pgr4
Latest
Project Gotham Racing 4 releases Oct. 2 in US, Oct. 12 in Europe
Those hoping to steer seductively shaped hunks of metal through rain and snow should be pleased to note that Project Gotham Racing 4 is scheduled for release on October 2nd in America and October 12th in Europe. Those unsure of the Xbox 360 racer's selling points should simply read the first sentence again, noting that said hunks of metal may constitute either cars or motorcycles. Though initially aimed for a September release, the DVD-loving folks at Bizarre Creations explain that today's two-day delay provides them with enough time to put "the finishing touches on the game to ensure it crosses the finish line at retail as the best title yet in the 'PGR' racing franchise." If you're curious as to what it is you'll be racing, peek past the break to see a list of newly unveiled in-game vehicles. %Gallery-3052%%Gallery-4689%
Bizarre clarifies DVD limitations remark
After recently commenting on the constraints of DVD, Project Gotham Racing 4 developer Bizarre Creations has a new post on their company website providing some clarification as to their opinion of ye olde disc format.Citing the much larger number of environments (10 in PGR4, vs. five in PGR3), the article lauds the new lighting system over having two "fixed" times of day (and therefore two sets of textures). "DVD size is absolutely not [their emphasis] a factor that we consider when designing our games ... and PGR4 is no exception. DVD9 gives us more than we need to create a fabulous experience for you guys," it said, later adding, "we've never had to cut content to fit on the disc, and we probably never will." Maybe it wasn't cut, but we're pretty sure they would've planned for more environments on a larger disc. The original comment, which sparked the discussion, was, "Whilst this wasn't a problem for our dev team, it was a problem fitting all this data onto a single DVD." While we applaud the ingenuity of a new lighting system, they did say the data for two textures could not fit. Should the extra content situation ever arise, we're sure they could make it downloadable on Xbox Live, possibly for a fee. Bizarre's biggest concern right now should be including a new Geometry Wars onto the disc -- if it's not there, there's going to be heck to pay. Heck, I tell you.
Rumors of PGR 4 being limited by DVD are false
Rumors have been circulating the internet lately telling of Bizarre Creations being constrained by the DVD format's storage capacity and therefor not being able to implement day/night textures into Project Gotham Racing 4. But today Bizarre put such evil rumors to rest telling everyone that no, they have not been limited by DVD for PGR 4 in the slightest.Commenting on the issue, they said that the facts got spun out of control when certain fanboys commented on the day/night feature stating that there was no room on the DVD to hold all the textures for both day and night in the game. Instead, Bizarre says that not only are they NOT constrained by the DVD format, but they actually opted for transitioning day/night textures in the game instead of two sets of "fixed" textures.So, PGR 4 was not nor ever has been limited by DVD's storage capacity, it was never an issue and PGR fans will be treated to transitioning day/night textures as proof. Case closed.[Thanks, IncredibleBulk92]
Bizarre confirms PGR4's cities, comments on DVD constraints
