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Video Game Review: Grid
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Published: July 11, 2008
System: Microsoft Xbox 360
Also available for: Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Windows PC
Publisher: Codemasters
Reviewer's rating: ***
ESRB rating: Everyone
Game type: Racing
Kind of like: "Need for Speed: Pro Street"
Best feature: Easy to pick up; cool "flashback" feature
Worst feature: Not for realism junkies
The bottom line: There's a fundamental way to break down drivers: those who drive stick and those who drive automatic. Sure, there's a certain appeal - machismo even - to having complete control behind a manual transmission. But sometimes it's just more fun to hop behind the wheel, forget about every little detail and just drive. For the latter camp, Codemasters offers "Grid."
"Grid" is one of the more accessible racers available, putting the gamer in the role of a rookie driver trying to get his or her team off the ground. But rather than forcing players to start from scratch with an underpowered car on boring tracks, "Grid" lets players drive for-hire with established teams. Drivers start with the best cars on the best teams before having to strike out on their own.
The gameplay is more arcade-style than pure driving simulation. But what matters to a lot of gamers is the driving, not trying to determine the perfect camber angle or best gear ratios. "Grid" even allows players to "flashback" a few seconds - basically a re-do - in the event of a catastrophic crash. (So wait a minute before throwing that controller across the room.)
With its variety of racing formats and a diverse car selection, "Grid" reminds players why we play racing games in the first place - because driving is supposed to be fun.
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