Project Gotham Racing 3

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 191 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 138 out of 191
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 191
  3. Negative: 25 out of 191
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  1. PunisherTeam
    Sep 1, 2023
    9
    Pioneer in its genre with circuit in real streets. He gave a kick in graphics, speed and gameplay to PS3 Gran Turismo
  2. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 2, 2023
    8
    Continuing the series from the original Xbox, all the improvements you'd expect are present and correct, the kudos system of progression works well for all skill levels and the handling is a really nice blend of simulation and arcade fun. Still one of the best racers on the Xbox, even now.
  3. RTCWFAN
    Jun 1, 2023
    9
    Beautiful graphics, nice city design and great driving fun. A must have for every racing fan! Overall rating: 8.9.
  4. Flashyboy89
    May 19, 2023
    9
    Project Gotham Racing 3 is one of the best racing games ever made. Absolute Gem
  5. BigManReviewer
    Apr 8, 2023
    2
    What do i say about this game, i don't mind simulation racers, i prefer arcade, but simulation is fun aswell, however this game sucks, it's all slow paced, stiff and souless.
  6. CloudStrife05
    Aug 17, 2021
    8
    PGR3 was good but not better than its predecessor. Graphics obviously got upgraded since it was on the 360 but over all it fell flat compared to PGR2 but it was still good.
  7. PizzaSubCombo
    Aug 27, 2020
    9
    Quite possibly the best racer ever released for the Xbox 360, and a launch title at that. The game's visuals are impressive even in 2020, some 15 years after launch, and regardless of whether you're playing with a pad or a stock 360 controller, the game is both sublime to drive and the AI puts up an extremely good fight. Bizarre Creations gambled with including a vehicle roster of only theQuite possibly the best racer ever released for the Xbox 360, and a launch title at that. The game's visuals are impressive even in 2020, some 15 years after launch, and regardless of whether you're playing with a pad or a stock 360 controller, the game is both sublime to drive and the AI puts up an extremely good fight. Bizarre Creations gambled with including a vehicle roster of only the fastest supercars and concept cars in the world at the time, and it results in being able to drive cars that in some cases never appeared in another video game ever again - such as the Ford Indigo or GT90. The lone issue holding the game back is the track selection; just five locations are available, and both Vegas and New York feature generally uninteresting layouts.… Expand
  8. Broyax
    Apr 11, 2017
    4
    Si on considère que c'était un jeu de lancement, graphiquement parlant PGR3 en met plein la vue, incontestablement. Même aujourd'hui il n'est pas ridicule (quoique très flou...) et les ralentis sont de bonne facture. La partie sonore est hélas très en retrait bien qu'un peu moins médiocre qu'un Gran Turismo. Jolies vues cockpit également qui compense un peu l'absence de vue capot maisSi on considère que c'était un jeu de lancement, graphiquement parlant PGR3 en met plein la vue, incontestablement. Même aujourd'hui il n'est pas ridicule (quoique très flou...) et les ralentis sont de bonne facture. La partie sonore est hélas très en retrait bien qu'un peu moins médiocre qu'un Gran Turismo. Jolies vues cockpit également qui compense un peu l'absence de vue capot mais après tout on est dans un jeu 100% arcade... comme tous les PGR évidemment. Tirer le frein à main à chaque virage devient un réflexe pavlovien...

    ça reste plus ou moins distrayant un certain temps mais qu'on ne se méprenne pas, à côté d'un Forza cette jouabilité simpliste finit par lasser très vite malgré une tentative pour diversifier les épreuves (radar, cônes, kudos etc) L'épisode suivant (et final) PGR4 étant sensiblement moins emmerdant, ce PGR3 répétitif ne peut prétendre accéder à la moyenne, surtout après les deux premiers sur la première Xbox...    … Expand
  9. gamingisgreat
    Aug 15, 2016
    6
    PGR 3 is a decent entry in the franchise,considering how bad the first 2 were.

    PGR 3 has good handling physics.The cars all feel different to each other.There is a small selection of tracks,but can create your own tracks.This is a very welcome addition.The is a significant lack of cars though. PGR 3 has aged pretty well since it's release in 2005,and it looked incredible at the time.    PGR 3 is a decent entry in the franchise,considering how bad the first 2 were.

    PGR 3 has good handling physics.The cars all feel different to each other.There is a small selection of tracks,but can create your own tracks.This is a very welcome addition.The is a significant lack of cars though.

