R50/53 Project Gotham Racing 2 - MINIs included!
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North American Motoring :: Founder
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,070
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From: Colorado
Recently I was contacted by Ted Brockwood, representing Microsoft Game Studios, about the new Xbox title Project Gotham Racing 2. It seems that the new title has MINIs in it! According to Brock (I haven't seen the game in action yet) "you can tear up the streets in your favorite cars, like the Mini Cooper S -- pulling 180 degree reversals, two-wheeled turns and massive powerslides -- all without scratching your paintjob or getting a ticket". Sounds like our kind of game!
In following up with Brock I asked for a chance to ask one of the developers of the game some questions about the MINI in the game. The following are the questions that I posed to Ben O'Sullivan - Lead Car Artist for Project Gotham Racing 2:
How does Project Gotham Racing 2 differ from the first installment?
- from a technical viewpoint
- from a storyline perspective
- what is the basic storyline
What was the motivation for including the MINI?
- Are they modeled from the Cooper or Cooper S
When developing the physics to simulate driving the MINI how did you
go about do that?
- what type of horsepower, torque, and handling characteristics did you develop for the model?
- is it possible to modify these characteristics from a user's perspective?
How did you build the visual model of the MINI?
Did you have any input or assistance from MINI USA? If so, how did they work with you?
Any plans to develop other titles with MINIs in them?
The following are some screenshots that Ted sent along to tease us:
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North American Motoring
mferguson@northamericanmotoring.com :: Send me a PM
In following up with Brock I asked for a chance to ask one of the developers of the game some questions about the MINI in the game. The following are the questions that I posed to Ben O'Sullivan - Lead Car Artist for Project Gotham Racing 2:
How does Project Gotham Racing 2 differ from the first installment?
- from a technical viewpoint
- from a storyline perspective
- what is the basic storyline
Technically the game is much bigger with improved graphics, sound and gameplay. Also we have added online play so you can race up to seven other individuals over the web anywhere in the world.
Like the first iteration of the game PGR2 isn't based around a storyline, its primarily concerned with racing against others, the computer and against the clock around realistic city streets. Added to this is the Kudos score which gives the player a score for stylish or daring driving.
Like the first iteration of the game PGR2 isn't based around a storyline, its primarily concerned with racing against others, the computer and against the clock around realistic city streets. Added to this is the Kudos score which gives the player a score for stylish or daring driving.
- Are they modeled from the Cooper or Cooper S
We included the Mini Cooper S in PGR2 as its a very hot car right now. We have two in the car park here so there we had no doubt about its abilities with regard to performance and attracting positive attention.
go about do that?
- what type of horsepower, torque, and handling characteristics did you develop for the model?
- is it possible to modify these characteristics from a user's perspective?
The car performs in game just as it would in reality. The power, torque and chassis dynamics have all been faithfully recreated thanks to an advanced physics program and lengthy testing and fine tuning.
It's not possible for the player to change the characteristics of the car, as the game rewards driving skill rather than tuning ability, so modifying the performance of the car is something that wouldn't add positively to the gaming experience.
It's not possible for the player to change the characteristics of the car, as the game rewards driving skill rather than tuning ability, so modifying the performance of the car is something that wouldn't add positively to the gaming experience.
The in-game model of the Mini Cooper S is created in 3d software to a very high level of detail using reference photographs and drawings as guides. It takes about 2 weeks for one artist to build each car. It's then imported into the game were it is subject to all the lighting, shadow and reflection effects you see when you play PGR2. All available
colours are included and it's also subject to damage when you crash into walls and other cars.
colours are included and it's also subject to damage when you crash into walls and other cars.
MINI, like the other manufacturers, supplies us with a great deal of reference to help us get the cars looking and performing as realistically as possible. This reference includes pictures and drawings, available colours, performance statistics etc. When the cars are finished, the manufacturer will give feedback regarding what works
well and also areas were we could improve. So the manufacturer does play a large role in the creation of the end product.
well and also areas were we could improve. So the manufacturer does play a large role in the creation of the end product.
Any plans to develop other titles with MINIs in them?
Yes, and certainly in future developments of Project Gotham Racing.
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5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Fleming Island (orange park basically) FL
The first red one looks nice, but the others dont look good, maybe it's just the consoles limit, doesnt matter anyways, it's XBOX and I only have a PS2, might look into it if it comes out for the PC though.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
The new MINI mod for GTA 3 for PC available on MINI2.com is fantastic. Both the Coopers and Cooper S look incredible. Even under the hood and the interior and dash are fully detailed. It's the best MINI graphics on PC or game console to date.
As far as driving MINIs go, the Italian Job game has the most realism in terms of the sound of the MINIs and the speed sensation. Because the game is made just for driving the MINIs, the roads and gameplay are optimized for it. Other games like Midtown Madness 3 have the MINI but since some cars in that game go over 200mph, driving the MINI seems pretty slow. You can make turns at 100mph and it doesn't even feel like you're going fast at all. Very unrealistic.
