Developer: Firebrand GamesPublisher: Codemasters
Year: 2008
So, this the sequel to one of the DS' finest handheld racing games, Race Driver: Create and Race, and in my opinion, it has sadly lost it's magic.
Create and Race was the DS reworking of the console and PC game Race Driver 3, and it was great; offering a selection of real-world racing championships, while catering to those who wanted their race sim on the more arcadey side. But, with GRID they have totally lost the true racing and gone done the Need for Speed route of arcade-style racing.
By doing the game this way, it has lost what the Race Driver and TOCA series was known for: pick up and play simulated racing using real-world championships. GRID turns this on it's head and focusses on sports cars and the like. Which, for me is disappointing, as I have always liked racing in the proper championships.
And where are the iconic British tracks?! They are sadly missing from GRID. I bought this excitedly thinking of racing cars round Brands Hatch in a better game, but it didn't happen. They even left out Silverstone!
One of the best things about Create and Race was the track designer. With no limits, I could create some crazy long tracks, but GRID imposes a limit on the number of track pieces you could put down; so no more five minute random drawing sessions to create mad tracks.
When I was told there was a Japan section in the game, I was expecting stuff like Formula Nippon and Japanese F3; but instead we get street racing??!! God, I have had enough of that to last a lifetime in NFS. The street racing genre has outstayed its welcome, and has become boring and clichéd, with every game being the similar sort of thing.
Ultimately, for myself as a dedicated motorsport fan, this was disappointing. I expected the thrilling real-world circuit racing from C&R, and we get clichéd arcade style racing instead. So, motorsport fans: put down the DS and boot up the PC, for when there are games like GTR Evolution and rFactor, there is no need to be buying games like this.
+ Simple arcade racing
+ Fun for short bouts
+ Uses Wi-Fi
- Loses the real championships
- Imposes limits on track design
- Includes clichéd street racing
Rating: 5/10
