Project CARS 3

With its bold new direction, superbly overhauled handling and some of the best, wheel-to-wheel racing out there, Project CARS 3 is a gamble that has resulted in one of the year’s best racers.

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Project CARS 3 is a racing game offering 200 elite-brand cars and 120 global tracks, with a wide set of race conversion kits and customization options. It features a new career mode, enhanced AI, and multiplayer options, with a focus on providing a convincing and visceral racing experience, including a 24-hour cycle and dynamic weather conditions. Players can earn credits and XP to buy, upgrade, and customize their cars, with scalable assists and exciting daily challenges for all skill levels.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

60%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,114 reviews

graphics163 positive mentions

stability77 negative mentions

The game offers a fun and accessible racing experience, especially for casual players.
Graphics and car models are visually appealing, providing a nice aesthetic.
The car customization and upgrade system adds depth and allows for personal expression.

The game has been criticized for its departure from the simulation aspects of previous titles, feeling more like an arcade racer.
The AI behavior is inconsistent and often leads to frustrating racing experiences.
The progression system is grindy, with players only earning money through leveling up rather than winning races.

graphics
537 mentions
30 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant downgrade compared to its predecessor, Project Cars 2. While some praise the visuals as "stunning" or "nice," others criticize them as outdated, with references to poor optimization, graphical glitches, and a lack of customization options. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the game may have appealing elements, it fails to meet the expectations for modern racing graphics, often feeling more akin to a mobile title than a AAA release.
- “The graphics (especially on Steam Deck, for its size) are stunning.”
- “The car, the tracks, the handling, the visuals, graphics, it's damn near perfect.”
- “Great game, stunning visuals, realistic circuits and cars and highly addictive.”
- “Really poor effort, it's literally PS2 graphics. I mean, ultra is a joke.”
- “The graphics are a big downgrade from Project Cars 2 and can be difficult to get past as the game looks at least 5-6 years old.”
- “The graphics look weird at times; they aren't terrible, but you would think that a game that has touted itself as the best-looking sim racers out there, the graphics would at least be amazing.”
optimization
138 mentions
22 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
22 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly in VR and during dynamic weather conditions, leading to low frame rates and stuttering. While some users with high-end hardware have managed to achieve smooth gameplay, others have expressed frustration over the game's inconsistent performance and graphical glitches. Overall, it appears that the game requires further optimization and bug fixes to fully realize its potential.
- “Runs smoothly, no bugs.”
- “Graphics and performance: spot on.”
- “Nice graphics on 4k, really good performance and leveling system seems good.”
- “This game is unfinished and I enjoyed some of it, I regret having paid more than the normal price and I played the DLCs and other things and there are bugs and it's very unoptimized.”
- “Poorly optimized VR, graphical glitches abound, less than impressive visuals, certainly not an improvement over the last game, low FPS and stuttering, and crashes a minimum of 1/3 races or events.”
- “Its become quite apparent the team is being pushed to release new content and DLC to bring in money and nearly zero effort is being put into trying to fix even the most basic of bugs or tweak performance.”
gameplay
109 mentions
24 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this racing title has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the fun and solid driving mechanics reminiscent of classic arcade racers, while others criticize its lack of depth, poor optimization, and numerous glitches. The game is seen as a departure from its predecessors, leaning more towards arcade-style racing rather than simulation, which may disappoint fans of the earlier installments. Overall, while the core gameplay can be enjoyable, it is marred by technical issues and a lack of engaging content.
- “The gameplay and upgrade features are great and a step upwards; the support from the controller is way better.”
- “Overall, if you're looking for something in this market niche, something maintaining the mechanical complexity and realism of automobiles, all the while offering something exciting and accessible, I can wholeheartedly recommend this third, yet different installment of the Project Cars franchise.”
- “Addicting gameplay.”
- “The game was practically dead on arrival with downgraded graphics, arcade-like car handling physics, dumb AI, dull career, soulless gameplay with tacky plastic menus and flashy gimmicks like Dirt 5, and an empty multiplayer. This is not a sim game now.”
- “If like me you were hoping for PCars 2 with a bit of sparkle, despite the talk of no pit stops, tire degradation, or refueling, and that it would still be a reasonable driving sim but with a Forza/GT feel to it, then please be assured it is not. The driving is more like Mario Kart than iRacing and the gameplay is aimed at 13-year-olds with gamepads more than anyone who actually holds any kind of driving license.”
- “Poor optimization and terrible driving mechanics ruin this software's potential.”
stability
79 mentions
3 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The game is widely criticized for its numerous bugs and glitches, affecting both gameplay and graphics, leading to a frustrating experience for many players. Issues such as poor car handling, AI problems, and unresponsive controls, particularly in VR mode, contribute to a sense of being unpolished and rushed to market. Despite these flaws, some players still find enjoyment in the game, though they recommend caution before purchasing due to its current state.
- “Unfortunately, Slightly Mad Studios rushed it to market way too soon... too many glitches and bugs.”
- “The game is fun to play; however, at its current state, I would not recommend buying due to many glitches and graphical bugs.”
- “There are still glaring bugs, and they instead push new content to experience the same glitches. It's sad and shows not the dev's lack of care towards the health of the game, but it's the higher-ups that are pushing selling content over fixing the issues first.”
story
54 mentions
15 % positive mentions
74 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing it for lacking depth and personality, describing it as a series of repetitive events rather than a cohesive narrative. Some users expressed a desire for a more engaging and over-the-top story mode, akin to titles like Need for Speed, while others found the career progression system tedious and poorly executed. Overall, the game seems to fall short in delivering a compelling story experience, leaving players wanting more.
- “An over-the-top story mode would fit perfectly into the game, where a racing career with over-the-top characters is told, embedded in all the available challenges and cups.”
