Project Gotham Racing 2

Last updated

Project Gotham Racing 2
Project Gotham Racing 2 Coverart.png
Cover art featuring a Ferrari Enzo
Developer(s) Bizarre Creations
Publisher(s) Microsoft Game Studios
Director(s)
  • Craig Cook
  • Philipp Teschner
Producer(s)
  • Peter Wallace
  • Brian Woodhouse
  • Allan Speed
Designer(s) Martyn R. Chudley
Programmer(s) Roger Perkins
Artist(s)
  • Gren Atherton
  • Kiki Wolfkill
  • Alex Hillman
Series Project Gotham Racing
Platform(s) Xbox
Release
  • NA: 18 November 2003
  • EU: 28 November 2003
Genre(s) Racing
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Project Gotham Racing 2 is a 2003 arcade-style racing video game developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It was released exclusively for the Xbox in November 2003 as the successor to 2001's Project Gotham Racing .

Contents

Development began shortly after the completion of the first game and was first made official in August 2002. [1] Bill Gates himself had emailed suggestions to the developer team of what he wished to see in it. [2] The Kudos system, challenges set, available cars, and the tracks around which players race were expanded greatly from the original. [3] The Kudos system was made to be slightly more forgiving than before and expanded to include new moves like drafting a rival or performing a 360. [4] Alongside the 10 new real-world cities (and the Nürburgring) track, two additional packs were released as DLC. Online multiplayer via Xbox Live was also supported.

Project Gotham Racing 2 was critically acclaimed and is often considered one of the Xbox's greatest exclusive titles. It was followed up by Project Gotham Racing 3 in 2005.

Gameplay

Gameplay PGR2 gameplay.jpg
Gameplay

As with its predecessor, the route to advancement in Project Gotham Racing 2 differs from most racing games, requiring a combination of driving fast enough to meet the challenge set, and scoring enough Kudos points to advance. Binning the previous cities, the game features Hong Kong, Barcelona, Moscow, Edinburgh, Washington DC, Chicago, Florence, Sydney, Yokohama, Stockholm and Nurburgring, designed to be as close as possible to real-life. [5] There are over 120 cars available. Despite a significant upgrade in visuals, the game runs at half (30) the framerate of the original game. [5]

Single-player

There are four main parts to the single player game: Kudos World Series, Arcade Racing, Quick Battles and Time Attack.

In Kudos World Series the player has to complete a series of races in 14 different categories of car. The player begins with just three cars in the Compact Sports Series and eventually can have access to 102 cars (118 cars after purchase of the downloadable content). Most cars can be bought in exchange for kudos tokens, although some can only be obtained by completing enough races at a high level. Each car is made from around 10,000 polygons [6] and was recorded with eight microphones in order to accurately replicate engine, turbo, exhaust, and transmission sound in-game. [7]

In Arcade Racing there are 60 medals available, with 20 medals each for street racing, timed runs and cone challenges. Each race is with a preset car and track. Time Attack does not use kudos; the aim is for the player to try to get round the circuits as fast as possible. The player can either choose circuit or car challenges. In circuit challenge the player can choose from a selection of up to 92 circuits and then choose any car to race in. In car challenge the player can choose from a selection of up to 102 cars and race on a predetermined circuit. In both styles circuits and cars may only be chosen if they have previously been unlocked in kudos world series or arcade racing. If the player enters the showroom, it can view and test drive all cars on a test track. The players can also race against a ghost car that got the record time.

Challenges are divided into five difficulties: Steel (novice), Bronze (easy), Silver (medium), Gold (hard), and Platinum (expert).

Online

Unlike many other Xbox Live enabled games, Project Gotham Racing 2's online ranking system was solely based on the kudos earned online. One can not go down in rank, only up. In this way, one's rank does not necessarily reflect their skill.

Geometry Wars

Within the player's car garage, an arcade cabinet can be interacted with to play the classic minigame Geometry Wars , a top-down multidirectional shooter. [8] This marked the first appearance to the public of what would become an entire series of similar games.

