Finally got Race Driver GRID. Developed by Codemasters, I was quite eager to start playing since I read the review and had previews of what the game looked like. (so eager that I delayed picking SY up for dinner)
GRID is a hybrid between arcade and simulator of mainly tarmac racing that consists of 43 cars. I must say I was VERY impressed by the level of detailing; in terms of graphics and driving physics. So impressed that I frustrate myself getting the hang of the cars.
Here are my judgement on the game based on MY own experience and opinion.
Graphics
This is the highlight of the game. The graphics for GRID is nothing less than impressive. The level of detailing to the surroundings, the cars and even the cockpit. Yes, the cockpit. I loved this view (although it's super hard to see the road with all the dust and debris) because it's so realistic and it puts you in the driver's perspective of racing. Sure it may be hard to see the road, what more when you're travelling about 270km/h but, hey, the experience is thrilling. I've been craving for games such as NFS to make a comeback with the cockpit camera view like they did in Hot Pursuit 2 and now, GRID has fulfilled it. And it's not just some lame-looking-steering-wheel-with-hands-and-lame-looking-dashboard view. This is the full cockpit of an actual racer car. Even the action of the driver switching gears or the lights blinking to signal for gear ratios are shown, not to mention the way the hands turn the steering depending on how much you turn the car. What more can anyone ask? It even shows you the detailed indicator and the roll cage nicely strapped and hinged down inside the cockpit. GRID has combined some of the top tuner, muscle and exotic cars there are around the world.
On the outside, the details given to the cars and the damages were impeccable. Even the door swings open if the impact hits it. Not to mention tyres going crooked and suspension debris flying around. Spectators were more realistic than in Prostreet but, we don't care about them, do we? The surroundings were nicely duplicated to be as real as possible and sceneries are breathtaking.
Gameplay
First and foremost, the cars' handling. Maybe I suck at it, but the cars were like super hard to get the hang of. But the physics were realistically duplicated. You either get a car that would constantly oversteer or understeer. And there's not a thing you can do or tweak about it. The controls allow you to skew the deadzone and saturation for your steering, accelerator and brakes though. So, just play around with those. Cars tend to skid uncontrolably the moment it hits a different tarmac, the grass area and the sand pits. But cars do not need to slow down to snail speeds to take corners unlike in Prostreet. Drifting in GRID is a heck of a challenge as the car tends to wipe out constantly. Maybe balancing the throttle, brakes and steering requires the ACTUAL steering and pedals. GRID even got rid of street-racing-type car supplements such as NOS or personal car modifications. Indicators right next to your speedometer will even indicate damages your car is suffering from. If your car is about 80% damaged, the race is over for you.
Races are separated into 3 groups; American Muscles, Euro Racing and Japan Racing styles. Almost every form of track racing is found in GRID, even the notorious Demolition Derby under American style. Each track-type requires the region's car type for racing. No mix and matching cars and their birth continents.
The great thing about GRID is, if you're playing Driver Offer modes, whereby you use cars which are provided to you, the most important thing is to complete the race. It is not necessary for you to win in order to receive the Appearance Fee and Playback Bonus. But completing bonus clauses will earn you extra cash. It really simulates the actual world of racing where there is money the moment you finish a course. The rest of the racing modes, they offer price money if you finish within the top 3. Japan drift tournaments are knockout-style; in which you compete and defeat one opponent after another to proceed to become Drift King. All races won will add to your reputation further down the road.
Overall
I can say that I recommend all driving enthusiast to try this game out, but to be warned that there might be some frustrations while trying to get the hang of the cars' handling. It brought back substance and reality to what racing is all about and it all comes down to how you position yourself strategically and mentally while racing and not just a whole case of "who's got more NOS and press that button faster" gizmo. This is racing at its raw, pure and wildest nature.
I would give this game an 8/10. Dropping points at tweaking the way the car handles and the drifting mechanism. The rest is pure bliss.
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