Project Gotham Racing 2

Luke scrutinizes Bizarre Creation's crucial sequel.

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If there's one particular genre that everyone is partial to a large slice of, I think it's fair to say that the racing genre is probably it. Certainly, a top-notch racer - usually of the arcade persuasion - is a must for any console worth its salt, and the Xbox was and is no exception. Project Gotham Racing was the original smash-hit launch title from Bizarre Creations, and ever since that impressive debut, many an Xbox gamer has been waiting with baited breath for the sequel - which is now here. Merry Christmas.

How does the game differ from the already excellent original? Well, the graphics have been polished, the roster of cars and courses expanded, the handling and physics made more realistic, the scope of the audio widened, the AI bettered, and Xbox Live gaming added. Need I say any more? I'm guessing for many of you not. If you enjoyed the original, then you're certainly going to enjoy Gotham the second as this is most certainly following in its forefather's footsteps - albeit in much larger and shinier shoes. Was that a rubbish metaphor? I think so...

Seriously though, the systematic dedication with which the developers have improved and expanded has to be commended - even if the hard working code-minions won't be getting any awards for inspiration or originality. Even the Kudos points system returns; albeit in a more honed and well-balanced form. Think of this sequel then as more of a companion to the original than a replacement and you'll probably be better equipped to get the most out of it. You see, whilst the gameplay has been toughened-up for the sequel, the main interest will once again come from the selection of cars and tracks to be unlocked as your standing in the racing world grows. More over, most of the cars and tracks featured are completely new and weren't available in the original. Which is rather ace.

Of course, Microsoft being keen to be seen as not doing things by halves with regard to titles as crucial to the Xbox platform as this; the graphics have been pushed that little further still; with PGR2 easily standing-out as one of the most attractive and detailed racers ever, as well as demonstrating the benefits of playing on the world's most powerful console. Just what Microsoft will have wanted. The handling has been made a tad more realistic, and with this comes increased difficulty - though generally handling differences can be attributed also to the much broader range of vehicles now incorporated into the game.

Apparently, Bizarre Creations spent so much time on the visual detail and richness of the tracks (set in a variety of exotic [Sydney] and not so exotic [Edinburgh] locales) that you can even pick out individual strips of guttering on buildings, and birds in the sky. Should you so wish to, of course. This attention to detail continues in the damage capabilities of PGR2's cars, too.

Of course, with all the usual enhancements and additions we've come to expect there is also one real gem of an improvement that is worthy of particular note - and that's the Xbox Live mode - which does exactly what it says on the tin. You will of course need to have Xbox Live running on your broadband connection (if you didn't already know), but if you're already thusly equipped then entering the online arena for a spot of PGR2 race action is an absolute doddle. My Gran could do it, if she didn't believe all videogames and computers were the result of the devil himself; designed purely for the corruption of our nation's youth. But I digress.

Project Gotham 2 over Xbox Live is great. It rocks. What could be more fun than being able to challenge all and sundry from across the globe as test to your racing genius; the generally more engrossingly authentic and gripping experience of competing against real-world drivers. There's even an online leaderboard so you can keep track of your standing; and also the ability to download 'ghost' cars, so you can compete with and learn from the best drivers off-line. It is of course possible to play on split-screen but hurling abuse over the Communicator headset from behind the safety of a phone line has much to be said for it - as does playing on a full screen, and knowing that a new challenger is never more than a few button-taps away.

Naturally, for those not inclined to acquire Xbox Live, or simply unable to, the split-screen mode is a reasonably worthy alternative for a spot of sociable multiplayer fun, and this too will prove a hit with those who enjoy the genre.

All in all then, PGR2 is a more than worthy successor to the original and in many ways may even give Sony's mighty Gran Turismo a run for its money. An improvement in every way, and a certain hit with fans of racing games.

Much kudos.

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By Luke Guttridge