Downloadable content

Microsoft released two downloadable content packages for Project Gotham Racing 2: the Paris Booster Pack (released in May 2004), featuring eight new cars and seven tracks in Paris, France, [9] and the Long Beach Booster Pack (released in June 2004) with eight new cars and eight tracks based around Long Beach, California, United States. [10]

Reception

Project Gotham Racing 2 received "universal acclaim" according to video game review aggregator Metacritic [11] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of all four eights for a total of 32 out of 40, [16] while Famitsu Xbox gave it one ten, one nine, one eight, and one seven, for a total of 34 out of 40. [15]

During the AIAS' 7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, Project Gotham Racing 2 received a nomination for "Console Racing Game of the Year". [25]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Project Gotham Racing</i> (video game) 2001 racing video game for Xbox

Project Gotham Racing is a 2001 arcade-style racing video game developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft Game Studios, released exclusively for the Xbox console as a launch title. It is the spiritual successor to Bizarre's Metropolis Street Racer and retains the Kudos system, whereby points are awarded for driving skills and style, and are necessary to progress instead of just finishing races first. Races take place across four real-world cities made up of a total of 204 unique circuits. The game was both a critical and commercial success and launched an exclusive series, succeeded by Project Gotham Racing 2 in 2003.

<i>Need for Speed: Underground</i> 2003 racing video game

Need for Speed: Underground is a 2003 racing video game and the seventh installment in the Need for Speed series following Hot Pursuit 2 (2002). It was developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. Three different versions of the game were produced: one for consoles and Microsoft Windows, and another for the Game Boy Advance. An arcade version developed by Global VR and co-published by Konami came out two years later.

<i>Metropolis Street Racer</i> 2000 video game

Metropolis Street Racer (MSR) is a racing video game developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Sega exclusively for Dreamcast. The game was intended to be a Dreamcast launch title; due to numerous delays, it was not released in Europe until November 2000, with a North American version following in January 2001. A Japanese version was expected by 22 February 2001, but ultimately canceled after Sega discontinued support for Dreamcast. The game marks the origin of the Project Gotham Racing series.

<i>Project Gotham Racing 3</i> 2005 video game

Project Gotham Racing 3 is a 2005 arcade-style racing video game developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft Game Studios as the third entry of the Project Gotham Racing series. It was released exclusively for the Xbox 360 as a launch title in November 2005. The game was rated by Official Xbox Magazine as Xbox 360 "Game of the Year" (2005), as well as "Best 1st Person of the Year", because of its realistic inside-car view. A sequel, Project Gotham Racing 4, was released in October 2007.

<i>Juiced</i> (video game) 2005 video game

Juiced is a racing video game by British studio Juice Games for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and mobile phones. The game was delayed for release in 2004 because the original publisher, Acclaim Entertainment, went defunct. Juice Games and Fund 4 Games retained ownership of the property and sold the game to THQ, who funded the project for a further six months of improvements. In early 2006, British software publisher Focus Multimedia re-released the PC version of Juiced at a new budget price as part of its "Essential" games series. The game offers different modes including career and arcade that present the player with challenges of increasing difficulty. The player can customise the car to suit their style and unlock new ones in arcade mode. The game features nitrous boosts, similar to that of other racing games. Juiced went to number one in the United Kingdom MCV sales charts and its first version sold 2.5 million units.

<i>Auto Modellista</i> 2002 video game

Auto Modellista is a racing game developed and published by Capcom, first released on PlayStation 2, later ported to GameCube and Xbox.

<i>Ridge Racer 6</i> 2005 racing video game

Ridge Racer 6 is a 2005 racing game by Namco released. It was the sixth console game in the Ridge Racer series following Ridge Racer V (2000), but unlike the previous mainline entries, which were released for PlayStation consoles, this entry was released exclusively as a launch title for the Xbox 360.

<i>Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved</i> 2003 video game

Geometry Wars is a 2003 video game by Bizarre Creations. Initially a minigame in Project Gotham Racing 2, an updated version, titled Retro Evolved, was eventually released for the Xbox 360. That version, at one point, held the record for the most downloaded Xbox Live Arcade Game.