    PGR 3 has aged pretty well since it's release in 2005,and it looked incredible at the time.

    PGR 3's biggest sin is how uninspired and dull the career mode is.There is no spark,nothing to get it going.

    PGR 3's sound design is great,but the soundtrack is uninspired

    PGR 3 has a lot going for it,but the lack of content,boring career,and poor soundtrack hold it back.    … Expand
  10. GoombaJMR
    Jul 11, 2015
    8
    PGR3 is a solid racing game that looks beautiful, plays well, but lacks depth, preventing this game from reaching the heights that PGR2 achieved. With a short campaign, somewhat lower car choice, almost nothing that really stands out, PGR3 does seem like a racing game not worth your money, but its absolutely beautiful graphics, decent music, and… just fascinating level editor makes it aPGR3 is a solid racing game that looks beautiful, plays well, but lacks depth, preventing this game from reaching the heights that PGR2 achieved. With a short campaign, somewhat lower car choice, almost nothing that really stands out, PGR3 does seem like a racing game not worth your money, but its absolutely beautiful graphics, decent music, and… just fascinating level editor makes it a game that you pretty much have to get if you’re a fan of somewhat realistic racing games. I feel that the PGR series is a good mix of arcade racing action and Forza Motorsport-esque realism. One more thing - the level editor is just really cool. It’s the first and last (for some reason) time that a PGR game has gotten a level editor. While the choices aren’t really infinite, the fact that you can make a custom track in any city you want is pretty darn cool.

    Gameplay: 9/10
    Story: N/A/10
    Music: 8/10
    Presentation: 9/10
    Length: 7/10
    Overall: 8/10    … Expand
  11. joaopontesvaz
    May 29, 2014
    8
    Graphics: 9.0 Sound: 8.0 Gameplay: 8.5 Fun/Story: 8.2

