
Pages
Platforms
Driving Games
- From sophisticated F1 cars to exotic Japanese imports, American muscle to off road 4x4’s, the world of video driving games has never been better.
Ask 100 people which games console is king of the road when it comes to the best for driving based games and the split will be pretty close between the Xbox 360 and the PS3.
We take a look at what these colossus giants have to offer when it comes to 4 wheels and although not as sophisticated as the big two we also take a look at what the Nintendo Wii has to throw into the ring.
Pit Stops
Project Gotham Racing 4 (X360) – PGR4
Racing game fans expect a lot out of Project Gotham Racing 4. It’s predecessor was one of the first, and still is one of the best racers available for the Xbox 360. That means Microsoft has a lot to live up to with this latest release, and they manage nicely. All the familiar elements Project Gotham Racing 3 fans will expect are still there, but the latest iteration features improved vehicle models and scenery, weather effects that look great and affect vehicle handling, motorcycles to buy and race, and a greatly improved single player experience with the new career mode.
In Project Gotham Racing 4′s single player game you will find all the types of racing events players have seen in previous versions, but wrapped into a package that takes you on a journey to become the #1 ranked racer in the world. On the way you will earn kudos, purchase new vehicles, and customize existing ones. Customization options are limited but you can choose from a number different paint jobs to personalize your ride.
PGR fans won’t be let down by the tracks either. The series’ signature tracks are back, as well as some new ones. Every one of them offers a fantastic variety in both the layout of the course and the environmental graphics that really make you feel you’re driving through the locale each track is based on. This is a core strength of the series and this latest release in particular, the courses always keep things interesting from a driving perspective and the environments are so well done you feel like you’re really there.
The new weather effects look great. From the snow-turned-slush on the road to the water beading up on your windshield, you’ll like what you see but visuals are just the half of it. Vehicles in PGR4 handle different in bad weather and you’ll need to adjust your driving accordingly, or find yourself hydroplaning into a concrete barrier. There are a number of different camera angles you can race with as well, so if you prefer to drop your overhead view for a more realistic seat behind the wheel you can enjoy the added distraction of windshield wipers. I say that without mirth because if ever there was a racing game that made you want to just sit behind the wheel and take in the scenery on a relaxing drive, this is it.
Motorcycles are less impressive in this game. They have most standard characteristics you might expect: better acceleration, lower top speed, more maneuverable, but what they are not is tricky to handle. It almost seems as if the developers designed the bikes perfectly and then someone came along and said, “No, this is too hard. Make it easier,” and they went ahead and made that change without reducing any of the benefits you get from choosing a bike over a car. Ultimately this means you’re almost always better off choosing a bike.
Online play is as good or better than it was in PGR3. There are single or team races, and five different modes of competition. You’ll be hooked long before you finish the single-player career mode but the multiplayer game will ensure Project Gotham Racing 4 never gets old.
No Comments »
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL