Racing games are always a big draw at console launches and the Xbox 360 launch next month will be no different. Atari's Test Drive Unlimited has slipped into 2006, but Namco has Ridge Racer 6 primed and ready to go, along with Need for Speed: Most Wanted from Electronic Arts. While all of these racers look very good and should appeal to a wide audience, most gamers looking to pick up an Xbox 360 this holiday season are ready to put the pedal to the metal with Project Gotham Racing 3. We took the game for a spin, and it's hard not to give it the nod for best racing game on the Xbox 360.

First and foremost, everyone has been debating how next generation the Xbox 360 titles look. Without even seeing these games face to face many hardcore gamers are quick to say that Dead or Alive 4 or King Kong don't look next generation. Well, one thing is certain, no one in their right mind can say that PGR3 doesn't look next generation. From everything that we've played since E3, Project Gotham Racing 3 is the best looking game on the Xbox 360... PERIOD.

The car models are unmatched on any platform outside of real life. In fact, we tested out the Shinjuku track, and in some ways it looked better than its real life counterpart. Using the in-car view, you can see the driver and steering wheel in great detail, along with real-time moving shadows on the dash and everything else you'd expect to see in a real car racing through Japan. You really get the sense that this virtual person is driving the car. The realism in PGR3 brought about by the sheer graphic quality of the title has to be seen to be believed.

Now of course graphics don't make the game, no matter how good they may be. Project Gotham Racing 3 delivers in the gameplay department as well. While moving from Test Drive to Need for Speed to Ridge Racer, and then finally to PGR3, you'll find that all four racing games offer a very different driving experience. PGR3 is a great mix of skill and arcade-style racing, with some simulation aspects thrown in for good measure. Where RR6 was easy to pick up and play, it takes a certain degree of skill to handle the vehicles in Project Gotham. This shouldn't turn off players new to the series though as there's a great deal of satisfaction to be had when you take first in a PGR3 race.

The learning curve is steeper than some of the other racing games, but it's definitely not to the point of turning people away. It's nice to know that you can't pick up a game and take first every time with little to no experience. Each car handles differently, and you'll need to take the time to learn how to get the most out of each one. Once you take your game online, things will be even harder with much stiffer competition. Add to the equation large scale Xbox Live tournaments and a great new addition in spectator mode, and you've got everlasting replay value as well.

We've played all of the sure fire launch window racing games, and while we'll hold our final verdict until we get final builds to play, Project Gotham Racing 3 is definitely looking to take the crown on the Xbox 360. Fans of the series can look forward to a true next generation offering with more of everything, including the first ever Xbox Live spectator mode that will allow XBL users to watch high profile online races. We expect to get our hands on a final build of PGR3 sometime over the next month or so. Stay with us as we've got a lot more to say about this Xbox 360 gem.