    A nice way to start with Xbox360. Great graphics and good gameplay (i would prefer less arcade and more realistic but after all that´s the world of Forza).
  12. coopert
    Jan 11, 2014
    6
    A fun enough game for the start of a consoles life but has since been overshadowed by many games. The two things I remember, beyond the fun drifting, was the terrible out of game interface and how the car design/graphics didn't seem to fit with the background art/graphics, it's like the cars and backgrounds were made by different teams and they both look good but just don't really mixA fun enough game for the start of a consoles life but has since been overshadowed by many games. The two things I remember, beyond the fun drifting, was the terrible out of game interface and how the car design/graphics didn't seem to fit with the background art/graphics, it's like the cars and backgrounds were made by different teams and they both look good but just don't really mix together. Overall this game was only worth playing back when it was released.… Expand
  13. watithink123
    Apr 28, 2013
    8
    PGR 3 is a game witch I got from my first Xbox and played it about once, maybe twice then it stayed in my pail of games for 5 to 6 years. Until one day I found it and I had to play it. So did it not deserve the years of been left at the bottom of the pile? Not been a fan of racing games, but this is a realy good game. Good selection of cars, both good and bad. Some great tracks and none ofPGR 3 is a game witch I got from my first Xbox and played it about once, maybe twice then it stayed in my pail of games for 5 to 6 years. Until one day I found it and I had to play it. So did it not deserve the years of been left at the bottom of the pile? Not been a fan of racing games, but this is a realy good game. Good selection of cars, both good and bad. Some great tracks and none of them are bad. Gameplay is pretty good but time to time annoying. Overall really good and sorry if this review is crap, never reviewed a racing game before. Project Gotham Racing 3 8.1/10… Expand
  14. SovietRussia
    Nov 13, 2012
    9
    My first PGR game (played MSR on Dreamcast before).
    A very good arcade game, good graphics, great cars ... just a cool game that takes some skill to master - Epic drifts !
  15. sinadoom
    Jan 24, 2012
    10
    This game defines what makes a good RACING game. It's all about precision. Hardcore difficulty requires you to be better than abosolutely perfect. Very difficult, very fun, challenging but rewarding. No customisation, no assists. How it should be. A fair playing field, with the better cars require more car control skill. It is very fun to drive for both drifting and precision with a lotThis game defines what makes a good RACING game. It's all about precision. Hardcore difficulty requires you to be better than abosolutely perfect. Very difficult, very fun, challenging but rewarding. No customisation, no assists. How it should be. A fair playing field, with the better cars require more car control skill. It is very fun to drive for both drifting and precision with a lot less focus on racing against the AI. If you're the kind of gamer who wants a game which is all about visuals and holding down the trigger rather than apex-perfect precision, than avoid this. If you want pure racing with fantastic driving mechanics which is purely centred around perfection, this is the best racing game EVER. Let's not forget that PGR 3 was released with the Xbox 360 in November 2005. And what a game. It was the first truly 7th generation racing game. It features party modes (as seen in DiRT 3) for a good mess with friends, split-screen local gameplay, a career mode, achievements, medals and a variety of modes & tracks for TrueSkill ranked matchmaking. Everything is pretty much perfectly designed- difficulty, driving physics, graphics, controls, cars, tracks, multiplayer (including tournaments), interior view (which not many games had at the time and even still not all do now) etc. Not only is this game flawless in everything it tries to, it's also a benchmark setter. The sense of speed and the graphics of interior car view still remain unmatched even by Forza 4.… Expand
  16. gamefriek
    Jul 24, 2011
    7
    I have only owned this game for about two weeks, and I have to say that it is one of the best racing games I have played. Despite only have 80 cars as opposed to Project Gotham Racing 2's 100+, these cars are not only the rarest, but also have a great amount of detail. The real improvement to the series was the addition of the interior camera. It adds so much depth to the game, because nowI have only owned this game for about two weeks, and I have to say that it is one of the best racing games I have played. Despite only have 80 cars as opposed to Project Gotham Racing 2's 100+, these cars are not only the rarest, but also have a great amount of detail. The real improvement to the series was the addition of the interior camera. It adds so much depth to the game, because now you can't necessarily see the next corner as clearly as an outside view. The photo mode is also a cool edition, you can get some really good shots. The only reason this game doesn't get a 10/10 is because of the music selection and the limited amount of cars. I hope to soon get Project Gotham 4 and do a hopefully positive review on that.… Expand
  17. claychastain
    Nov 25, 2010
    3
    This was one of the original launch games for the Xbox 360 and people used it to prove how good the console could make games look. First off, while it does look pretty good, I felt like the game itself was complete garbage. Everyone got the same car, the fastest one in the game, and raced it over and over and it was awful online. The single player was the most repetitive and uninterestingThis was one of the original launch games for the Xbox 360 and people used it to prove how good the console could make games look. First off, while it does look pretty good, I felt like the game itself was complete garbage. Everyone got the same car, the fastest one in the game, and raced it over and over and it was awful online. The single player was the most repetitive and uninteresting modes around. I'm usually not so harsh on a game, but this one is just no fun at all.… Expand
  18. sammaher
    Jul 4, 2008
    7