<i>TOCA Race Driver 3</i> 2006 video game

TOCA Race Driver 3 is a racing video game developed and published by Codemasters for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, PlayStation Portable and OS X. It is the sixth game in the TOCA series. The game features several fully licensed championships, including the DTM series and V8 Supercar championship. This is the last in the series to have TOCA in its title as following on from this TOCA was dropped in favour of just Race Driver, which later became the Grid series. Despite featuring the name TOCA in its title, the game did not feature the British Touring Car Championship. The game received positive reviews, frequently being compared favourably to Gran Turismo 4 and Forza Motorsport, in the aspects of cars on track, collision and wear damage.

<i>Forza Motorsport 2</i> 2007 video game

Forza Motorsport 2 is a 2007 simulation racing video game developed by Turn 10 Studios for the Xbox 360 console. It is the second title in the Forza series, and is the sequel to the original Forza Motorsport (2005) and was followed by Forza Motorsport 3 (2009).

<i>Lumines Live!</i> 2006 video game

Lumines Live! is a 2006 puzzle video game developed by Q Entertainment for the Xbox 360. It was released worldwide in October 2006 and in Japan in March 2007. The objective of the game is to move and rotate 2×2 blocks to form colored squares of the same color. Points are awarded to the player when the Time Line erases the colored squares. Lumines Live! introduces online multiplayer, Xbox Live achievements, and a leaderboard.

<i>RalliSport Challenge 2</i> 2004 video game

RalliSport Challenge 2 is a rally racing video game developed by Digital Illusions CE and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox in 2004. Released as a sequel to the 2002 video game RalliSport Challenge, the game introduced several new features, including a career mode, additional cars, and track types with new environments, including night driving and ice racing. Digital Illusions CE developed RalliSport Challenge 2 as a completely new approach from its predecessor, with the developers aiming to create a more realistic and diverse simulation of rally racing by introducing added environmental effects and an improved car damage and handling model.

<i>Project Gotham Racing 4</i> 2007 video game

Project Gotham Racing 4 is a 2007 racing video game developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft Game Studios. The fourth main title of the Project Gotham Racing series, it was released exclusively for the Xbox 360 in October 2007. New features included weather effects, Bulldog mode, and the inclusion of motorcycles. Like its predecessors, PGR4 was a critical and commercial success, however it would be the final title in the series, with Bizarre having since been acquired by Activision, and announcing that Project Gotham Racing 4 would be their last game produced for distribution by Microsoft Game Studios.

<i>Uno</i> (video game) Video game adaptation of the card game

Uno is a video game based on the card game of the same name. It has been released for a number of platforms. The Xbox 360 version by Carbonated Games and Microsoft Game Studios was released on May 9, 2006, as a digital download via Xbox Live Arcade. A version for iPhone OS and iPod devices was released in 2008 by Gameloft. Gameloft released the PlayStation 3 version on October 1, 2009, and also released a version for WiiWare, Nintendo DSi via DSiWare, and PlayStation Portable. An updated version developed by Ubisoft Chengdu and published by Ubisoft was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in August 2016, Microsoft Windows in December 2016 and for the Nintendo Switch in November 2017.

<i>GripShift</i> 2005 video game

GripShift is a racing video game developed by Sidhe for the PlayStation Portable. It was released in 2005 by Platform Publishing in North America and Ubisoft in PAL territories. The game was later released to download on PlayStation 3 in 2007 via the PlayStation Store, and for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade. GripShift is a cross between a puzzle-platform game like Super Monkey Ball and a driving game like Stunt Car Racer.

<i>Boom Boom Rocket</i> 2007 video game

Boom Boom Rocket (BBR) is a downloadable video game for Xbox 360's Xbox Live Arcade service. Boom Boom Rocket is the first rhythm game for Xbox Live Arcade and was developed by Geometry Wars creators Bizarre Creations and published by the Pogo division of Electronic Arts. The game was made backwards compatible on Xbox One on July 26, 2016.