- “After playing a few hours, I can say that I like the story mode that allows you to buy cars and upgrade.”
- “If SMS's next installment of this franchise not only introduces a proper story but also in-engine cutscenes, being in VR would immerse me like no other racing game on the market can do.”
- “I mean the story is far away from the theme the previous games did and looks like something from Need for Speed.”
- “You have to pay to downgrade performance parts, so if you upgrade your car to the next class without realizing, you have to level up in custom race until you make enough money to downgrade your car enough to continue story mode, which seems very pointless and drudgy.”
- “Heck, even Forza has more of a story to it than this mess.”
grinding
48 mentions
4 % positive mentions
4 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently noted as tedious and time-consuming, particularly in career mode where players must complete numerous objectives and accumulate currency to unlock new cars and events. While some players appreciate the challenge and addictive nature of the grind, many express frustration over the limited car options early on and the need to engage in repetitive races to earn credits. Overall, the grind is seen as a significant part of the experience, with mixed feelings about its impact on enjoyment and progression.
- “The medals are not really grindy; you only need around half of them in a series to race all the events for that series (like GT Class E series or Supercar series, etc.).”
- “Offline isn't much better either, although at least you get bigger payouts after championships. However, they only payout once, so no grinding a single event for cash, which really annoys me.”
- “The career mode has some pretty interesting tracks and challenges, though it can be somewhat grindy at times and I'd have liked some more urban tracks.”
- “This leads to a situation where the game feels very grindy early on and the best way to comfortably progress is to spend some time playing a 99-lap race on the shortest track possible just to farm level ups instead of just completing the campaign normally one event at a time.”
- “It is a very grindy game as far as how long it takes to save up credits for a car in the next tier, unless you spend 30 minutes to an hour practicing on a 99-lap race and get bank for XP.”
music
46 mentions
30 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
26 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it enjoyable and energizing, while others criticize it as annoying and reminiscent of low-quality mobile game soundtracks. Many users express disappointment over the absence of licensed tracks and the inability to mute the in-game music, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the music seems to be a divisive aspect, with a significant number of players recommending turning it off to fully appreciate the game.
- “The sounds and music are excellent.”
- “The music selection is great, and it gets me pumped.”
- “So much better than PC2; the music and career mode are amazing.”
- “There is no way to properly listen to your car because they have music blasting in your ears that you cannot mute.”
- “Gone are the old GTR2 inspired music and it is replaced with crappy elevator music, strange jazz, and random songs.”
- “I’d recommend turning off the horrible music if you want to enjoy PC3 at all though.”
monetization
20 mentions
5 % positive mentions
15 % neutral mentions
80 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with players feeling misled by marketing that promised a simulation experience but delivered an unpolished arcade game. Many users expressed frustration over the lack of advertising prior to release and the perception that the game was rushed to market, leading to a sense of disappointment and a desire for refunds. Overall, the sentiment reflects a strong discontent with the game's pricing and monetization practices, which are seen as exploitative rather than value-driven.
- “It’s a breath of fresh air in a console generation marked by incomplete games that feel more like tech demos at launch, greedy microtransactions, and SMS’ own track record.”
- “All that's left is this hollow cash grab of a game, and I legit never demanded a refund for anything so quickly.”
- “It seems to me more of a marketing stunt and a cash grab, not because it's a bad game, but because of how buggy and unpolished it comes out as.”
- “It looks and plays just like it was rushed from beginning to end for a cash grab before the proverbial hit the fan.”
humor
12 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as light-hearted and reminiscent of classic arcade titles like Mario Kart, eliciting chuckles even during frustrating gameplay. While some players find the physics model impressive and realistic, the overall tone of the game is serious, with humor arising from the exaggerated driving mechanics rather than overt comedic elements.
- “This is a funny little arcade game like Mario Kart.”
- “I've been chuckling to myself even though I am doing rubbish!”
- “Watching the driver steer the car is almost humorous in heavy turning.”
replayability
10 mentions
20 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
30 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is seen as limited, primarily offering enjoyment through casual driving rather than deep, engaging content. While competing with friends on leaderboards adds some value, many players feel it lacks the depth needed for sustained replayability, rating it around 3 out of 5.
- “All in all, the game is fun to play but ultimately falls short in replayability beyond 'I just want to drive and chill.'”
- “❌ Versus friend best result for replay value.”
- “All in all the game is fun to play but ultimately falls short in replayability beyond 'I just want to drive and chill.'”
- “Honestly, 90% of Shift 2: Unleashed's replayability was competing with friends for each race's leaderboard.”
- “Replay value 3/5”
emotional
6 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be an emotionally uplifting experience, describing it as "absolutely wholesome" and expressing a deep attachment that suggests it will be a long-term favorite. The immersive driving experience evokes strong feelings, making it a daily source of joy and satisfaction.
- “This will be my daily drive for years to come, absolutely wholesome game on every single level.”
- “I hope Steam can direct me to whoever I need to talk to, so I can give up my real driving license after touching this game.”
atmosphere
4 mentions
50 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its immersive elements, including realistic sounds, camera effects, and dynamic opponent behavior, which collectively enhance the racing experience. Reviewers appreciate the departure from sterile simulations, highlighting the game's ability to evoke a vibrant and engaging racing environment.
- “The sounds, camera shaking, opponents' behavior, and car handling create the right racing atmosphere.”
- “We have enough sterile racing games and so-called simulations on the market, and I'm glad someone had the courage to bring some atmosphere to virtual racing again.”
- “We have enough of sterile racing games and so-called simulations on the market, and I'm glad someone had the courage to bring some atmosphere to virtual racing again.”
- “Sounds, camera shaking, opponents' behavior, and car handling are creating the right racing atmosphere.”