This is the self-preservation society... Oh, heh, sorry... Review time.
I know what you're thinking. It's a Mini. How could you ever look cool in a Mini? Surely this is a foregone conclusion, and I should just toss this car back on the junkpile like that heap of scrap it is.
Well, just hear me out on this one, it's not all that bad.
Yes, it's a Mini, but it's not what you think. This car can be a real wolf in sheep's clothing. Trust me, I thought the same at first, and it took someone else to talk me into trying it out before I realised what a fool I really was.
Design-wise, you can tell this has been derived from the old style Mini, thrilling the masses and gaining cult status in the way back when. But the design has grown up to match the times, with a more rounded and 'sporty' appearance. And while it's not a giant, it's certainly no longer quite as mini! As far as colours go, well, you've got a wide range of choices available to you, and there is a deep green colour available, so I'm happy at least. Also, if you can unlock it in-game, there's a very nice red with union jack flag on the roof scheme as well, for that true British style. It always reminds me of "The Italian Job", even though there wasn't a colour scheme like that in the movie.
But, yes, I know, it doesn't mean anything unless it performs on the track.
It looks like a foregone conclusion. It's a Mini. You aren't going to out-drag a Ferrari in one of these, no matter what head start you get! But the power of the Mini doesn't lie in its power or speed, but rather in its handling. You see, as far as Project Gotham Racing goes, it's the only front-wheel drive vehicle available. This gives it superior levels of handling and stability, especially against the higher power cars, which are all twitchy rear-wheel drive models. Sure, you can't beat other cars in a straight line, but you can drive into the corners a bit harder, and you don't have to worry so much about sliding over the track like you're driving on ice when exiting each bend.
In fact, when driving twistier circuits in the tight London streets, it can be surprising just how much speed you can get out of the Mini, darting from corner to corner. Because there's little room for out-accelerating and using pure power to outclass your opponents, the Mini's exceptional stability can win the day.
Then, given the extra stability, there is the option of resorting to 'Evil' tactics. That is, instead of outdriving your opponent like a good sport, you can take advantage of the fact that, given a firm nudge from behind when entering a corner, rear-wheel drive cars will have a tendancy to spin, whereas the Mini will retain its line much better, allowing you to bring chaos and doom to the track. Doom, I tell you!
But I digress. I know none of you would ever use 'Evil' tactics. Would you? Would you?? I thought not.
So, in conclusion, it's not fast, it's not powerful, but it takes corners better than David Beckham.
And anyway, I do think it looks kinda cool. So there.
