Project Gotham Racing for the original Xbox (2001) was a launch title that didn’t just ask how fast you could drive — it wanted to know how cool you looked doing it. Developed by Bizarre Creations, this isn’t your average racing game. It’s all about style, swagger, and racking up “Kudos” for powerslides, drifts, and barely brushing walls at 150 mph like it’s no big deal.

Set in real-world cities like San Francisco, London, Tokyo, and New York, this game combined sleek visuals, responsive controls, and a killer licensed soundtrack that made every race feel like a music video. With over 20 exotic cars, a focus on precision and flair, and zero room for sloppy cornering, Project Gotham Racing proved that Xbox wasn’t messing around in the racing game scene.

This is the game that laid the foundation for the Forza series — and yes, it still holds up for old-school racing fans who remember when Kudos points meant street cred.

1. Real-world tracks set in global cities with dynamic lighting and weather
2. Style-based “Kudos” system rewards clean, flashy driving — not just speed
3. Over 20 licensed cars including Ferraris, Porsches, and Aston Martins

Looking for retro games that redefined cool on four wheels? Buy retro games on Retro Games eXchange and relive the launch title that made the Xbox roar out of the gate.