Overview

Title: Race Drive : GRID

Release Date: EU 30^th May 2008 / NA 3rd June 2008 / AU 5th June 2008 /

Developer/Publisher: Codemasters / Codemasters

Genre: Racing 

Platform[s]: Xbox 360, PS3

Storyline

With many successful racing games under their belt (Colin McCray Rally, TOCA and DiRT), Codemasters have now given us extremely well made racing game that finds a perfect balance between the fun of arcade racing and the depth and realism of a simulation.

The main aim of the Grid World mode is to increase your reputation as a driver and earn money to buy new vehicles.

You’ll be paid for winning races, playing at harder difficulty levels, earning sponsor bonuses and being part of a winning team. As with many racing games, you need a selection of vehicle types to enter different racing events, and you can buy cars either brand-new or secondhand on eBay Motors. It’s a rare example of in-game advertising done right.

You get the chance to race on famous tracks all over the world in some of the most technologically advanced cars ever created such as the Ferrari F430 GT, Lamborghini Murcielago GTR, Aston Martin DBR9, Koenigsegg CCXR and Porsche 911 GT3-RSR.

Gameplay

In the career mode GRID World, the aim is to climb the ranks. Simple aspects are introduced as the season’s progress, such as choosing sponsors and selecting a team mate. This is all done in a way that does not overwhelm you, and provides more objectives to chase than simply winning.

Another great innovation in GRID world is the fact that progression is entirely dependent on the player. There are a total of 51 trophies to win, spread across Japanese, US & European racing. An almost unlimited amount of Driver Offers are also available, where specific criteria has to be met in order to win the cash.

Grid’s controls are very easy to pick up and live with, but the damage model and in game AI can make for a difficult first few races. Minor bumps and crashes will do little to impact the performance of your vehicle; bumpers will fall off and windscreens will shatter, but your car will perform as normal. However, major incidents will have a more drastic effect on your ability to race. Your vehicle might pull to one side or lose power, or even worse, completely fail.

Purists may complain there isn’t more to tinker with (as all management is done above the bonnet) but this let the player focus on the fun part of the game, the racing.

Graphics

One of GRIDs most innovative features is the ability to rewind crashes. A superb feature, again one that can be ignored, but helps prevent habitual replays. It doesn’t destroy the tension or that sense of accomplishment. The graphics are sensational, particularly in HD.

Audio

One area that Grid falls down on is its audio. Engine noises don’t always sound as meaty as they should, especially when you’re using the in-car view and some of the cars’ engines are difficult to distinguish from one another. Musically, there’s a superb intro theme but the music in the menus is bland and add little to the in game atmosphere.