Editing Project Gotham Racing (video game)

{{Short description|2001 racing video game for Xbox}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Project Gotham Racing
| image = Project Gotham Racing Coverart.png
| caption = Cover art featuring a [[Ferrari F50]]
| developer = [[Bizarre Creations]]
| publisher = [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
| producer = {{collapsible list|Martyn R. Chudley|Brian Woodhouse|Peter Wallace|Ged Talbot|Glyn Williams|Kev Reilly|Chris Pickford|Steve Gaffney|Allan Speed}}
| artist = {{collapsible list|Jon Dugdale|Mark Sharratt|Derek Chapman|Julie McGurren|Paul Spencer|Glen Griffiths|David McDonald|Boz Briers|Matt Cavanagh|Stuart Jackson}}
| programmer = {{collapsible list|Roger Perkins|Phil Snape|Edmund Clay|Keith Pickford|Sam Hall|Nick Bygrave|Steve Cakebread|Dave Al-Daini}}
| series = ''[[Project Gotham Racing]]''
| platforms = [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
| released = {{Video game release|NA|November 15, 2001|EU|March 14, 2002}}
| genre = [[Racing video game|Racing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''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)|Xbox]] console as a launch title. It serves as the spiritual successor to Bizarre's ''[[Metropolis Street Racer]]'' and retains the Kudos system, which awards points for driving skills and style, necessary for progression rather than solely finishing races in first place.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=The evolution of Project Gotham: from Metropolis Street Racer to the original Xbox and beyond |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-evolution-of-project-gotham-from-metropolis-street-racer-to-the-original-xbox-and-beyond/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> Races occur across four real-world cities, featuring a total of 204 unique circuits.<ref name="gamespot" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/Xbox/projectgotham.asp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011201014242/http://www.microsoft.com/games/Xbox/projectgotham.asp | archive-date=December 1, 2001 | title=Xbox Games &#124; Xbox | website=[[Microsoft]] }}</ref> The game achieved both critical and commercial success, launching the exclusive ''[[Project Gotham Racing]]'' series that continued with ''[[Project Gotham Racing 2]]'' in 2003.

==Gameplay==  
[[File:PGR screenshot.png|left|thumb|Gameplay screenshot of a 2000 [[Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)|Mercedes-Benz SLK 320]] in a race in 4th place in [[Asakusa]], [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]]]  
''Project Gotham Racing'' features three main game modes: Kudos Challenge, Quick Race, and Arcade Race. The Kudos Challenge comprises various style events in which players can earn a gold, silver, or bronze medal by successfully achieving a specific amount of Kudos. These events include, but are not limited to, Style Challenges, where players navigate through sets of [[traffic cone]]s on the track; Overtake, which requires players to surpass as many cars as possible; and Speed Challenge, where players must ensure their [[speedometer]] hits a designated target. Quick Race involves competing in various races against five computer opponents, while Arcade Race consists of an additional collection of style challenges.<ref name="gamespot" />


=== Kudos System ===  
Advancement in ''Project Gotham Racing'', distinct from other racing games, requires players to drive fast enough to meet the challenges set while also scoring sufficient Kudos points to progress. Kudos points are earned through various driving skills, such as power sliding around corners at high speed, driving on two wheels, or overtaking [[non-player character]]s during the race. The longer a stunt is maintained, the more points the player receives. However, colliding with the [[guard rails]] or other obstacles will result in the loss of Kudos points earned from that stunt.

=== Content ===  
There are a total of 29 licensed cars in ''Project Gotham Racing'',<ref name="gamespot" /> ranging from the initially available [[Mini Cooper-S]], [[Toyota MR2 Spyder]], and [[Mercedes-Benz SL-Class|Mercedes-Benz SLK 320]] to the high-end [[Ferrari F50]] and [[Porsche Carrera GT]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=((leftover911)) |date=July 29, 2004 |title=Car List/FAQ |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/07/29/project-gotham-racing-car-listfaq-534465 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Visible car damage, such as bumps, is present when the player's car is hit; however, this is purely aesthetic and does not affect driving performance.<ref name="gamespot" />

The game features four realistically recreated world cities: [[San Francisco]], [[London]], and [[Tokyo]], which all return from ''[[Metropolis Street Racer]]'', alongside the newly introduced [[New York City]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Project Gotham Racing 2 Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/project-gotham-racing-2-review/1900-6083974/ |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |quote=}}</ref> Each city is divided into three distinct districts (e.g., [[Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco|Fisherman's Wharf]]), and every district contains 17 circuits, resulting in a total of 204 configurations.<ref name="gamespot" />

The game features 12 radio stations, five of which are based on real-life stations ([[HOT 97]], [[Live 105]], [[Capital 95.8]], [[Radio X (United Kingdom)|Xfm London 104.9]], and [[InterFM]]), featuring the voices of real DJs such as [[Angie Martinez]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/26/the-sounds-of-gotham |title=The Sounds of Gotham |date=September 26, 2001 }}</ref> The soundtrack is diverse, including Japanese language tracks and selections from obscure and underground artists.

