Project CARS

 Xbox One
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
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  1. bmxtour
    Sep 15, 2015
    0
    Overhyped, The game feels like a horrible beta tester sold for full price. Consumers have to report many game issues and bugs to developers and only hope for a fix. The game waited until forza 6 announce competition to fix some major bugs (red flag). But unfortunately they have not done much to elevate the boredom from this game. This game has graphics but thats all, the most use out ofOverhyped, The game feels like a horrible beta tester sold for full price. Consumers have to report many game issues and bugs to developers and only hope for a fix. The game waited until forza 6 announce competition to fix some major bugs (red flag). But unfortunately they have not done much to elevate the boredom from this game. This game has graphics but thats all, the most use out of this game is to test cars because it has no solid leveling or rewarding system. I fear all the ideas that should be in project cars will be put in the sequel that has been shockingly announced 2 months after release. But I will not buy that game either because my money has already been waisted on this game filled with bugs and limited content. If you just want to test cars and spend time complaining about missing features then project cars is for you, but I expect a more enjoyable experience at full price.… Expand
  2. rasbol
    Oct 5, 2015
    3
    I am so sorry for wasting my money on this overrated game. The steering is bad and that is the most important thing when i play a racing game... Maybe there where too many good intentions and opinions when making this game..
  3. TheSquirrel
    Oct 3, 2015
    4
    Project cars was a big disappointment.
    The game looks good, has a wide variety of cars, and excellent tracks. The menu system is easy to navigate and the career mode layout is a very innovative idea in this genre.
    None of this can make up for a game that feels incomplete and rushed. I have never played a game so plagued with game crashing bugs (this coming from a fan of the fallout    Project cars was a big disappointment.
    The game looks good, has a wide variety of cars, and excellent tracks. The menu system is easy to navigate and the career mode layout is a very innovative idea in this genre.
    None of this can make up for a game that feels incomplete and rushed. I have never played a game so plagued with game crashing bugs (this coming from a fan of the fallout series). I have also never played a game with such poorly calibrated controls as to make playing with a game pad infuriating. While there are a multitude of options to re-calibrate yourself, it ends up feeling like they didn't have the time to do it themselves. I can't speak to the steering wheel, I suspect this game feels much better using one.
    And finally, the feel. This is the most disconnected I have felt in a simulator, with the sound and vibration communicating very poorly what the tires are doing.

