DRIV3R

"I liked it the first time I played it, when it was called Driver 2."

It's beyond me how a game that's been years in the making could be nothing more than near PSONE graphics and gameplay coated with a played out storyline and lackluster cut scenes.

Story 6-10

Possibly the only good thing about the game is the plot. It revolves around Tanner, an undercover cop whose looking to bust some car theives. The whole idea is okay, but it has been played out a lot. Also, the cutscenes are pretty detailed and graphic. They have hired some great actors to play voices in this game and it makes for a pretty cool expirence.

Gameplay 3-10

If the developers spent as much time in the gameplay as they did in the cutscenes, it would make for an awsome game. Unfortunatly, they did not. Would compare the overall gameplay to Driver 2 except that DRIV3R doesn't have as bad loading problems with the framerate. It's almost like an expansion pack to Driver 2 in a sense. Forklift, semi's, and go-carts are added. They also put in weapons as well. It still feels like an unrealistic mess. Just like the previous Driver games, they are limited cars per island and you end up passing the SAME car about a bi-zillion times. One new important feature in DRIV3R is that you can swim. The only real advantage of this is if you crash your car in the water and you have to get back to land. Long periods of swimming can lead to; you guessed it, death. There are way too many glitches too. I've seen cars falling from the sky, falling into the road, and Tanner going through buildings. Any glitches you've seen in previous Drivers can be expected in this one.

Sound 7-10

The 70's feel of the game is made possible by the soundtrack. The only thing i can complain about is that there is no radio like in Vice City, but then again this is NO Vice City.

Overall 4-10

If you really want a fun driving game, I don't recommend this one. It comes off way to glitchy and unrealistic. Rent it and beat it, that's about all you'll get out of it. I honestly would rather buy GTA2 and play it.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 07/02/04