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. 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
  2. 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 !
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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).
  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. Liam
    Feb 6, 2006
    1
    you know that feeling after
    A your house has been broken into
    B your Car/Bike has been stolen C you or a Friend/ Family has been asre Raped D you brought a Xbox 360 if you have ever witnessed any of the above then thats the feeling you will get after you go out and buy this game. Total dissapointment and that feeling that you have been violatede. I only give it a 1 because its    you know that feeling after
    A your house has been broken into
    B your Car/Bike has been stolen
    C you or a Friend/ Family has been asre Raped
    D you brought a Xbox 360

    if you have ever witnessed any of the above then thats the feeling you will get after you go out and buy this game. Total dissapointment and that feeling that you have been violatede. I only give it a 1 because its hasnt changed from the original Metropolis street racer on the dreamcast and that was one of those games that looked great but played like siht    … Expand
  9. PeterT.
    Dec 13, 2005
    3
    over priced over hyped and just a poor game, the handleing hasnt changed since it was originaly released as metropilis street racer on the dreamcast all those years ago. if you want a racing game may i suggest burnout revenge ridge racer or even shock horror gran turismo on the PS2.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 360FAN
    Dec 10, 2005
    1
    Awful game. although the graphics look better than the xbox version they aint much better than Gran turismo 4 on the PS2 and thats a real shame because this is ment to be a next generation consol. the main problem with this game is the handling of the cars, they feel like they are clued to the road turning circle is terrable and there is no sence of speed. i will be taking this pile of Awful game. although the graphics look better than the xbox version they aint much better than Gran turismo 4 on the PS2 and thats a real shame because this is ment to be a next generation consol. the main problem with this game is the handling of the cars, they feel like they are clued to the road turning circle is terrable and there is no sence of speed. i will be taking this pile of over priced tripe back to the shop for a refund.… Expand
  14. Grounder
    Dec 10, 2005
    4
    Have you noticed how all the reviews tell you how amazing this game looks and have you noticed that all of them are basing the score on how preety the game looks well i have to say that the actual handling of all the cars in the game is just crap. i cant belive that anybody would actualy find this game playable. but if your the shallow type of person who enjoys looks over gameplay then Have you noticed how all the reviews tell you how amazing this game looks and have you noticed that all of them are basing the score on how preety the game looks well i have to say that the actual handling of all the cars in the game is just crap. i cant belive that anybody would actualy find this game playable. but if your the shallow type of person who enjoys looks over gameplay then your gonna be annoyed by this review. im gonna be selling my 350 to some mug after xmas.… Expand
  15. Gery
    Dec 17, 2005
    0
    MS are shhoting themselves in the foot for charging the xbox community 49.99 gor such a sub starndard game. and the thing is that all future crap games are all gonna be priced at the $50 mark, this is just an awful game
  16. wolf359
    Dec 19, 2005
    0
    utter tripe over priced for a game that manages to be even worse than the previous version. im so glad i sold my eggbox to some mug for a whopping $850. now i will be putting this money towards a PS3 and if that consol turns out as crap at least i am safe in the knowledge that some Xbox owner brought it for me.
  17. Goss
    Dec 27, 2005
    2
    the problem here is that if you have a normal TV then your buggered you have brought a sh..e consol. If you are one of those lucky people who have parents who are willing to go out and buy a HDTV just so you can play your 360 then this game will look much better. lets base this review for all the people who do not have a HDTV. this game is OK nothing great the handleing is no diffrent to the problem here is that if you have a normal TV then your buggered you have brought a sh..e consol. If you are one of those lucky people who have parents who are willing to go out and buy a HDTV just so you can play your 360 then this game will look much better. lets base this review for all the people who do not have a HDTV. this game is OK nothing great the handleing is no diffrent to the original metropilis street racer which wasnt much cop either.… Expand
  18. Liam
    Nov 18, 2005
    1
    OMFG theres me thinking that the XBOX 360 was the be all and end all of future enterainment, how wrong was i. this game just goes to show your that the next gen graphics of the consols is no better than the last generation of graphics cards for the pc.
  19. ChanceR.
    Dec 14, 2005
    5
    I'm really amazed at the hype surrounding this game. It seems like the reviews have been based on those early screen shots that were released and not on the actual game. While the control is good, the gameplay is farely boring.. (nothing like Forza, or even Need for Speed Most Wanted) and worst of all the graphics don't come up looking nearly as smooth as those screenshots. The I'm really amazed at the hype surrounding this game. It seems like the reviews have been based on those early screen shots that were released and not on the actual game. While the control is good, the gameplay is farely boring.. (nothing like Forza, or even Need for Speed Most Wanted) and worst of all the graphics don't come up looking nearly as smooth as those screenshots. The biggest problem graphically is the pixel flickering, Xbox 1 style backgrounds. Even those 80,000 poly cars could use some anti-aliasing. Just play Need for Speed for a few minutes and see how well done backgrounds in 360 racing games can be. Putting Forza up next to PGR3 in bumper cam mode, it's hard to even tell the difference. The only real improvement in PGR's tracks is the 3d fans. It seems like all the attention went into making super high poly cars and nothing into the gameplay, next gen rendering or environments. Overall, an over hyped, less than complete racing title.… Expand
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  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. Dave
    Nov 22, 2005
    9
    Being a fan of the old PGR1 & 2 on Xbox, I was eager to test my skills or lack thereof on the new version on 360. Little did I realize how beautiful this game looks. From the starting siren of the race to the handbrake turns the cars look amazing. I found myself crashing quite often due to gawking at a building or spotting a subway train zip by overhead. While not a major overhaul in Being a fan of the old PGR1 & 2 on Xbox, I was eager to test my skills or lack thereof on the new version on 360. Little did I realize how beautiful this game looks. From the starting siren of the race to the handbrake turns the cars look amazing. I found myself crashing quite often due to gawking at a building or spotting a subway train zip by overhead. While not a major overhaul in controls or gameplay from the old versions, PGR3 is easy to pick up and play if you've tried the old ones, and it's a delight to look at. Once I get some music ripped to my 360 it will be all the sweeter (since the music for the most part is pretty bleah)… Expand
  25. JustinMacumber
    Jan 2, 2006
    8
    I've been playing this for about three weeks now, and for me it is an amazing experience. I play it on a 52" HDTV with 5.1 surround sound, and this is by far the most immersive racing experience I've ever had. I wish it had offered more low end vehicles, but as it stands, I am extremely happy. Highly recommended.
  26. JustinK.
    Jan 21, 2006
    10
    What an incredibly racing game! I personally dont have an HDTV, and the graphics still look absolutely fabulous.
  27. RezaD.
    Jan 9, 2006
    9
    Do not compare this game with Forza or Gran Turismo, although it does seem like it at times. If the controls don't seem real it is because it is not a simulation game. The game's single player mode plays similar to PGR 2 with new additions and the LIVE component is very smooth and easy to get a game going. This game is definately worth the 49.99 price tag and it is a great game Do not compare this game with Forza or Gran Turismo, although it does seem like it at times. If the controls don't seem real it is because it is not a simulation game. The game's single player mode plays similar to PGR 2 with new additions and the LIVE component is very smooth and easy to get a game going. This game is definately worth the 49.99 price tag and it is a great game to have as an xbox launch 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. 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!
  30. RobertM.
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Normally I never give a perfect score, but the game is flawless. The details in the cars, the action, the amount of options, and I haven't even BEGUN about racing on XBox Live with it....you will not find a better racing game if you're a fan of the PGR type racing.
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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 »