Of course since I now have the real thing, I don't find much fun in driving simulations any more. I'd rather just go to my driveway and drive for real!
Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the heads up Mark!
As far as driving MINIs go, the Italian Job game has the most realism in terms of the sound of the MINIs and the speed sensation. Because the game is made just for driving the MINIs, the roads and gameplay are optimized for it. Other games like Midtown Madness 3 have the MINI but since some cars in that game go over 200mph, driving the MINI seems pretty slow. You can make turns at 100mph and it doesn't even feel like you're going fast at all. Very unrealistic.
Of course since I now have the real thing, I don't find much fun in driving simulations any more. I'd rather just go to my driveway and drive for real!
Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the heads up Mark!
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
The Mini was in the original Gotham Racing for X Box which came out in, I believe 2001. That's how I became interested in the Mini. This was before any car show or magazine review of the Mini.
Sounds like the Mini will look even better in the new game. I'll have to buy it tomorrow.
Thanks for the great info!
RaceCarDriver
(Greatgro's brother)
Sounds like the Mini will look even better in the new game. I'll have to buy it tomorrow.
Thanks for the great info!
RaceCarDriver
(Greatgro's brother)
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 1
From: PA/NJ
Project Gotham Racing is my favorite driving game. JerseyGirl and I have both a PS2 and an X-Box and have bought or rented most of the driving games out there (although we haven't tried the Italian Job yet) and PGR is by far the best one.
I can't wait for PGR2.
I can't wait for PGR2.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 0
From: Uniontown, PA
My son is Editor-at-large for TeamXBox His pen name is Horus. They just completed a review on Project Gotham Racing II. See it at http://www.teamxbox.com/view reviews.php?id=633
Trending Topics
Coordinator :: Sin City MINI Club & AMVIV
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,587
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Just saw an ad for this game in the Best Buy newspaper insert for this week. I have a non-MINI picky item to point out. On the cover, the car is posed in front of the Sydney Opera House. That car should be sinking. If it was in that location in relation to the Opera House, it'd be in the middle of Sydney Harbour.
If they're going to the level of detail it looks like they have, you'd think they'd get something like that right.
If they're going to the level of detail it looks like they have, you'd think they'd get something like that right.
Neutral
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I think it's cool that they have the mini in the game, but this quote off the games website rubbed me the wrong way:
Xbox.com: What’s your favorite car to drive? When you’re driving to work in the morning, do you ever find yourself fantasizing that you’re behind the wheel of one of the PGR2 muscle cars?
McGurren: For looks, it would have to be the Ford Mustang. I like the old classics. They have more character. I struggle with the really fast super cars; they slide around too much for my liking. I enjoy racing the Mini or the Beetle, cute girly cars, because I can actually control those. I usually get chosen to test out the novice and easy levels.
Off a interview here http://www.xbox.com/en-us/pgr2/themakers2.htm
cute girly cars?
Xbox.com: What’s your favorite car to drive? When you’re driving to work in the morning, do you ever find yourself fantasizing that you’re behind the wheel of one of the PGR2 muscle cars?
McGurren: For looks, it would have to be the Ford Mustang. I like the old classics. They have more character. I struggle with the really fast super cars; they slide around too much for my liking. I enjoy racing the Mini or the Beetle, cute girly cars, because I can actually control those. I usually get chosen to test out the novice and easy levels.
Off a interview here http://www.xbox.com/en-us/pgr2/themakers2.htm
cute girly cars?
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 0
>>It's so much better than the PGR1.
===>Really?? Hmmmmmm... I've got PGR1, which I think is excellent. I'd also say that PGR1 blows away The Italian Job (way too quick) & Midtown Madness 3 (weak graphics) combined. Maybe Santa will stuff PGR2 in my stocking come Wednesday night
===>Really?? Hmmmmmm... I've got PGR1, which I think is excellent. I'd also say that PGR1 blows away The Italian Job (way too quick) & Midtown Madness 3 (weak graphics) combined. Maybe Santa will stuff PGR2 in my stocking come Wednesday night
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: Morrisville, NC
I loved PRG when it came out and I played using the MINI as much as possible (later levels, you just can't compete against much more powerfull cars). When I was buying my MINI, I was torn between LY and IB, and I eventually got LY. A couple of weeks ago, I got the wild hair to play PGR again while waiting for PGR2 to show up in my Chrsimas stocking and lo and behold, I had selected yellow as the color for my virtual MINI as well and had forgotten.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC area
I just got the Xbox with PGR2 and Italian Job games, as an early Christmas present. These games look really cool. Got two extra steering wheels with foot controls too. Now I just have to figure out how it all works, and then have fun....
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