Project CARS 3
- August 27, 2020
- Slightly Mad Studios
- 27h median play time
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.
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.
Reviews
- 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 career mode includes a variety of challenges and objectives that keep gameplay engaging.
- The game has been criticized for its departure from the simulation aspects of previous titles, feeling more like an arcade racer.
- AI behavior is inconsistent and often leads to frustrating racing experiences.
- The progression system is grindy, with players earning money only through leveling up rather than winning races.
- graphics264 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some praising the stunning visuals and vibrant art style, particularly on high-end systems, while others criticize them as a significant downgrade from previous titles like Project Cars 2, describing them as outdated or reminiscent of older consoles. Many players noted graphical glitches, poor optimization, and a lack of customization options, leading to an overall perception that the graphics do not meet modern standards for a 2020 release. Despite these criticisms, some users still found the graphics enjoyable in certain contexts, especially in VR.
“The graphics are stunning.”
“Great game, stunning visuals, realistic circuits and cars and highly addictive.”
“The graphics are nice if we talk about the track, the cars and the particles, great lighting, palette color, and animations.”
“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.”
“Graphics are worse than Project Cars 2, but uses much more resources.”
“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.”
- optimization69 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing smooth performance and good graphics on upgraded hardware, while others report significant issues such as bugs, low frame rates, and poor VR performance. Many users highlight that the game feels unfinished and poorly optimized, particularly in terms of graphical consistency and performance during dynamic weather conditions. Overall, while some players can achieve satisfactory performance with tweaks, the general consensus points to a need for further optimization and bug fixes.
“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. 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.”
- gameplay54 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the fun and accessible arcade racing mechanics, while others criticize the poor optimization, numerous glitches, and a lack of depth compared to previous installments. Many users note that the driving mechanics feel more arcade-like rather than simulation-focused, leading to disappointment for those expecting a more realistic experience. Overall, while the game offers enjoyable moments, it suffers from significant issues that detract from its potential as a racing title.
“The gameplay is fun, and that's what racing is about, right?”
“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.”
“The gameplay and upgrade features are great and a step upwards; the support from the controller is way better.”
“The driving mechanics are honestly solid, it feels like the natural evolution from the NFS Shift series, but singleplayer is god awful and multiplayer is dead.”
“Poor optimization and terrible driving mechanics ruin this software's potential.”
“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.”
- stability39 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- -5 % 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, unresponsive AI, and performance problems, especially in VR, contribute to a perception of it being an unpolished and rushed product. Despite these flaws, some players still find enjoyment in the game, though they caution against purchasing it in its current state.
“I play a lot of sim racing on a wheel with my G29 and Oculus Rift S, but I want a good racing game that runs smoothly on a controller.”
“The game runs incredibly stable, providing a seamless experience whether I'm using a wheel or a controller.”
“I've had no crashes or performance issues, which makes for a very enjoyable gaming experience.”
“There are a ton of glitches both graphically and gameplay-wise that may piss you off on occasion, and they will never address or fix any of them as they don't really care. That being said, I still give it an 8 out of 10.”
“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.”
- story27 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it lacking depth and personality, often comparing it unfavorably to other racing titles like Need for Speed and Forza. While some appreciate the career mode that allows for car upgrades and progression, others criticize it for being repetitive and devoid of a compelling narrative, leading to a disjointed experience. Overall, players express a desire for a more engaging and immersive story that enhances the racing experience.
“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.”
“The story is far away from the theme the previous games had 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 it, 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.”
“You start with a single car and you need to play the career mode to unlock more, which, as far as I know, is only races with no story.”
- grinding24 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 92 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently noted as a significant part of the experience, with players often feeling that career progression requires extensive time investment to unlock new cars and events. While some appreciate the challenge and addictive nature of grinding for upgrades and currency, many find the system tedious and unbalanced, leading to repetitive gameplay and the need to engage in lengthy races to earn credits. Overall, the grind can be rewarding for dedicated players, but it may deter those seeking a more streamlined progression.
“The medals are not really grindy; however, since 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. But they only payout once, so no grinding a single event for cash, which really annoys me.”
“Meaning that I'll be limited to 2-3 cars for a while while advancing in a career, and paid downgrades of parts I own are stupid, all on top of more grinding.”
“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.”
- music23 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 26 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the energetic tracks that enhance the racing experience, while others criticize it as annoying or reminiscent of low-quality mobile game soundtracks. Many users express a desire for the return of licensed music or the option to mute the in-game tracks to better appreciate the car sounds. Overall, the music seems to detract from the enjoyment for a significant portion of the player base.
“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 is 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.”
- monetization10 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a cash grab, with users expressing disappointment over its high price, lack of polish, and misleading advertising. Many feel that the game prioritizes profit over quality, leading to a rushed and buggy experience that fails to deliver on its promises. Overall, the sentiment reflects frustration with the game's perceived exploitation of players rather than a genuine effort to provide a worthwhile product.
“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's 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.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as light-hearted and enjoyable, reminiscent of classic arcade titles like Mario Kart, eliciting chuckles even during frustrating gameplay. While some players find the comedic elements appealing, others emphasize the game's serious nature and impressive physics, suggesting that the humor may not be the primary focus but rather an entertaining aspect of the overall experience.
“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.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is seen as limited, primarily offering enjoyment through casual driving rather than deep competitive elements. While it is more accessible with a controller compared to previous titles, the lack of engaging multiplayer features and reliance on leaderboard competition diminishes its long-term appeal, resulting in a moderate replay value rating of 3/5.
“All in all, the game is fun to play but ultimately falls short in replayability beyond 'I just want to drive and chill'.”
“Finally got my hands on this one... PC2 was a great sim... this one is trying to be the new Forza. The game is more playable with a controller now.”
“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”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be an incredibly wholesome experience that evokes strong emotional connections, making it a title they anticipate enjoying for years. The immersive gameplay, enhanced by the use of a thrustmaster wheel, adds to the emotional engagement, as it seamlessly integrates various control schemes, further enriching the player's experience.
“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.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by immersive sound design, dynamic camera effects, and realistic opponent behavior, which collectively create an engaging racing experience. Reviewers appreciate the departure from sterile simulations, praising the game's ability to evoke a vibrant and thrilling racing environment.
“The sounds, camera shaking, opponents' behavior, and car handling create the perfect 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 back to virtual racing.”
“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.”
Critic Reviews
Project Cars 3 Xbox One Review
Project Cars 3 ditches its former charm in favour of pick up and play. As a result, the game struggles to find its own identity amongst a sea of better contenders.
60%"Trying to be all racing games at once"
Project Cars 3 is a great way to get into sim racing for newcomers thanks to its overtly gamey career mode, but the move into proper ‘simcade’ territory feels odd and unfulfilling.
70%Project Cars 3 Review
A Fan Favorite Cruises in a New Direction
70%