<i>Race Driver: Grid</i> 2008 racing video game

Race Driver: Grid known outside of Europe as Grid is a 2008 racing video game developed and published by Codemasters for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, arcade, Java ME and OS X. It is the first game in the Grid series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel</span>

The Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel was developed by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 and was introduced at E3 2006. Released in November 2006, the force feedback steering wheel controller includes the standard gamepad buttons along with floor-mounted accelerator and brake pedals. Although the wheel is capable of running truly wirelessly from a standard Xbox 360 battery pack, use of the force feedback and active resistance features requires an external AC adapter.

<i>Blur</i> (video game) 2010 racing video game

Blur is a 2010 arcade-style racing video game for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It was developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Activision. Blur features a racing style that incorporates real world cars and locales with arcade style handling and vehicular combat. The game is a spiritual successor to the Project Gotham Racing series. Blur was the penultimate game developed by Bizarre Creations before they were shut down by Activision on February 18, 2011.

<i>Forza Horizon</i> 2012 video game

Forza Horizon is a 2012 racing video game developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios for the Xbox 360 on 23 October 2012. The game is the fifth installment of the Forza series, having originally spun-off from Turn 10 Studios-developed Forza Motorsport titles. Taking place during the fictitious Horizon Festival, a street racing event, the player's aim is to progress via winning races, while also increasing their popularity level by performing stunts and activities. Unlike previous games in the Forza series, Forza Horizon takes place in an open world that players can explore.

References

  1. Staff, I. G. N. (8 August 2002). "Halo 2 and Project Gotham Racing 2 Announced!". IGN. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  2. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/project-gotham-racing-2-designer-diary-1/1100-2910005/
  3. Goldstein, Hilary (13 May 2003). "E3 2003: Project Gotham Racing 2". IGN. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  4. Robinson, Jon (15 July 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2 Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  5. 1 2 Editor-in-Chief, Tom Bramwell Former (15 September 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 19 September 2024.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  6. Richards, Geoff (14 October 2005). "PGR3 developer lied about polygon count". bit-tech.net. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  7. Reed, Kristan (15 September 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on 19 May 2022.
  8. Welsh, Oil (14 November 2008). "Geometry Wars: Retro Explained". Eurogamer.net. p. 1. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  9. Editor-in-Chief, Tom Bramwell Former (20 May 2004). "PGR2 Paris Booster Pack released". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 19 September 2024.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  10. Editor-in-Chief, Tom Bramwell Former (8 July 2004). "PGR2 Long Beach Booster Pack released". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 19 September 2024.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  11. 1 2 "Project Gotham Racing 2 for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic . Archived from the original on 7 November 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  12. Edge Staff (25 December 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2". Edge . No. 131. p. 113. Archived from the original on 3 December 2003. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  13. EGM Staff (January 2004). "Project Gotham Racing 2". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 174. p. 150.
  14. Bramwell, Tom; Reed, Kristan (28 November 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2 Review". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  15. 1 2 "Famitsu scores for PGR2, Magatama". The MagicBox. 6 November 2006. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  16. 1 2 "Project Gotham Racing 2". Famitsu . Vol. 780. 27 November 2003.
  17. Kato, Matthew (December 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2". Game Informer . No. 128. p. 162. Archived from the original on 10 February 2008. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  18. Bro Buzz (18 November 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2 Review for Xbox on GamePro.com". GamePro . Archived from the original on 4 February 2005. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  19. G-Wok (December 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2 Review". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  20. Kasavin, Greg (19 November 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2 Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  21. Nutt, Christian (22 November 2003). "GameSpy: Project Gotham Racing 2". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  22. Lafferty, Michael (12 November 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2 - XB - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 15 February 2008. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  23. Hwang, Kaiser (17 November 2003). "Project Gotham Racing 2". IGN . Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  24. "Project Gotham Racing 2". Official Xbox Magazine . December 2003. p. 82.
  25. "D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Project Gotham Racing 2". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on 17 June 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.