Right when the Xbox 360 was launched back in 2005 the world was stunned at the new machine’s power being displayed so thoroughly with PGR3. We more or less knew already, that after two editions of Project Gotham Racing on the original Xbox, surely Bizarre Creations would be attempting the same kind of double hit on the Xbox 360? Check inside and judge whether Project Gotham Racing 4 will be leaving the same kind of mark as its predecessor did.

PGR3 was a marvelous game, not only absolutely stunning graphically but also a fast and furious arcade racer with solid online gameplay. It took a while for the first tidbits of PGR4 information to leak, but it wasn’t until September 2006 before a design contest brought proper enough confirmation. Yet despite the fact that the contest is already over again and the winning car was confirmed to enter PGR4, we still didn’t have any real information about the game itself or the other cars. That’s where OXM’s May 2007 issue steps in, with an exclusive first look at the game. Feel free to start drooling on the cover photo, displaying the impressive weather effects in action:

Click for mega-huge version

A list of interesting excerpts from the accompanying article:

Enhanced Weather Simulation: “One of the slickest new features in PGR is its weather. Bizarre’s using what it likes to call ‘extreme weather’ for more than just making the sky gray. Water beads up on beautifully on all the gorgeous paintjobs, spray jets out from the tires, and in the in-car view, wipers move and windshields ice up.”
Enhanced Raceway Environments: “A TV-style intro sets up each event, with a commentator offering wisdom…Choppers buzz overhead, camera crews and video vans are everywhere, and hordes of fans line the track. They’ll wear gear with your logo, wave your national flag, and react far more obviously to your performance.”
Extended Car Selection: “PGR4 will deliver a much broader set of vehicles, ranging from a vintage’63 Corvette Sting Ray and the ’54 Maserati 250F to the sleek, ultra-modern Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.”
On the tracks: “You won’t want to miss out on your viewing time with PGR4’s tracks, which tally up to 200-plus in 10 locations.”
On Xbox Live initiatives: “PGR4’s cooking up a mysterious new matchmaking system (like Halo 2’s).”
On in-car view: ” Bizarre has two key improvements in the works.You’ll now see drivers moving more- feeding the wheel as they zip through turns or pumping their fist after a win. Special effects will also crank up the tension in key moments: you’ll get a shake effect at high speeds, and your vision will blur after spending some quality time with a a wall.”
In conclusion: “PGR4 feels hugely promising- like a proper sequel with loads of cool new toys.”

That’s all we managed to secure from the OXM guys, so for the full story and a bunch more you’ll need to grab a copy yourself when it hits stands April 10th. If you can’t wait for the full game don’t hold your breath yet, since the current ETA for PGR4 is next winter.