Project CARS

 Xbox One
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. MondoXbox
    May 10, 2015
    89
    A great racing game with brilliant simulation and stunning graphics, capable of adapting to any kind of player from the rookie to the highly experienced. Its limited car fleet and some minor technical issues keep it from being a real must buy, but every racing game lover shouldn't miss on it.
  2. IGN
    May 8, 2015
    89
    The action is ferocious and tactical, the weather effects are awesome, and it’s brimming with content to explore. This is real racing done right.
  3. NZGamer
    May 13, 2015
    88
    While not all of their efforts have translated perfectly, Project CARS comes pretty damn close. Some frame rate drops hampered my experience, but overall Project CARS has done what it set out to do: build a fantastic looking, authentic racing simulator.
  5. Impulsegamer
    May 13, 2015
    88
    Project Cars offers gamers of all different capabilities a true racing simulation with some stunning next-gen graphics and gameplay.
  6. Meristation
    May 6, 2015
    88
    Project Cars is the result of four years of work by more than 80,000 backers and testers. That's why it's so bright and it recovers the driving simulation as we wanted. This is a game with all that can be asked to a game, it's also very beautiful. Good lap, Slightly Mad Studios.
  7. ZTGD
    May 15, 2015
    85
    Project Cars is a massive package that can be tailored to anyone who enjoys racing games.
  8. XGN
    May 8, 2015
    85
    Project CARS could be crowned as the king of race games. A few flaws could easily be fixed by patching and updating the game. It’s the best race simulator game you can buy.
  9. Gamer.nl
    May 7, 2015
    85
    You really have to be a car racing fanatic to enjoy Project CARS, but if you do, you will love it. This is a solid pc racesim with loads of content, that is playable on PS4 and Xbox One as a bonus. The menu could have been better.
  10. PLAY! Zine
    Jun 29, 2015
    80
    Project CARS delivers on its promise. Slightly Mad Studios made a game that has enough unique elements in a genre where innovation is not something we see often. A must play for any driving game enthusiast.
  11. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Jun 27, 2015
    80
    A humorless and business-like simulation that nevertheless manages to thrill on its own terms. There hasn't been a game like this on a console for a long time. Confidently recommended. [Issue#125, p.78]
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  12. Xbox Achievements
    May 18, 2015
    80
    A must for casual and hardcore racing fans alike, Project CARS does practically everything right, providing plenty of options for players of all skill levels and persuasions. I'm not much of a racing sim fan, but I found myself completely immersed in Project CARS.
  13. Arcade Sushi
    May 14, 2015
    80
    Project CARS infuses its universe with hours of addictive gameplay that simply never lets up. Impatient players may be turned off by its high difficulty level (even setting the game to "novice" doesn't make your life any easier), but to paraphrase a Rolling Stone song, time is definitely on their side.
  14. CD-Action
    Jul 4, 2015
    75
    Project Cars gave me some unforgettable moments and I can imagine it becoming an unrivaled game in the future, but right now it can’t match the titans of the genre in terms of content and there are a lot of bugs and glitches to iron out. [07/2015, p.66]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Destructoid
    May 11, 2015
    70
    It does most of what it sets out to do, and it does that very well. However, the broad appeal is lacking, as the long learning curve likely outweighs what most are willing to put up with.
  16. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    May 6, 2015
    70
    When it works, Project CARS is unbelievably good. But overly-aggressive AI, odd collision physics, imperfect pad controls and several bugs mean it's just shy of greatness.
  17. Pure Xbox
    May 11, 2015
    60
    It undoubtedly has the ability to grab players and take them on an outstanding tour of Simply Mad's racing world, and does look absolutely stunning at times. However, the game is ultimately frustrating with a controller and features more than its fair share of bugs.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

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  1. Ars Technica
    Dec 9, 2015
    If the thought of having a steering wheel in your living room isn’t one you’d ever entertain, Project CARS probably isn’t the game for you. But if you’re the kind of person who keeps their shopping cart on the racing line at grocery time, you’re in for a treat.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Xbox One Game of 2015
28
#28 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2015
27
#27 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 163 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 163
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 163
  3. Negative: 66 out of 163
  1. Phangled5
    May 14, 2015
    9
    EDIT- I find it disgusting that over on PS4 and PC, this game is getting rave reviews, but as usual the XBOX ONE section is full ofEDIT- I find it disgusting that over on PS4 and PC, this game is getting rave reviews, but as usual the XBOX ONE section is full of negativity. You know what? This always happens with xbox one and im sick of the community. Maybe PS4 really is "for the players" while XBOX is "for the cry babies." Wish I had bought that console instead.

    Overall this is an excellent game. I fear that it will be lost on a lot of people however because they will cry and whine that they can't add rims and turbos to their cars...

    This is NOT a fast and furious style game where you collect and customize cars, that is not what this game is about. Personally I love horizon 2 and gta but this game is different, it is focused purely on racing and it does a great job.

    This is a PURE racing game where all tracks and cars are unlocked from the start. It reminds me a lot of PC racing games. You can configure everything to your liking, there is a ton of options! Hell the xbox one version even has some basic graphics setting options!

    You can play career, quick race and online race. So far ive been playing through career and you start off racing go karts (like in real life) and gradually if you do well you will be invited to championship events and to sign new contracts for more powerful car classes.

    So far ive kept opponent AI at the default setting, and the game is difficult! I mean really difficult like I spent 2 hours on one race last night. You have to drive perfectly, one slip up and the race is basically over as you will spin out and end up in last place. I kept restarting the race over and over till i finally nailed it....the game play is immersive and challenging and im loving it.

    Graphics are good, not quite as good as Forza 5, but there are weather conditions and day/night time to figure into that.

    Sound is excellent, especially using a headset.

    The only downsides so far are a few bugs here and there but im sure these will be sorted. Also while there are loads of tracks, there are simply not enough cars, but again im hoping they add more soon.

    In conclusion this is a great racing sim and you get a lot for your money. Once again I fear for the success of this game and hope it doesn't get ruined by the usual cry babies and trolls. Collapse    … Full Review »
  2. vangoat
    May 12, 2015
    1
    This game is unplayable do not buy! There is nothing user friendly about this game at all...no explanation of what the options mean, badThis game is unplayable do not buy! There is nothing user friendly about this game at all...no explanation of what the options mean, bad interface, the beginner controls on amateur are horrible.

    Have restarted my first race at least 12 times...can't even finish the race in Kart racing. Haven't been given the chance to enjoy anything about this game.

    The options for the steering and gameplay stuff is only accessible outside the racing, so you have to exit the race to tweak the controls which are so horrible to start with! How am I supposed to test each change I make?!

    I have played sooo many racing games all forzas, all project gothams, all turismos, and this is the most ridiculous racing game I have ever played. I have never returned a game 2 hours after buying it, but I am considering it with this one.

    I would love to call it the Dark Souls of racing...but I love dark souls and would not insult that franchise. If I can figure out how to play, it might get better...but should I have to go through this much trouble just to finish my first race?!

    I will continue testing though and update but right now I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.    … Full Review »
  3. snarild
    May 12, 2015
    3
    I was really looking forward to this. But i am very dissapointed..
    The main problem being that it is almost unplayable without a steering    I was really looking forward to this. But i am very dissapointed..
    The main problem being that it is almost unplayable without a steering wheel ( witch i dont have)
    With the controler the steering is oversensetive. After using many many hours trying to adjust all the setting for the controler and looking for solutions online i have given up..
    And on top of that this game is unbelievably buggy    … Full Review »
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