Six Years On, Project CARS 3’s Weather and Car Lineup Still Outshine Its Harsh Handling

Project CARS 3 arrives on PS4 and PC as a racing sim that tries to bridge the gap between arcade thrills and punishing realism. The game wants to be the definitive car simulator, but it stumbles over its own ambition.

Trailer, via IGN.

The Car List

The roster is the strongest argument for buying Project CARS 3. Over 200 cars are included, ranging from supercars to family sedans. Each manufacturer gets official support, which means the liveries, sound and handling feel carry real weight.

The variety is impressive. One moment you are driving a Ferrari through the Italian Alps, the next you are behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla on a rain-slicked city street. The contrast between these extremes is the game’s greatest strength.

Handling and Physics

The physics model is where Project CARS 3 struggles. The game offers multiple difficulty settings, from arcade to hardcore, but even on the easier tiers the controls feel stiff. Cars drift with a heavy hand, and braking requires precise timing that新手玩家可能无法掌握。新手玩家可能会发现，即使是较低难度的设置也很难掌握。

The tire grip simulation is the core of the physics engine, and Project CARS 3 attempts to capture friction changes across every surface and weather condition. In practice, the response often feels too sensitive or too slow, which takes away from the natural feel of driving.

Tracks and Scenery

The tracks are a highlight. There are over 200 circuits worldwide, each rendered with stunning detail. The lighting is particularly strong, with sunsets, rain and night-time races all looking distinct.

The weather system adds a layer of complexity. Rain, snow and dust storms can change how a track feels in seconds. That dynamism is welcome, though it also adds another variable for players still learning the controls.

Career Mode

The career mode is ambitious but uneven. It spans national championships, endurance races and manufacturer challenges. The problem is that the AI opponents often feel scripted, and the progression systems can feel repetitive.

There is also a multiplayer mode, which runs online across all platforms. The community is active, but connection issues can plague matches during peak hours.

Performance Issues

Technical problems mar the experience. Frame rate drops occur during complex scenes, especially on PS4. Load times are slow, and some menus feel clunky.

These issues are not fatal, but they do undercut the immersive experience the game is aiming for. Players who want a smooth, uninterrupted session may find themselves frustrated.

Sound Design

The audio is a strong point. Engine sounds are licensed and detailed, and the sound design in general adds to the atmosphere. Rain hitting the windshield, tires squealing on wet asphalt, and the distant roar of other racers all contribute to a sense of presence.

What Works

• The car lineup is extensive and well-curated
• The track variety is impressive
• The weather effects are some of the best in the genre
• The sound design is excellent

What Falls Short

• The handling model feels stiff, especially on lower difficulties
• The career mode AI feels scripted
• Technical issues like frame drops and slow loading mar the experience
• The VR support is thin compared to the base game

Final Word

Project CARS 3 is a game of contrasts. Its strengths — the car roster, the tracks, the sound — are genuinely excellent. Its weaknesses — the handling, the technical hitches — are frustrating enough to keep it from greatness.

It is a solid racing sim that rewards patience and familiarity with the controls. For newcomers, the learning curve is steep, and the game does not offer much in the way of gentle guidance.

Project CARS 3 is worth playing for the sheer volume of content on offer, but the execution falls short of its ambitions. It is a game that nearly reaches perfection and then pulls back at the last moment.

Key Facts Box
– Over 200 cars in the roster
– Over 200 circuits worldwide
– Multiple difficulty settings from arcade to hardcore
– Score: 7.4/10

car sim · career mode · PS4 · racing · review · VR