== Development and Release ==  
Bizarre Creations did not receive the financial return from ''Metropolis Street Racer'', which was over-budget, late to market, and released shortly before the discontinuation of the [[Dreamcast]] hardware. Initially, [[Microsoft]] asked Bizarre for a conversion to their upcoming [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], but the developers decided to evolve the game further to create a "worthy" launch title, requiring a name change since the original title was owned by [[Sega]].<ref name=":0" />

The game was unveiled under the tentative title ''Project Gotham'' at Gamestock 2001 on March 13 of that year. The demo presented was an early build, although the fundamentals of the game were already established.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Shahed |date=2001 |title=Gamestock 2001: Hands-on: Project Gotham |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamestock-2001-hands-on-project-gotham/1100-2696110/ |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> The development team took over 50,000 photographs in the four real-life cities to capture every detail and design the game's environments as accurately as possible.<ref name=":1" /> The team was also dedicated to ensuring the game ran smoothly at 60 [[frames per second]], even with split-screen multiplayer.<ref name=":1" /> ''Project Gotham Racing'' was the first racing game since ''[[Need for Speed: High Stakes]]'' to officially secure both the [[Ferrari]] and [[Porsche]] licenses.<ref name="gamespot" /> Compared to ''Metropolis Street Racer'', many high-end exotic cars were added to ''Project Gotham''.<ref name=":1" />

The Kudos mechanic also underwent slight changes in ''Project Gotham Racing'', with points awarded based on the best attempt from multiple tries, rather than the risk-and-reward system used in ''Metropolis Street Racer''.<ref name=":0" />

==Reception==

=== Critical ===
{{Video game reviews
| align = right
| MC = 85/100<ref name=MC>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/project-gotham-racing/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|title=Project Gotham Racing for Xbox Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[Red Ventures]]|accessdate=April 4, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812175522/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/project-gotham-racing|archivedate=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Edge = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Project Gotham Racing|author=Edge staff|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|issue=105|date=December 25, 2001}}</ref>
| EGM = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Project Gotham Racing|author=EGM staff|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|issue=150|date=January 2002|page=229}}</ref>
| EuroG = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_projectgotham_x|title=Project Gotham Racing Review|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|date=March 25, 2002|accessdate=April 4, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407095806/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_projectgotham_x|archivedate=April 7, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200112/R03.0804.1532.12619.htm|title=Project Gotham Racing|last=Brogger|first=Kristian|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[FuncoLand]]|issue=104|date=December 2001|page=100|access-date=April 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031201034940/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200112/R03.0804.1532.12619.htm|archive-date=December 1, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/18288.shtml|title=Project Gotham Racing Review for Xbox on GamePro.com|author=Four-Eyed Dragon|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[IDG Entertainment]]|date=November 15, 2001|accessdate=April 4, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208045445/http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/18288.shtml|archivedate=February 8, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameRev = B<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/34375-project-gotham-racing-review|title=Project Gotham Racing Review|author=G-Wok|website=[[GameRevolution]]|publisher=[[CraveOnline]]|date=November 2001|accessdate=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051242/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/project-gotham-racing|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.1/10<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/project-gotham-racing-review/1900-2824312/|title=Project Gotham Racing Review|last=Ajami|first=Amer|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=Red Ventures|date=November 13, 2001|accessdate=April 4, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510013041/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/project-gotham-racing-review/1900-2824312/|archivedate=May 10, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy = 84%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november01/projectgothamxbox/|title=Project Gotham Racing (Xbox)|last=Padilla|first=Raymond "Psylancer"|website=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=IGN Entertainment|date=November 14, 2001|accessdate=April 4, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041228115255/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november01/projectgothamxbox/|archivedate=December 28, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameZone = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18370.htm|title=Project Gotham Racing Review - Xbox|last=Bedigian|first=Louis|website=GameZone|date=February 19, 2002|accessdate=April 4, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006032458/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18370.htm|archivedate=October 6, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/10/project-gotham-racing|title=Project Gotham Racing|last=Lopez|first=Vincent|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=November 9, 2001|accessdate=April 4, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071634/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/10/project-gotham-racing|archivedate=April 7, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NGen = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=NGen>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen85Jan2002/page/n29/mode/2up|title=Project Gotham Racing|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|issue=85|date=January 2002|page=28|accessdate=October 16, 2021}}</ref>
| OXM = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Project Gotham Racing|magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]]|publisher=Imagine Media|date=December 2001}}</ref>
}}