Bizarre Creations has divulged the final list of cities to be seen and recklessly raced through in the upcoming automotive extravaganza, Project Gotham Racing 4: Macau, China Las Vegas, USA London, England St. Petersburg, Russia Tokyo, Japan New York, USA Shanghai, China Quebec, Canada Nurburgring, Germany The sequel to the Xbox 360 launch title will also boast weather effects, motorcycles and a Michelin-sponsored test track, with some of the returning tracks from the previous game seeing adjustments to enhance the flow of racing and prevent pileups. They will also be presented at a different time of day, though this aspect itself will not be adjustable. Posting in the official Bizarre Creations forum, a staff member noted, "You won't see different times of day per city because this involves recreating all the textures again (one for day and one for night). Whilst this wasn't a problem for our dev team, it was a problem fitting all this data onto a single DVD."To counter this issue, however, Bizarre points to the game's varied lighting models: "For example, Macau is always in the daytime, but if you play it during a storm everything looks darker and more foreboding. If you play during a blizzard then things are slightly tinged blue and everything seems more frozen. Of course, playing this track in sunshine will make everything appear bright and yellowy." Expect to drive around a bright and yellowy Macau sometime in September (if the game's done, that is).%Gallery-3052%%Gallery-4689%Read -- Bizarre Studio UpdateRead -- Bizarre Creations Forums [thanks, Anonymous]
Bizarre reveals PGR 4 list-o-cities
Today, in their latest Studio Update, Bizarre Creations released the names of all ten locations you'll be driving on when Project Gotham Racing 4 hits retailers in September. A complete list of all the locations is viewable after the break, but highlights from the ten location set include Las Vegas (sin city baby!), Quebec (Canada in the house), and Macau, China (China FTW!). Bizarre also talks about "racification" and the subtle changes they made to PGR 4 tracks that make them oh-so-sweet. Enough reading of our commentary already, the complete list of PGR 4 locations is posted after the break.[Via TeamXbox]
Oops: Ferrari crashes while filming PGR4 ad
While filming a commercial for the upcoming Project Gotham Racing 4, a Ferrari F430 drifted too wide out the corner and bumped into a concrete barrier. Did a massive explosion ensue? Screams of concerned mothers from the crowd echo in our ears? Well ... not really. Very little damage was done to the car, but considering that repairing the vehicle probably costs more than we make in a year, it kind of puts things in perspective. No Gizmondo executives were harmed in the crash.The commercial is scheduled to appear in mid-August with PGR4 coming in September. Check out another video after the jump.[Thanks, JimeneX]
Bizarre: PGR4 not out "'til it's done."
Microsoft says Project Gotham Racing 4 will be available in September. We're sure Bizarre Creations -- makers of PGR4 -- don't want to make liars out of Microsoft. That said, Bizarre's business director, Brian Woodhouse, admits they may have to do just that. In a recent press briefing during E3, Woodhouse told Eurogamer that PGR4 would not be rushed (something he admits happened to PGR3). "This one," said Woodhouse, "we're not letting go 'til it's done." Woodhouse's comments were directed towards the rather unbalanced difficulty of PGR3. We can tell you from firsthand experience, the game looks amazing. If Bizarre needs a little time to make it perfect, we say let 'em have it.
PGR4's motorcycles expanded upon
At the Media Briefing, Bizarre Creations' Craig Howard and Brian Woodhouse showed off Project Gotham Racing 4. The game will include manufacturers Honda, Ducati, and Suzuki for motorcycles, which can race alongside cars, of which there are over 120. When riding the motorcycle, you can pull some fancy tricks, wheelies, endos and taunting maneuvers. On the Live side of things, for the first time, gamers will be able to share photos and videos with what's called "PGR On Demand". We can't wait to get some hands on time in the coming days.
Bizarre talks up PGR4 motorcycles
Rumored last week thanks to the released box art -- and confirmed in recent playtests -- Bizarre Creations has posted an article detailing the motorcycles gameplay featured in Project Gotham Racing 4. Along with this revelation comes a load of new screenshots. The shots show off some particularly nice motorcycle and rider models. Bizarre has also revealed that motorcycles will be capable of lots of kudos earning tricks that cars naturally can't do. These will be accomplished with a new "Stunt button" that initiates tricks. Never fear though, if you hate the idea of motorbikes, they are not mandatory. If cars are your thing, PGR4 still has you covered. Check out a gallery of the new PGR 4 motorcycles below. [Via Joystiq]%Gallery-4708%
Project Gotham Racing 4 loses two wheels, gains bikes
Peanut butter and jelly.Cookies and milk.Cars and bikes.Finally, Project Gotham Racing 4 brings two great tastes together. In a first for the franchise, the upcoming Xbox 360 racer will allow players to use both cars and bikes in the same race. Bizarre Creations is promising the same level of visual fidelity in the bikes as in the cars -- looking at the new screenshots released today, we're also equally impressed by the racer character models.A new "Stunt button" will allow players to perform a "crazy move" that will earn the player the series' trademark Kudos. While some may find this move to be controversial, Bizarre Creations notes that the game "won't force you to ride bikes if you don't want to." Regardless, they think players are willing to try something new: "we expect 99% of players to take the bikes out just as frequently as the cars!"%Gallery-4689%
Joystiq hands-on: PGR4 (Xbox 360)
Project Gotham Racing 4 follows the track of previous PGR titles by recreating cities on a building-by-building basis and then letting the fast cars loose. The September Xbox 360 game will include 10 total locations: New York City, Tokyo, London, Las Vegas, Quebec City, Shanghai, Macau, St. Petersburg, Nuerburgring, and the Michelin Test Track.I got some hands-on time with a recent version of the in-progress game, with the touted weather and rain specifically being shown off. PGR4 looks and feels like it'll be a fun racer, and this time, motorcycles get to play alongside the cars.%Gallery-3052%
PGR 4 box art hints at motorcycle madness
Today, Bizarre Creations released the official box art for Project Gotham Racing 4 (viewable after the break) featuring a closeup of a red vehicle sporting a PGR 4 emblem. It's quite the interesting choice for box art as we're on the fence about the design. But if you look closer you'll see something that's very interesting. Behind the PGR 4 logo is the reflection of a motorcycle blazing past the car. Does this mean that motorcycles will be drivable in the fourth edition of the PGR franchise and is this Bizarre's big exciting announcement? We aren't sure, but we'd be liars if we didn't say that we're a little uneasy about including motorcycles in our PGR franchise. Here's to hoping Bizarre Creations knows what they're doing.
Video: It's time for some PGR 4 snow
The last time we saw Project Gotham Racing 4 in action it was raining in St. Petersburg, but today we are treated to a new video; a little snow in Nurburgring. Bizarre Creations released the second weather video today making it quite obvious that the team really cares about dynamic weather and is doing a fine job with the whole concept. They also announced two more locations (Nurburgring, as seen in the video, and Quebec) which is four (Shanghai and St. Petersburg were previously announced) of the ten locations we'll be seeing in the game. The press release also confirmed six vehicles as well as stating that PGR 4 will be "speeding its way onto store shelves this fall" ... yes, this fall. Full press release after the break and be sure to race on over to IGN where they talk with Bizarre's community lead about the weather in PGR 4. Race along now ...
Video: PGR4 new features, dynamic weather, and vehicles
New details regarding Bizarre Creations' upcoming Kudos-centric racer Project Gotham Racing 4, have hit the internets. That being said, they are very similar to previous reports from some European magazines. We've seen these bullet points before, and they're all good, from fist pumping to dynamic weather AI, loyal fanbases through your career, and refined Kudos system. Still, the video looks hot, and the game is excessively pretty. So with all the racing news today, are you tempted to get the wheel so you can tailspin in the snow of Shanghai for massive damage Kudos?[Video via Xboxygen. Thanks, gaetge]
PGR4 gets career mode, 'dynamic' weather, and (duh) new cars
"Dynamic." The coveted buzzword adds a Hemi-like boost to Project Gotham Racing 4's newly announced gameplay element: a weather system -- a dynamic weather system. Wipe out as you power around a corner into a rare Shanghai snow storm, or get pounded by a sudden downpour on your last lap through St. Petersburg. Expect the unexpected. That's next-gen, er, dynamic.Of course, the stakes are higher while competing in the new career mode. As you act a fool, earning Kudos and dedicated fans along the way, you'll have to balance an addiction to flair with the unsettling fear that a freak weather occurrence could cut short your days of thunder-less glory. That or the "new" AI (the "dynamic" adjective was already taken) will just own your ass -- in style. Yes folks, Bizarre has promised virtual fist-pumping.PGR4 is tentatively scheduled for a fall 2007 release.[Via Microsoft media blast]%Gallery-3052%
New PGR4 features and info revealed
Xboxic got their hands on a Polish magazine with new Project Gotham Racing 4 pics and details. Some of the new features that the busy bees over at Bizarre Creations are implementing include vehicle models using 70 to 100 thousand polygons, improved spectators on the track, 200+ courses, and better physics in online matches to avoid turning the game into Burnout. Other cool tidbits include that the AI you race against have character, with their own styles and personality, a revamped career mode, as well as you create your driver, specifying nationality etc. For the complete list, click the "Read" link. So, is PGR4 shaping up alright in light of the new info?