    Not being a racing fan, I am probably not the right person to comment on this game game. What I will say is that it looks fantastic, plays great and has excellent online modes. I have probably only marked it down, As iI am not a racing game fan (down to the face that I'm crap at them). You can probably pick this game up for less than a fiver which would make it an absolute bargain!
  19. alexthuku
    Mar 2, 2008
    10
    I set in my room for hours wasting my short stupid life wondering how a racing similuation could get any better than this. at first i felt like the game was picking on me with its difficulty but once i mastered the scheme my mind almost exploded from the pure entertainment.the games graphics are insane i have no idea how they did it but they did it and when they did they did it with niceI set in my room for hours wasting my short stupid life wondering how a racing similuation could get any better than this. at first i felt like the game was picking on me with its difficulty but once i mastered the scheme my mind almost exploded from the pure entertainment.the games graphics are insane i have no idea how they did it but they did it and when they did they did it with nice frames. i love it if it was a woman i would be erected… Expand
  20. CoryD.
    Dec 27, 2007
    8
    Great racing game.. I prefer it over Forza 2.. ;) LOT'S of replay value, and although some goals seem frustrating to get, it means lots of hours playing.
  21. WyattG.
    Oct 28, 2007
    9
    This game came as a package deal when I got the 360, and even though I have not dusted it off for a few months it is still one of my favourite games I have played. I am writing this review after I have played Forza 2; and while Forza 2 is a really good game, I feel that PGR3 is just that bit better. To me the balance between arcade and simulator racing is what makes this game so good. In This game came as a package deal when I got the 360, and even though I have not dusted it off for a few months it is still one of my favourite games I have played. I am writing this review after I have played Forza 2; and while Forza 2 is a really good game, I feel that PGR3 is just that bit better. To me the balance between arcade and simulator racing is what makes this game so good. In Forza 2 a single mistake WILL cost you the race, but in PGR3 mistakes can be overcome which makes you push your car to the limits more often. Nothing beats driving full throttle into a bend, slamming on the handbrake, and then powering out of the corner without even putting a dent in your beautiful machine. There is very little not to like about this game; the graphics are great, the cars are great, the sounds are great, the tracks are great and the types of events are...well you know, great ! You can even race on xbox live against other racers and find out very quickly just how ordinary you are ! The only real criticism I could have is that a few more tracks in different cities wouldn't hurt (currently only 4 cities in which you race in), and some weather effects would have added a bit of variety to the current night or day options. In summary, racing does not come much more fun than this.… Expand
  22. TiagoB.
    Sep 11, 2007
    8
    Great gameplay, great graphics, great sound, but really poor user interface and offline mode.
  23. ApocalypseBrown
    Mar 10, 2007
    8
    Remembering the beautiful yet difficult MSR, Project Gotham 3 hasn't really evolved much from it. But with tight online play and a medium amount of offline challenges, it is a must for any petrol head. The graphics are top notch, the sense of speed is definitely better, and the A.I. is the second best behind Forza. Single player career mode isn't great by no means, but the other Remembering the beautiful yet difficult MSR, Project Gotham 3 hasn't really evolved much from it. But with tight online play and a medium amount of offline challenges, it is a must for any petrol head. The graphics are top notch, the sense of speed is definitely better, and the A.I. is the second best behind Forza. Single player career mode isn't great by no means, but the other modes like eliminator and team battles means there is hours of racing to be had. And it doesn't matter about damage to cars, racing is the real pleasure here.… Expand
  24. StevietheK
    Jan 2, 2007
    6
    Beautiful looking, ordinary in play. For example, compare it to Forza Motorsport on the xbox - which provides slightly less detail on the backgrounds, but a much more immersive simulation. Crash your car in PGR and all you have to do is gear down to first and get going. In Forza, you deal with crash damage and impaired performance. You also get to tune nearly any aspect of the car. Beautiful looking, ordinary in play. For example, compare it to Forza Motorsport on the xbox - which provides slightly less detail on the backgrounds, but a much more immersive simulation. Crash your car in PGR and all you have to do is gear down to first and get going. In Forza, you deal with crash damage and impaired performance. You also get to tune nearly any aspect of the car. Combining these critical gamelay differences with the excruciatingly slow load times and ponderous (but flashy!) menus, and you've got the racing game equivalent of a supermodel - all looks, no fun.… Expand
  25. Mr.Review
    Sep 21, 2006
    6
    I do not want to turn away readers by this considerably lower score, but I fail to see the true and fantastic appeal of Project Gotham Racing 3. Yes, it is undeniable the production values are outstanding; including the graphics and depth which this racing game evokes. PGR has always been known for blurring the line between arcade and simulation, and the gameplay witnessed here is none I do not want to turn away readers by this considerably lower score, but I fail to see the true and fantastic appeal of Project Gotham Racing 3. Yes, it is undeniable the production values are outstanding; including the graphics and depth which this racing game evokes. PGR has always been known for blurring the line between arcade and simulation, and the gameplay witnessed here is none different from the sequel on an inferior console from two years ago. With that said, the online portion of PGR3 is astonishingly deep and cohesive. My main problem is in fact the gameplay, the entire slow moving mechanics and such which turned me away from other popular simulation racers. PGR3 is not about speed, nor is it about a host of unlockable content pleasing fans for months to come. PGR3 is about realistic racing and none less, offering an extremely respectable online service, a nice system of upgrading and levelling, and other various means of differentiating this title from others. The main problems remain in its lackluster direction; I expect more out of a next gen title than simply a revoked online experience. With all these additions noted, PGR3 remains monotonous and average due to the lackluster racing and actual gameplay. If the game ran better with the mechanics and such, I could respect it more. It is not the worst offering on 360 by any means, but i may be in the minority by saying PGR3 is the worst racing title on 360 as of current. Too much of the same, too much of mediocre slow gameplay.… Expand