''Project Gotham Racing'' received favorable reviews according to video game [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC" /> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]]'' stated that the game "has enough gloss, variety, and originality to compete with the genre's best and give speedfreaks a great reason to jump on the Xbox bandwagon."<ref name="NGen" />

In 2005, then-chairman of Microsoft, [[Bill Gates]], described ''Project Gotham Racing'' as his favorite game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2005 |title=Meet your sub for today -- Bill Gates |url=http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-gates14.html |access-date=September 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051019135908/http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-gates14.html |archive-date=October 19, 2005 }}</ref>

=== Accolades ===  
The game was nominated for ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s annual "Best Xbox Game" and, among [[console game]]s, "Best Driving Game" awards; these honors ultimately went to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec]]'', respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p3_03.html|title=GameSpot's Best and Worst Video Games of 2001 (Best Driving Game Nominees)|author=GameSpot staff|website=GameSpot|publisher=[[CNET]]|year=2002|accessdate=October 16, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020804115933/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p3_03.html|archivedate=August 4, 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p5_05.html|title=GameSpot's Best and Worst Video Games of 2001 (Best Xbox Game Nominees)|author=GameSpot staff|website=GameSpot|publisher=CNET|year=2002|accessdate=October 16, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020613144409/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p5_05.html|archivedate=June 13, 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the [[5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''Project Gotham Racing'' for the "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Racing Game of the Year|Console Racing]]" award, which ultimately went to ''Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2002&idGameAwardType=51 |title=2002 Awards Category Details Console Racing |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=July 26, 2023}}</ref>

=== Sales ===  
The game sold over 1 million units globally by July 2002, making it the joint-second best-selling game (alongside ''[[Dead or Alive 3]]'') to reach this milestone after ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://newlink.com |title = Multiplayer.it Business to Business |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030902075514/http://www.multiplayer.it/b2b/articoli.php3?id=4874 |archive-date=September 2, 2003 |access-date=October 8, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2002/07/23/xbox-hits-major-sales-milestones-for-console-and-games/ |title=Xbox Hits Major Sales Milestones for Console and Games |date=July 23, 2002 |access-date=October 8, 2024 }}</ref> By July 2006, it had sold 1.2 million copies and earned $44 million in the U.S. ''NextGen'' ranked it as the 43rd highest-selling game launched for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], or [[GameCube]] in the U.S. between January 2000 and July 2006. Combined sales of the ''Project Gotham Racing'' franchise reached 2.1 million units in the U.S. by July 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1|title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century|author=Colin Campbell and Joe Keiser|website=NextGen|publisher=[[Future US]]|date=July 29, 2006|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1|archivedate=October 28, 2007|access-date=October 8, 2024|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Legacy and series ==  
{{main|Project Gotham Racing}}
''Project Gotham Racing'' launched a series that became Microsoft's flagship racing game franchise on Xbox. The final main title, ''[[Project Gotham Racing 4]]'', was released around the time Bizarre Creations was acquired by [[Activision]]. Following this acquisition, Bizarre Creations announced that ''PGR4'' would be the last game produced for Microsoft,<ref>{{cite web |title=Activision buys Bizarre Creations |url=http://newlink.com |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Develop}}</ref> effectively leading to ''[[Forza Motorsport]]'' replacing it as Xbox's flagship racing franchise.

== See also ==
* [[Burnout (video game)|''Burnout'']]
* ''[[Forza]]''
* ''[[Metropolis Street Racer]]''
* ''[[Ridge Racer V]]''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/5373/project-gotham-racing MobyGames - Project Gotham Racing]
* [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox/472137-project-gotham-racing GameFAQs - Project Gotham Racing]
* [https://www.ign.com/games/project-gotham-racing IGN - Project Gotham Racing]

{{Bizarre Creations}}

[[Category:2001 video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Project Gotham Racing]]
[[Category:Racing video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games set in London]]
[[Category:Video games set in New York City]]
[[Category:Video games set in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Video games set in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Xbox games]]
[[Category:Xbox-only games]]
[[Category:Bizarre Creations games]]
[[Category:Microsoft games]]