    There may be a good game here, but it's not to be found with a regular controller and it's not to be found without learning the intricacies of calibrating, and even if you get those sorted out it will still crash.    … Expand
  4. Hulsee47
    Sep 3, 2015
    4
    To put it simple, I wasn't happy about this game. The steering is unrealistic and I stopped after racing 3 tracks as I just was that disappointed so basically the 4/10 I am giving this game is for its nice graphics and layouts....and I guess you get to drive go karts but even they are just not right.
  5. RuyGTR
    May 17, 2015
    2
    Pre-ordered this game right after it was available at Xbox Live, for this reason I couldn't be more disappointed. Poor UI, frame rate drops, too many bugs and the most important, virtually unplayable with the controller, for those with a wheel set it might be more enjoyable, but for majority of players on Xbox One who doesn't have it, was wasted of money, waiting for any patch to fixPre-ordered this game right after it was available at Xbox Live, for this reason I couldn't be more disappointed. Poor UI, frame rate drops, too many bugs and the most important, virtually unplayable with the controller, for those with a wheel set it might be more enjoyable, but for majority of players on Xbox One who doesn't have it, was wasted of money, waiting for any patch to fix controller issues and poor performance on Xbox One.… Expand
  6. SpartaCommand
    Aug 31, 2015
    0
    Just completely unplayable. If I could I would get my money back. The controls are worthless, the tracks are either insanely grippy or like on ice. The car models are nothing to write home about, and the sound just does what it wants to with no relation to what is on the screen.
  7. Nikko007
    May 18, 2015
    1
    With all due respect to those who are happy and content with the control and frame rates in this game, I am pleased for you. Alas the fact remains that multitudes of gamers are having serious control issues, and i am pretty sure that they all don't need a lesson in understanding how a game works before they can enjoy said game, further more I have a car, and have had one for about the lastWith all due respect to those who are happy and content with the control and frame rates in this game, I am pleased for you. Alas the fact remains that multitudes of gamers are having serious control issues, and i am pretty sure that they all don't need a lesson in understanding how a game works before they can enjoy said game, further more I have a car, and have had one for about the last 30 years, if I steer left and nothing happens, do I just assume it's a little bit hard to drive? The short answer is no! The longer answer is,no because it's broken.. further, further more I recommend you only drive a car like this, if you like a challenge.
    I will end with a double edged sword, the graphics are pretty sweet, the screen tearing and frame rates dropping through the floor on every corner with more than 3 cars on ain't so sweet. Very realistic as real life often drops to around 15fps too......top tip, drop the amount of cars in solo to about 5 or 7 and everything works better, shame you can't drop the amount of cars in career mode.....    … Expand
  8. saturdaycool
    Jun 11, 2015
    2
    game is a borderline scam. has good intentions but was clearly looked over; doesn't live up to the advertisements or come close to comparing to higher level racing titles. worth about $12, DO NOT PAY full price
  9. gtracer34
    Jul 4, 2015
    0
    I have been playing racing simulation games since late 2000's, I experinced many platforms with many games like Forza and Gran Tourismo series,and I understand that tradition is very important to make such games for such massive fans and players,and Forza and GT have that tradition.I assure you,these guys do not have it.I have xb1 with Madcatz wheel,and I can't practically drive.They putI have been playing racing simulation games since late 2000's, I experinced many platforms with many games like Forza and Gran Tourismo series,and I understand that tradition is very important to make such games for such massive fans and players,and Forza and GT have that tradition.I assure you,these guys do not have it.I have xb1 with Madcatz wheel,and I can't practically drive.They put many technical details on cars and wheels,which even real experienced person can't understand. Graphics,cars,career modes etc. satisfies you,when you see them first, you feel excited,but then you try to drive,and it is impossible in any wheel or car setups.I tried many setups on cars and more of them for the wheel.Just wasted my money and my time.Better off to play Forza 5 and wait for Forza 6.… Expand
  10. NeoPrime85
    Jul 5, 2015
    0
    This game and its developer are a complete and utter train wreak and should be ashamed to even call themselves developers!
    Especially the head of studio Ian Bell(end).
    I've been playing every type of driving game there is from the arcade delights of Ridge Racer to the full on punishing sim challenges of games like Richard Burns Rally for 20 years now, and i have to say this is probably    This game and its developer are a complete and utter train wreak and should be ashamed to even call themselves developers!
    Especially the head of studio Ian Bell(end).
    I've been playing every type of driving game there is from the arcade delights of Ridge Racer to the full on punishing sim challenges of games like Richard Burns Rally for 20 years now, and i have to say this is probably one of the worst driving games i have ever played, mainly down to its head developers' attitude...i'll get into that soon.
    On to the review:
    I pre ordered this game and got it on day one, since then it has been unplayable for me since.
    The first couple of weeks there was the infamous controller steering bug which made all the cars undrivable, that was fixed but everything else since then has not.
    The game is still a stuttery, ugly, buggy mess but dont you dare bring this up on the forums as Mr Bellend's minions will ban you for expressing your disappointment and disgust about how you've paid them £40 for a game that isn't even playable enough to be called a beta!
    Here's a few more details with whats wrong with the game:
    Frame rate: The developer promised a smooth 60 fps before launch, what we actually has is a game that rarely ever reaches that goal, unless of course you are the only car on track and the weather on said track is perfect.
    But wait this game was advertised as a bumper to bumper racer with 30+ cars on track and dynamic weather?
    Yes, technically it has those features but the second you turn them on the frame rate, which was supposed to stay at 60 remember, tanks and never reaches 60, or can even come close!
    With other cars on track expect the frame rate to fluctuate from mid 50's (note, not 60) all the way down to low 40s!
    Some people have even reported worse performance, with frame rates so bad the game looked like a slide show.
    There's nothing better in a hardcore simulation racer than an inconsistent frame rate to mess up your timing while trying to drive at 200mph!
    Next up: Screen tearing.
    Yes folks not only does the frame rate jump up and down (usually down) more often than child on a trampoline after downing a whole crate of energy drinks, but the screen tearing in this game is appalling also.
    For me the combination of the terrible frame rate AND constant screen tearing make the image displayed on the tv a very unappealing one, for some people it even gives them headaches and makes their eyes hurt.
    For me its a matter of principal, you dont promise 60 fps and then deliver anything between 40 to 50.
    Unacceptable plus like i mentioned before it ruins the sensation of speed and the immersion which (according to the devs) is what this game is all about and why it is "second to none" (that's the developers' attitude and claims not mine).
    The AI is broken: To keep things short if you are driving and it starts raining the AI wont be affected by the loss of grip even though they still have slicks on, making it impossible for you to compete even if you change your tyres over to wets.
    Other bugs include graphical glitches, there was a bug that would cause the steering of your car to suddenly lock in the opposite direction for no reason, causing you to crash (and dont forget theres no rewind function here), hell if you go into the pits during an endurance race your pit crew will fit flat tyres ruining all the time you have invested!!! There are major sound bugs in the game, and bugs that can ruin your career mode causing you to have to restart or re-install the game. There are many many more issues but too many to list here.
    Now onto the worst part of all this: The developers' attitude towards its playerbase:
    Head of studio Ian Bell constantly degrades and bullies anyone who brings up issues they have with the game on the forum, the most legitimate complaint will be met with hostility and hate by the forums mods and head developer Ian Bell himself, even going so far as telling people to "go away" or to "shut up and grow up." He even said to me in response to my asking him when and if the game will ever be fixed "calm down we are making video games not curing cancer", what sort of a response and customer service is that? I then got banned immediately after for calling the infallible, immune to criticism Mr Bellend out on his shoddy attitude.
    I then went to amazon and got an immediate refund for the game (in full i might add) as i refuse to be treated like **** after i have paid full price to someone for a product that is unplayable nearly two months after launch by some scumbag who thinks he is holier than thou now that he has my money.
    The cut off period at amazon for a full refund had come and gone long ago but i talked to someone at customer services and they gave me a full refund anyway with now quarrels so if yours says the same dont be afraid to just ask someone directly. I think they know this game is utter broken garbage so they are being more lenient with their refunds policy. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!!!!!    … Expand
  11. Matster343
    May 14, 2015
    4
    When it works it is a fantastic game! However the times are far a few apart. The Xbox version has some horrific issues such as steering and a frame rate so poor at times that it's like you're playing in slowmo. A fix is supposedly coming but as usual the game clearly wasn't tested properly, something strangely common with today's game releases. The game has other issues such as overWhen it works it is a fantastic game! However the times are far a few apart. The Xbox version has some horrific issues such as steering and a frame rate so poor at times that it's like you're playing in slowmo. A fix is supposedly coming but as usual the game clearly wasn't tested properly, something strangely common with today's game releases. The game has other issues such as over aggressive AI. This is seen when attempting to warm tyres up (which takes forever and doesn't work) as they'll ram you. If you leave the track your lap time is deleted,, if your it at the end of a lap the next is deleted also which isn't very realistic and is very infuriating. I get that it's a sim but surely the fact you've slowed yourself down is punishment enough? There are options for newcomers to play, but the game does little to encourage them to join as no matter what it's either hard or hard. At least Forza caters to different needs.
    The game, when it works, can be fantastic. The cars are good fun to drive and the circuits are good too. Weather patterns are quite interesting and change racing up a bit, especially heavy fog and rain.
    I would however not recommend this game to anyone, at least not yet. If the upcoming patch makes the game work and fixed the stupid controller issues then the game is a winner and an easy 8/10 but for now it's a disappointing 4/10. Giving up on races because the frame rate drops so low with only 15 cars on track is a joke but it is what I have found myself doing more often than not sadly.    … Expand
  12. tpaine45
    May 14, 2015
    2
    Boring,buggy,looks like it was a first attempt at a game. Not enough customization.
    The bugs are really bad,steer right car goes left. It is next to impossible to enjoy playing this game.
    Don't waste your money.
  13. FRG2
    Jun 6, 2015
    0
    I think its more than enough to say that the fair share of bugs that this game brings, not only makes the game frustating, added to the poor controller support and poor multiplayer mode, but the fact that this game was delayed for 6 months and was tested by expert sim gamers makes it extra insulting for this ridicously shilled racing game.
  14. 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 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
  15. 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, 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    This 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.    … Expand
  16. rcandini
    Jun 26, 2015
    1
    This is my first review and unfortunately, a bad one. Although the graphics are very impressive, the controls are absolutely lame. You don't drive, you just suffer to get the cars running on a straight line and always FAIL! I've tried ti get some controller setup on-line but didn't helped a bit. I'm a racing game fan, and I have some racing simulators like forza or gran turismo, but thisThis is my first review and unfortunately, a bad one. Although the graphics are very impressive, the controls are absolutely lame. You don't drive, you just suffer to get the cars running on a straight line and always FAIL! I've tried ti get some controller setup on-line but didn't helped a bit. I'm a racing game fan, and I have some racing simulators like forza or gran turismo, but this one, is a real bust. I wonder if those cars in real life have such poor handling as in this game. Real waste of money, believe me.… Expand
  17. wakeupcall
    Sep 12, 2015
    0
    Arrogant mess. don't waste time on this game because I think it is losing much needed support to the sequel (Project cars 2) that has been announced while this game just recently hit the store shelves. I feel tricked into buying a half-baked demo of project cars 2. and to make things worse, they expect us, the buyers to help them figure out the bugs in what is wrong with the game.
  18. MalistiX
    Jul 2, 2015
    0
    This review can be very short. I've given the score based on the average score being too high. This isn't a game its a sumulator if you want racing simulated, go for it. If you want a game then never ever buy this. There is no "FUN" in Project cars.
  19. tolegittoquit
    Sep 15, 2015
    0
    Replays don't show much of anything but a car, no information, no lap data. Lobbies have no progression, AI rubber banding as soon as you pass they cut corner to overtake then they drive slow and block while in front. Cannot do custom liveries like PC version. Horrible screen tearing. Too many bugs and glitches. Only view telemetry while driving, I think it should be available in replay.Replays don't show much of anything but a car, no information, no lap data. Lobbies have no progression, AI rubber banding as soon as you pass they cut corner to overtake then they drive slow and block while in front. Cannot do custom liveries like PC version. Horrible screen tearing. Too many bugs and glitches. Only view telemetry while driving, I think it should be available in replay. overall I feel this game is unfinished… Expand
  20. Broyax
    Mar 13, 2017
    3
    Certains misent sur le nombre de voitures disponibles, d'autres sur le nombre de voitures en course comme ce Project Cars pour compenser sans doute (et justement) le peu de voitures proposées (hélas) avec une prédominance allemande sidérante... la seule marque italienne est une Pagani, oui celle avec son moteur Mercedes-Benz...! quant au reste, bouffe des Lotus (et essuie-toi avec). Rien àCertains misent sur le nombre de voitures disponibles, d'autres sur le nombre de voitures en course comme ce Project Cars pour compenser sans doute (et justement) le peu de voitures proposées (hélas) avec une prédominance allemande sidérante... la seule marque italienne est une Pagani, oui celle avec son moteur Mercedes-Benz...! quant au reste, bouffe des Lotus (et essuie-toi avec). Rien à redire sur le nombre de circuits par contre, y en aura pour tout le monde !

    Alors par exemple 30 bagnoles (!) qui se tirent la bourre sous la pluie, c'est très impressionnant en effet. Mais ça ne tourne pas à 60 im/s, non, non, faut pas rêver... Sur le sec non plus d'ailleurs : Project Cars joue au yoyo entre 30 et 60 selon les conditions de course -très variables- tout en affichant des graphismes assez jolis mais encore nettement en retrait des Forza Motorsport. En vérité, il se rapproche à cet égard d'un Gran Turismo 5 ou 6... en HD.

    Déception technique donc... à laquelle on doit ajouter les temps de chargement indécents et les effets sonores fort médiocres ! Cependant la météo variable et les arrêts au stand parfois imposés sont deux excellentes idées bien exploitées qui rendent les courses très vivifiantes. Hélas (encore !) la conduite sous la pluie est ratée et peu réaliste : ainsi mettre pied dedans avec une Ruf sous des trombes d'eau ne pose aucun problème mais négocier la moindre courbe mène au tas à moins de descendre, de la charger sur la dépanneuse et de l'amener jusqu'au virage suivant, car même la dépanneuse tient mieux la route.

    Sur le sec, la conduite s'avère parfois convaincante -selon les voitures- mais le problème épineux et apparemment insoluble de la maniabilité merdeuse demeure : direction collante, inertie et imprécision permanente rendent le jeu particulièrement pénible. D'autant que les gâchettes ne vibrent pas et que passer sa vie à régler les nombreux paramètres de la manette ne débouche sur rien de probant : ce qui marche -enfin- à peu près sur une bagnole ne marche plus du tout sur la suivante. On pense donc à fourguer le Project Chiasse avant de devenir fou à lier...

    Au volant cependant, le jeu devient enfin conduisible malgré des options du force feedback non expliquées, omises ou décrites succinctement dans un jargon incompréhensible ! malgré les réactions bizarres, les voitures se laissent enfin piloter, ce qui me fait penser à un autre aspect mal fait (encore) du jeu : les collisions ! pas aussi mal faites que dans les GTrons certes mais à peine moins merdiques.

    Globalement, le jeu n'est donc jouable qu'avec un volant, ce qui s'avère des plus regrettables vu le prix de ces putains de volant compatibles avec les consoles nesk-gêne. Et malgré le volant, les défauts de comportement subsistent et les aberrations de simulation persistent ! un jeu que l'on aura vraiment du mal à recommander !    … Expand
  21. mysteryx
    Nov 23, 2017
    0
    Unfinished game full of bugs, for now unplayable! Instead of fixing it, they get out of dlc that looks like a gossip! I'm really disappointed with this behavior.
  22. notbradyn_YT
    Jun 26, 2022
    1
    The first time I tried it, me and my friends did not like the steering. It was way too stiff and the graphics didn't even look good. We haven't touched it since 2017.
  23. ACE222
    Sep 17, 2021
    2
    Pretend the game is covered in snow and it is raining permanently and you will get the idea, even with tyres fully warmed up the rear end traction is terrible, sliding across corners at 40 like you were going 140, have not tried with wheel but very poor with controller, surprisingly PC2 is even worse but graphically much nicer, game physics engine is still terrible though.

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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]
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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]
See all critic reviews »