Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Platform: Xbox 360
Genre: Racing
Rating: E for Everyone
Number of Players: Single player, Multiplayer, Xbox Live
Release Date: October 2, 2007

Over the years Bizarre Creations has developed a game no other racing developer could match. They seamlessly blended the simulation and arcade aspects of a racing game into a perfect balance of speed and style. The over-the-top kudos system has always been kept in check by the somewhat realistic nature of the car physics. While Bizarre stayed true to their previous incarnations of the PGR world they added many aspects to their racer this year.

What's New
The physics are completely remodeled and even the remade tracks from PGR 3 are changed up to attempt to curb some cheaters. The cars handle with a feeling of more weight this year so be sure to get on the brakes earlier than normal. This is a major draw to the PGR fans that did not like PGR 3, but loved 2. The game has a new and improved sound as well. Cars are now more robust sounding, the collisions sound more realistic, and the race cars sound like race cars. You hear the popping and crackling of the exhaust or the whine of a transmission gearbox depending on what vehicle you select. Each city is modeled and textured into sheer polygon bliss. You will recognize real life landmarks from each city and if you compared the in-game city to a real life picture you could see how detailed each city block is.

The major addition to PGR 4 is the all new weather system. It has rain, sleet, snow, fog, or become icy at any time. The weather adds a dynamic to the game that can throw the most veteran of racers into a wall. The cars handling characteristics are completely changed and vary from different weather conditions. Bizarre added the small details that count along with the weather system, when it rains the cars wipers come on, and when it snows the ice build up around the bottom of the car. Be sure to watch out for water or snow that builds up in puddles around the tracks, it could cause your car to hydroplane and send you directly into a wall.

The game still runs smooth as butter even with a massive downpour of rain. In fact, the only slowdown I could witness came in online play when are eight cars all crashed into each other, in the rain, on the first turn. Bizarre also included a highly controversial vehicle type this year, motorcycles. While these bikes are indeed quick they are not matching up their four wheel counterparts yet. The bikes use the same controls as the cars but handle with a different feel. They turn in quicker but suffer from a loose rear end. This can be frustrating to newer players who are trying to get a grip on the PGR series. The learning curve might be steep but it is worth it. While going down a straight away pop a wheelie and do some tricks!