  26. RedXIII
    Sep 8, 2006
    7
    Ultimately a good racing game, good graphics, good controls, good sound, fun gameplay. But it lacks depth, there is no way to customize your cars (except color), the car ranking system seems to be a little backward and confusing, a there is only so much you can do with a racing game. Though this is a good racing game I definitely have played worse, the different gameplay modes are fun, Ultimately a good racing game, good graphics, good controls, good sound, fun gameplay. But it lacks depth, there is no way to customize your cars (except color), the car ranking system seems to be a little backward and confusing, a there is only so much you can do with a racing game. Though this is a good racing game I definitely have played worse, the different gameplay modes are fun, but ultimately a 7 still waiting for a game that what gran turismo did for playstation to come out for the xbox360.… Expand
  27. Bass
    Jun 22, 2006
    9
    When Metropolis Street Racer was first released on Dreamcast some 6 years ago I remember being completely astonished by the quality and originality of the title, and by how Bizarre Creations had been able to effortlessly breathe new life into the racing genre. The subsequent PGR sequals have been equally solid and prominent games, with each new installment demonstrating both growth and When Metropolis Street Racer was first released on Dreamcast some 6 years ago I remember being completely astonished by the quality and originality of the title, and by how Bizarre Creations had been able to effortlessly breathe new life into the racing genre. The subsequent PGR sequals have been equally solid and prominent games, with each new installment demonstrating both growth and improvement over its predecessors. Project Gotham Racing 3 is the definitive entry in the series, and is essentially the perfect mix of style and substance. Both the handling and presentation of the cars are beautiful (the in-car view is truly realistic) and the real world enviroments look spectacular (MSR was one of the very first titles to use real locations within a computer game and in PGR 3 they look better than ever). Whilst the online multiplayer shown in PGR 2 was impressive at the time, Gotham 3's online play is exceptional, providing impressive lag-free gameplay. Whilst i've always favoured Gotham's mix of sim and arcade thrills over GT's hyper-simulated approach to racing games, PGR 3 really does blow all the competition away. No other driving game looks or plays as well as this, and Grand Turismo 5 will have to go a long way to better the 360's premiere racing title.… Expand
  28. CiaranG.
    Mar 27, 2006
    10
    Simply one of the best games I've ever played. Some words I would like to use to describe this game: Beautiful, thrilling, fun and lots of replay value. Everything is top-notch. Should make you say "wow" when considering every aspect of the game should that be the top-notch graphics (which in my opinion are currently the best seen on a console), the gameplay, the longevity, the sweet Simply one of the best games I've ever played. Some words I would like to use to describe this game: Beautiful, thrilling, fun and lots of replay value. Everything is top-notch. Should make you say "wow" when considering every aspect of the game should that be the top-notch graphics (which in my opinion are currently the best seen on a console), the gameplay, the longevity, the sweet cars, GothamTV, Photo mode, the cities etc.… Expand
  29. CameronS.
    Mar 13, 2006
    10
    What an amazing game. The perfect blend of arcade and sim, with the accesability of an arcade game, but the physics of a sim. The cars even feel right. I started playing on a CRT telly, and it still looks amazing, but on HDTV it's just phenomanal. As I don't have LIVE, the single player's a bit short, and for me easy as I completed it on Hardcore (immediately after doing What an amazing game. The perfect blend of arcade and sim, with the accesability of an arcade game, but the physics of a sim. The cars even feel right. I started playing on a CRT telly, and it still looks amazing, but on HDTV it's just phenomanal. As I don't have LIVE, the single player's a bit short, and for me easy as I completed it on Hardcore (immediately after doing Hard, and only doing it on that so I could get alot more credits) in a short amount of time, but it's great fun. If you have a 360, then buy this. It will not dissapoint. And lastly, use the interor cockpit view, if you don't then you should change NOW.… Expand
  30. TylerA.
    Mar 7, 2006
    0
    This game is terrible, I have honestly seen better graphics on GameCube and the controls are weak. Don't get this and by the looks of the 360 so far don't even get this sad excuse for a system.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2005
4
#4 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2005
10
#10 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 75
  3. Negative: 0 out of 75
  1. Kombo
    92
    For fans of the genre, it is the pinnacle of racing simulation.
    Read full review
  2. Detroit Free Press
    75
    Online play is as hectic, though perhaps not as friendly, as the previous Xbox version.
    Read full review
  3. Gamer's Hell
    88
    With its unique blend of simulation and arcade physics, Project Gotham Racing 3 is a beautiful game that will be certainly be played for a long time.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »