Project Gotham Racing 2

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Project Gotham Racing 2
Developer(s)	Bizarre Creations
Publisher(s)	Microsoft Game Studios
Series	Project Gotham Racing series
Platform(s)	Xbox
Release date(s)	NA November 17, 2003[1] PAL November 28, 2003
Genre(s)	Racing
Mode(s)	Single player, multiplayer
Rating(s)	ESRB: E PEGI: 3+

Project Gotham Racing 2 (PGR2 for short) is a racing game for the Xbox, developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft. PGR2 is the sequel to the highly successful Project Gotham Racing. It is the second title in the Project Gotham Racing series.

As in PGR, the route to advancement in PGR2 differs from most racing games. Advancement in PGR2 required a combination of driving fast enough to meet the challenge set, and scoring enough Kudos points to advance. Kudos points are gained through the player's driving skills, such as power sliding around a corner at speed, or overtaking other drivers in the race. Kudos points are used to unlock new cars. The Kudos system, challenges set, available cars and the tracks around which players race were expanded greatly from the original.

PGR2 supports Xbox Live and allows players to race against other people all around the world. The in-game garage features the cult-classic mini-game Geometry Wars. PGR2 as of July 12, 2007 is compatible with the Xbox 360 through a downloadable update.

Gameplay

Single player

There are three main parts to the single player game: Kudos World Series, Arcade Racing 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.

In arcade racing there are 60 medals available, 20 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 you enter the showroom, you can view and test drive all cars on a test track. You can also race against a ghost car that got the record time. If you like the car and have enough kudos, you can buy it.

Online

Unlike many other Xbox Live enabled games, PGR2's online ranking system is solely based on the kudos earned online. One can not go down in rank, only up. So in this way, one's rank does not necessarily reflect their skill.

SUVs

In addition to the usual performance cars and supercars, this game marks the debut of crossover SUVs to the series. The most powerful in the class is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. It also marked the debut of pickup trucks, including the Ford Lightning. None of these would be seen in the third, though Project Gotham Racing 4 would use the GMC Syclone.

Soundtrack

The theme song included in this game is “Satellite” from Romina Arena, also included in the Italian version.

Downloadable content

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

The packs, along with all downloadable content on the original Xbox, was no longer available for download or re-download via the original Xbox Live after April 15, 2010.

Also see

• Geometry Wars – a minigame included with the game
• FM Yokohama – a Japanese FM radio station featured in the game

References

1. ^ Project Gotham Racing 2 Info - Project Gotham Racing 2 Information - Project Gotham Racing 2 Release Date

External links

• Bizarre Creations consumer site