Project Gotham Racing 2

GamerFeed

Offers the complete racing experience, with phenomenal graphics, the world's finest cars, exciting gameplay, and the best Live implementation on Xbox. This is without a doubt my favorite racing game ever.

Gamezilla!

Certainly the best racing game out there for the Xbox, what it lacks in high level racing realism it more than makes up for in sheer fun.

GameNow

Hands-down the best racing game yet to hit Xbox. [Jan 2004, p.62]

Total Video Games

A brilliant game for Xbox and Xbox Live!, quite possible the finest racing title ever created.

Yahoo! Games

The perfect sequel: a successful gameplay formula with some minor tweaks, together with a great big pile of new content and features. The multiplayer and other online additions are a big step forward.

XboxAddict

Not only does PGR2 have what it takes in the graphic department like the original, but to be able to challenge your friends and the best in the world using the XboxLive service is something that no game has done so far.

Team Xbox

The best racing game ever, period. The gameplay with the kudos system along with the ability to race eight at a time on Live AND receive rank updates via the scoreboard makes it unique and somewhat revolutionary as of right now.

GameZone

To put it bluntly, if you are looking for a racing game for the Xbox, one that is stunning graphically with superb racing mechanics, look no further than this title...Amazing, awesome, superb - the superlatives could never end.

Xbox Solution

The amazing graphics as well as accurate representation of each of the numerous cars calls for a big round of a applause for Bizarre Creations.

Worth Playing

Some of the best graphics of any game to date, especially when compared to other racing games, but this time around the eye candy comes coupled with compelling, entertaining gameplay that is simply a blast to play.

netjak

I’ve never had this urge to unlock all the cars in a racing game since the old San Francisco Rush series. In fact, it probably gets my vote for best game of 2003.

VGPub

It is quite easily the greatest title in its genre on the Xbox and you won’t find a better substitution on the console.

Game Chronicles

There is enough original single-player content to keep you behind the wheel for over a month and the comprehensive Xbox Live support not only complements the solo gameplay but also adds immeasurable value to the multiplayer racing modes.

XGP Gaming

As great as the first Project Gotham Racing (PGR) was, the second installment has improved on virtually every feature of the first, while adding a few new ones to boot.

1UP

It feels like the final, nearly perfect evolution of the Kudos formula, one which got annoying in the previous PGR for beginners.

Da Gameboyz

With graphics that shine and improved gameplay over the prequel this game rocks.

IGN

A beautiful game that handles amazingly well, sounds just as good, and redefines what gamers should expect from an online racer. The game’s seamless integration of Xbox Live is simply wonderful, and the online play is fast and furious.

Gamers' Temple

PGR2 just doesn’t make sure that you meet a race’s goal – it will watch how you race and reward good moves.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

If you like the racing games, and you like the Xbox Live, then buckle the f up. This is the best realistic (well, fairly realistic) racer since "Gran Turismo 3," and in many ways, it's even more fun. [Jan 2004, p.150]

Deeko

The controls are dead on, the visuals are simply dazzling, the music and sound is terrific and the game modes are plentiful and exciting.

GameSpy

Its synthesis of control, design, graphics, and scores of real-world cars cannot be beat. Winning the war against "Gran Turismo" is not going to be done by a game that shamelessly apes it; PGR2 has its own style and own aims, and to my mind is the more appealing of the two.

Next Level Gaming

Hands down the best racing game of the year. And I would even go a little farther and say with the exception of the original Project Gotham Racing at the time, PGR2 is one of the best racing games I've put my hands on. The sheer depth of the game alone is far beyond anything that has been done to date.

Operation Sports

A huge selection of cars, custom soundtracks, and all the extras makes this title a contender for game of the year. Throw in Xbox Live functionality; and you’ll be playing this one for a long time.

Official Xbox Magazine

It's a stunning achievement in design, playability, good old-fashioned fun, and in my humble opinion the best Xbox game this year. [Dec 2003, p.82]

GamingTrend

Superb to look at, listen to and play. It's just too bad online couldn't have had more meat to it.

GamingWorld X

PGR2 will take you a long time to complete, even if you simply collect Steel Medals, and even longer if you want to collect nothing but Platinum Medals. There are more then 100 tracks and cars to unlock and many time records to set.

Armchair Empire

A racing video gamers fantasy fulfilled nevertheless, with tight controls, a good variety of tracks, a garage full of excellent looking vehicles and picturesque cityscapes, and great online gameplay through Live that any Live subscriber will immediately appreciate.

