Project Gotham Racing 3 impresses Japanese gamers

Japanese gamers playing a demonstration version of “Project Gotham Racing 3″ were amazed by its near-photorealistic graphics and detailed reproduction of the downtown Tokyo area of Shinjyuku.

The PGR 3 test machines were installed in the Bridgestone booth at the recent F1 Japanese Grand Prix, and car lovers flocked to “test drive” the game, patiently queueing for hours to see and play Microsoft’s first party Xbox 360 title.

Source: itmedia.co.jp

The test machines’ arcade-style setup, complete with pedal control, steering wheel and bucket seat, enhanced the gaming experience for those lucky enough to try out the next-gen title.

Many found it difficult to tear their eyes away from PGR 3’s incredible next-generation graphics, and discovered that Microsoft’s painstaking reproduction of downtown Tokyo was impressively accurate, right down to building locations and billboards.

The Japanese interest in PGR 3 will be welcome news for Microsoft, boosting the Xbox 360’s profile in Japan. Of Microsoft’s 3 first party titles, the action-adventure RPG “Kameo: Elements of Power” initially appeared most likely to perform strongly in Japan, given the Japanese market’s traditional obsession with the RPG genre.

In light of the enthusiastic reception for the recent Project Gotham Racing 3 demo, it seems that Microsoft’s next-gen racing title may also gain a loyal following among Japanese gamers.

Taking into consideration the Japanese localization of Perfect Dark Zero, it appears that the Xbox 360 is poised to gain a stronger footing in the Japanese market based on keen interest in its first party launch titles.

At this stage, Project Gotham Racing 3 is scheduled for release in Japan in January 2006.