First look at PGR 4
Over at Xboxygen they've wrangled up a few foreign magazine scans for upcoming racer Project Gotham Racing 4. The magazine scans don't show too much and we really can't tell if they are in game or just rendered goodness, but we're in love with that rainy car shot. With the graphics bar being raised by other racers like Forza 2, we are seriously looking forward to what Bizarre can pull off with the fourth in the series. Our fingers are crossed in hopes that these scans turn out to be what PGR 4 has to offer and the game ends up being one beautiful looking game.
PGR4 The Win
While you patiently await for some other media to be come readily available on the internet, we can tide you over with something completely different. The May issue of Official Xbox Magazine has a cover story on Project Gotham Racing 4 and how it builds on the 360 launch title. The key points to look out for is the wider selection of weather conditions from rain, snow and sleet, with the in-car view taking full advantage of the first person view with added realism. Speaking of in-car view, they plan on sprucing that up with more "involved" animations from the driver, from a shaky cam when going at break neck speeds to pumping their fist after a victory. The game also promises a more robust selection of cars and tracks to ride them on with over 200 courses across 10 locations. The best part is that it's only scratching the surface. Are you looking forward to accumulating Kudos this fall?[Thanks, teknomusik]
Rumor: Halo 3 in September?
Halo 3 is slated for Fall 2007, as the poster would suggest. So, based on past experiences in 2001 and 2004, we can safely narrow that down from "Fall" to "November, duh", right? Well, in our GDC edition of the Fancast, we mentioned how Shane Kim said that Halo 3 will ship when it's finished and isn't bound to console launches or tattooed biceps. He threw out September as an example, then followed that with how it would ship next week if it was done as a means to cover his tracks. Well, we've got some more food for thought in regards to Microsoft's Fall '07 line up.We're finishing off the year with the world-wide release of Lost Odyssey in December, so that month is covered. Grand Theft Auto IV is hitting shelves for both the 360 and PS3 smack dab in the middle of October, and Microsoft has no intention of releasing anything against that behemoth. So, that leaves Project Gotham Racing 4 and Halo 3 with either September or November. Using the aforementioned logic, you'd assume that PGR4 will hit in September and Halo 3 in November. Well, Shane brought up another interesting point in that releasing a game in September doesn't necessarily hurt sales. Fable came out in September, got good initial sales, and then an additional boost in November. He went on to say that Halo 3 could do the same thing, while coming out before GTA IV and "beating it" like the 360 did the PS3.So, place your bets now, which of the two is the most likely month for Halo 3: September or November?
PGR 4 car revealed, Peugeot announces the winner
Peugeot announced the finalists earlier this month and today they revealed the winner of their 2007 Design Contest. For the contest Peugeot challenged designers to create a concept car that is both innovative in the use of technology and expresses the future of car design. And it looks like the Flux edged out the competition with its hydrogen fueled engine, decked out sleek plastic panels, and free flowing frame. The grand prize winning Flux will be built (full scale) at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and will also be included in upcoming Xbox 360 game Project Gotham Racing 4. So there you have it, one of the first confirmed cars in PGR 4 ... the Flux.[Via TeamXbox]
