On getting my shiny X360 after waiting and waiting I couldn't wait to fire up Gotham 3, after all PGR2 on the original Xbox is without shadow of a doubt the best single and multiplayer game around.
So, how does this game differ, and why is it slighlty dissapointing. Well, its the gameplay and online experience.
In Gotham 2 you were forced to use different cars over different Car classes. In Gotham 3 - If you wish you can use the same car to complete the whole game.
The single player is challenging but not in the way that PGR2 was... Yes online leaderboards are their, as is the great kudos system to keep you between the arcade racing and driving simulator.
Graphically the game is very good indeed, the photo realistic cities of Las Vegas, New York, London ooz detail in HD. Park up at picadily Square and look into Burger King. You can see the menu!! No detail is left un turned.
A word of warning though. As I got the core system first as no premium consoles were available.... This game does look poor graphically in Standard Definition with the supplied composite video cable. If you play in SD you must get the Xbox Scart cable.
The cars are also lovingly recreated, ferrari's, lamboughini, Koinesegg. the worlds fastest cars are here. But not the Buggati Veyron
In game surround sound is astonishing, rear engined cars hum loudly from your rear surround speakers. And you know when someones behind you and where as you can hear them.
The selection of cars is great although there are no official porche's unlike PGR2 - you get RUF - Must have been a problem in the licencing.
On line is good, but not as customizable as PGR2. You are stuck with go into certain challenges. It is sometimes very excting - One on One bumper to bumper racing at 200mph is ace. As is four way point to point racing.
The Nurburg ring is challenging, and the F1 Nurburg circuit again great with class A cars up to 8 players.
If only Gotham 2 was on the back compatability list.
New to Gotham, you'll love its astounding beauty and challenges. (Especially Cone Challenges on Platinum)
If your a fan of Gotham 1 and 2 from the Xbox you won't be able to help but feel a little sour, thats progress I suppose.