Race Driver: Create & Race

"Best Racing Game on the DS"

When I first heard that this game was coming out on the DS, I was a little hesitant. I went to the store and picked it up, and what I got was an incredible racing game, better than Mario Kart I might add. So here it goes:

Sound- 7/10

In this game, there are two VERY lacking components, sound being one of them. All of the cars sound the same, there's very little difference between them other than the loudness of their engines. The tire screeches sound ok at best. The game music only plays on the title screen, which is good, seeing as it is quite repetitive. When you crash into a wall, you hear a deep thud, and when you hit another car you hear a deep thud. There just aren't enough variety of sounds to get that authentic racing feel.


Graphics- 9/10

This is were Race Driver: Create and Race begins to shine. The graphics are very well done, with lots of little details. The decals on your car are sharp and readable, and everything right down the the accent lines are defined. The flaw here is that you car is only half-rendered; when using the rearview camera you will find that the front end of you car looks very blocky and unfinished. when you steer, some of the tire sticks out of the wheelwell, sliding produces some smoke, and going off-road makes little pieces of dirt fly up around you. The roads look like roads, and not just a grey path. The environment is also well defined, with tress outlining grand prix tracks, and a tall cityscape towering over you in street racing. These are definitely some of the nicest looking graphics available for the DS.


Gameplay- 10/10

Race Driver provides the best racing gameplay out on the DS. There are 32 different tracks, each one offering its own unique challenges and driving style. It's pedal to the metal racing on Mugello, and careful manovering on Nurburgring's F1 circuit. Play alone in time trials, or battle it out in the Tours against several A.I.'s. This is what this game is all about. The framerate is able to keep up, with little or no slowdowns, even in a tight-knit race. The computer is very fast, and you might encounter some races that feel impossible to win. They do drive in a pattern though. There will always be one or two up at the front, four in the middle, and one straggler. The two "leaders" will give you some grief in the grand prix. Overall, the fun and challenging gameplay will keep you wanting more.


Content- 10/10

This game has a ton of stuff packed in it. The two tours will give you at least 6 hours of play alone, and the time trials will last you the entire game. When you finish perfecting your times and dominating the competition, there's still the real portion of the game left- the track editor. You can save up to eight tracks, each one custom-made by yourself. Feel like a drag strip? Or maybe a drift circuit? Plus, you can race on your's and other's custom tracks online, but that brings me to the most disappointing section of this review.


Multiplayer (Wifi)- 1/10

The online in this game is non-existent. You will never find anyone online unless you organize a game in a chat room or here on Gamefaqs. Very disappointing, because this game could have easily been the best racing game on the DS. I myself have played with people I know online, and I'll tell you, when you can play, its endless fun sharing custom maps. It's really too bad Codemasters didn't advertise this game.

(Local Wireless)- 10/10

Basically the same as playing online when you find a game, but in the same room. Lots of fun and level sharing if everyone has their own copy.


The Verdict- 9/10

Overall this is a fantastic game, I had a blast playing it. If you enjoy sim-type racers, go and get this game, you'll be glad you did. Find some people to play with and you'll be set. Plenty to do alone, even more to do with friends. If the online was full, then this would be a perfect ten.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/11/08

Game Release: Race Driver: Create & Race (US, 10/02/07)