It's time to shift your Xbox 360 console into top gear with Project Gotham Racing 4, the latest instalment of the high-octane racing franchise created by British-based game developer Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft.
Project Gotham enthusiasts and new players alike will find a unique racing experience in the fourth edition, in which the cinematic action is revved up by a dynamic weather system and motorcycles, both new features.
As in previous versions of the game, players get to race in the streets of some of the world's best-known cities, such as London, New York, Las Vegas and Tokyo. New locales include Shanghai, Macau, Quebec City in Canada and Russia's Saint Petersburg.
Gamers attempt to pull off amazing driving manoeuvres in either pleasant or foul weather. Borrowing from the motto of the United States Postal Service, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these racers from the swift completion of their laps - unless they crash, of course. The windscreen wipers attached to the cars are no mere cosmetic additions; they are vital to a player trying to race through heavy digital rain or snow. Road hazards, such as puddles and patches of ice, can send a racer spinning into a crash.
For the first time, Project Gotham gamers have the option of racing a motorcycle; the choice includes bikes from top manufacturers such as Ducati, BMW and Honda. These motorcycles, however, have neither front nor rear breaks, making them a lot easier to control than the two-wheelers used in the Tourist Trophy video game for Sony's PlayStation 2 console.
Whether on two wheels or four, players must perform daring and stylish moves to win over their digital fans and earn 'kudos' points. This rewards system provides gamers with the currency to unlock tracks or purchase vehicles, game modes and other material at the Project Gotham shop.