GMR Magazine

When it comes to online play, PGR2 knocks it out of the park. [Jan 2004, p.76]

Xbox Nation Magazine

Playing the game through Xbox Live is literally like having a shared arcade machine in your living room. [Mar 2004, p.100]

Gamers Europe

Add stunning graphics, custom soundtracks and Xbox Live compatibility to the mix and what we have here is a top class arcade style racer that not only finishes miles before the competition, but laps them several times for good measure before knocking them off the track and into the roadside gravel.

DarkStation

PGR2 fixes almost all of the problems that plagued original, and even manages to improve upon everything else.

Gamestyle

After learning the control regimen, it only takes a few adjustments to drive each model with aplomb - all the way up through the mighty 660-horsepowered Enzo (albeit one that appears to have Colin McRae at the wheel).

Gamer's Hell

Cutting down the "solo mode", story mode, kudos challenge or whatever you want to call it, and adding the huge multiplayer section, BC have made the game wider. Still, "MSR" and "PGR" are deeper in gameplay.

Gamer's Pulse

Perhaps the most intricate simulation out there, Project Gotham Racing 2 offers nearly unlimited gameplay with a wealth of licensed automobiles and gorgeous courses.

GamePro

Uncomplicated, nimble, and feature-rich. Xbox Live even enables you to challenge other Gotham racers and promises to deliver tracks and cars for future downloads.

Cheat Code Central

PGR 2 has excellent controls. The only thing that might get a little frustrating is the fact they placed the camera button (The White Button) too close to the hand brake (The A Button).

eToychest

You know what, man? I really like this game. Maybe it’s cause I been drinking, but now that I think about it, this is a damn fine racing game. It might even be the best racing game I ever played.

games(TM)

What bumps PGR2 into the league of truly great racers is the extensive Xbox Live support. It really does feel like you're part of a community full of gamers vying to be the ultimate Project Gotham racer. [Christmas 2003, p.92]

Game Informer

Doesn't blow open any revolutionary doors to the racing genre. However, it reached the obvious but not always obtainable goal of not only demanding my skill on the track, but my constant interest as well. You'll want to give it your full attention. [Dec 2003, p.162]

GameSpot

An excellent racing game overall and boasts such a sheer quantity of features and options that most other racing games simply cannot compare. On top of that, solid gameplay and a diverse, flat-out terrific selection of cars help give PGR 2 plenty of long-term appeal.

Gamer.tv

Runs like a beauty, but it hasn't got a lot of personality.

GameCritics

One of the most refined and most unique racers of the last few years. It's getting harder and harder for racing games to stand out, but Bizarre Creations succeeded in making Project Gotham Racing 2 a racing game unlike any other.

Game Revolution

Perhaps the only major thing that really holds back PGR 2 from challenging the likes of "Gran Turismo" is its lack of real progression. Considering the time I put into the game, I never really felt as if I was working toward a goal.

Play Magazine

As much as I like Project Gotham as a series, my heart belongs to Ridge Racer and Gran Turismo. [Dec 2003, p.58]

G4 TV

One potential complaint with PGR2 -- the only one, really -- is the competing AI. While other drivers' performance is well scaled based on skill level, you'll find that these aren't the most imaginative bunch on the road.

Eurogamer

Hats off to Bizarre for a marvellous technical achievement, slapped wrists for meddling with the already perfect progression system and balancing and tarnishing what would have otherwise been a peerless single player experience and hearty congrats for an excellent online offering.

NTSC-uk

Its feature list is a master class for the attention of both gamers and developers. Whereas once it was cursed for snubbing widescreen TV owners and indulging in trivialities, the series has matured and finally come of age.

Weekly Famitsu

8 / 8 / 8 / 8 - 32 gold [Vol 780]

Gaming Age

The A.I., yet again, is guaranteed to cause a few controllers to be flung. While taking part in a group race or any kind, the CPU racers are entirely too dumb. They are wholly dedicated to driving their line no matter what it takes, and will take out a whole pack of racers due to some stupid decisions.

Edge Magazine

There's no denying that Project Gotham Racing 2 is one of the most aesthetically accomplished titles ever produced. Yet this doesn't stop PGR2 from feeling a little heartless. In terms of excitement PGR2 is found wanting. [Christmas 2003, p.113]