Being an avid fan of Gran Turismo, I had no idea what to expect from Codemasters latest arcade title, however, I am happy to report that I have been really impressed with this game. It has everything that you want from a great racing simulator, fast cars driving round real life tracks trying to outdo each other.
The opening montage sets the cinematic tone of the game, and also that the user should expect intense racing coupled where a small mistake could lead to a huge race ending crash.
Now those familiar to Gran Turismo may complain about the lack of cars available to purchase, GRID only boasts 43 cars in total but each of these cars are proper pedal-to-medal racing cars and therefore are the cars that you really want to drive. For example I would much rather race my Pagani Zonda around the Nurburgring rather than trawl round the oval shaped courses in Gran Turismo in my Nissan Micra. Now I am well aware that Gran Turismo does have its own super cars which is all well and good but there are far too many races which required the user to race against other road cars, which I find tedious.
GRID's main career mode is known as GRID WORLD which requires the gamer to set up his or her own racing team. After selecting an appropriate team name and decided on the custom colours your shiny cars will sport on race day, it is up to you to build up your reputation on the track and to earn money. Money is earned buy winning races and successes on the track will enable you to make additions to your race team. Additions include hiring a team mate to race alongside you and also exceptional track results will attract potential sponsors. Sponsors will approach your team and offer you sums of money in return for having their logos on your car.
With four separate areas for you to race in (EUR, USA, JPN and GLOBAL) there is a hell a lot of racing for the user to participate in, not to mention the online facility which allows you to race against other users from all around the world.
GRID caters to gamers of all skill levels, the pro mode allows experienced users to race without driving aids such as traction and brake control for a more challenging experience. Similarly novice users are also aided with GRIDs innovative "Flashback" feature which allows users to use the instant replay function to rewind up to 10 seconds and restart the race from any position within the previous 10 seconds. For example, imagine you are in front of the pack of racers, with two corners to go and the second place driver is breathing down your neck and you lose control and smash into the wall gifting the victory to driver behind you. Rather than restarting the whole race the flashback facility will allow you to effectively rewind to the exact point when you lost control of the car and have another crack at it.
There is only one criticism that I can think of and it is that there is no split screen option for those of us who have siblings or friends that frequently come round for a game on the PS3.
In conclusion, this is as a realistic a racer as you will find on the PS3, graphically it is a beautiful game and the gameplay, with its huge crashes and intense overtaking will leave you wanting more.
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Postage & Packaging: £3.95 Availability: In stock. 3 working days
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Race Driver: GRID is all about the race. Every moment from the adrenalin rush at the start lights to the elation at the chequered flag the tension, pressure, ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.94 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
As the all-new racing experience from Codemasters Studios, creators of Colin McRae: DiRT, ... more
Race Driver: GRID is all about the race. Every moment from the adrenalin rush at the start lights to the elation at the chequered flag the tension, pressure, ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.94 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
As the all-new racing experience from Codemasters Studios, creators of Colin McRae: DiRT, ... more
Race Driver: GRID is all about the race. Every moment from the adrenalin rush at the start lights to the elation at the chequered flag the tension, pressure, ...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: GREAT GRAPHICS, SOUND, GAMEPLAY, INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL 'FLASHBACK' INSTANT REPLAY Disadvantages: CAN GET REPETITIVE, SPINNING OUT WHEN OPPONENTS AT FAULT OF COLLISION
danielfudge 11.06.2008 (11.06.2008)
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Review of Race Driver: GRID (PS3)
Advantages: Amazing graphics and audio, stunning and immersive environments, different racing styles Disadvantages: Will take time to get used to each car