PGR’s HD debut

Project Gotham Racing 3 is the third installment of the game, released for the Xbox 360 very early in its life. It follows on from the previous two installments that were exclusive to the original Xbox, and Metropolis Street Racer for the Dreamcast.

PGR3 hits you with that arcade racing feel, but with enough realism to make you feel like you’re actually behind the wheel of some of the world’s most gorgeous cars. When you fire up this game, it’s like slipping into a supercar’s leather seat. The visuals? Oh, they’re next-gen for its time, showcasing the Xbox 360’s power with cars that look so good you almost feel the engine purring through your controller.

The Kudos system is like a style meter on steroids. You’re not just racing; you’re performing for the crowd, drifting through corners, pulling off 360s, and drafting like a pro. It’s all about the finesse, the skill, making every turn not just about speed but about flair. It’s this system that makes PGR3 not just a racer but an experience.

Regarding the vehicles, You start with a bang, not those slow, underpowered street cars from other games. Here, you’re jumping into supercars from the get-go. And the variety? Insane. From Ferraris that make you feel like you’re in a Bond movie to prototypes that look like they’ve escaped from a sci-fi flick, there’s a car for every fantasy. There is a lot of variety with the vehicle types that can appeal to everyone riving style, some of which will fare better on different track styles used in the game.

The soundtrack is also pretty diverse with a wide variety of genres from classics to rock, hip-hop and electronic dance. You can also elect your own music to play within the racetrack, taking advantage of Xbox’s custom soundtrack feature.

PGR3 is often remembered fondly for its peak of the series style over simulation approach. It’s debated among fans whether it’s the best in the series due to its balance of accessibility with rewarding skilled play, though many argue PGR2’s more raw, less polished feel had a charm. I certainly prefer it to the simulation racing games like the Forza series or Gran Turismo.
PGR3 felt like a true next-gen update, not just in graphics but in how it integrated online features. However, its core gameplay evolution from PGR2, while significant, didn’t feel revolutionary to some, leading to mixed reviews about whether it was the peak of the series or just a polished continuation. It would later be followed up with Project Gotham Racing 4