Race Driver: GRID

Released

Release Date: May 30, 2008

Racing, Cars, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Internet, LAN

A racing game which is a direct continuation to the TOCA Touring Cars and TOCA Race Driver series developed by Codemasters. Contrary to the studio's other flagship franchise, DiRT, this game is focused on street and speedway races in which we sit behind the wheel of the most popular cars of the world, all of them licensed. The fun takes place in three different locations that offer us slightly different kinds of competition.

8.2

Steam

8.0

Users

Rate It!

Ratings

 Videos: 19 

Images: 161 

Mechanics
Technical aspects

GRID for PC, PS3 and X360 is the fourth installment of the Race Driver series developed by Codemasters. It is not a typical sequel, though, but an entirely new product that offers many previously unknown solutions to the fans of the franchise. The game references such productions as Project Gotham Racing or Forza Motorsport in many respects.

Mechanics

The game has three primary kinds of play to offer. If we decide to race in the United States, we can count on racing through the streets of the biggest American metropolises such as Washington, Detroit, or San Francisco. To win competitions, we will use powerful V8 muscle-cars like Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, Plymouth Barracuda, or Dodge Viper. European events teem with professional tournaments that take place on speedways. These include such places as Donington Park, Silverstone, Spa Francorchamps, or Nurburgring. As far as cars are concerned, we have many famous and valued brands at our disposal, including Aston Martin, TVR, Audi, and Koenigsegg. The last group is formed by races in Japan. These competitions are mostly based on drifting, in which we use specially modified Mazda, Subaru, or Toyota vehicles. The player gets to visit the most famous Japanese cities (Tokyo, among others) as well as mountain roads resembling those from Need for Speed: Carbon. As we progress, we buy new cars and unlock new tournaments.

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The game has a similar driving model to the previous installments of the Race Driver series. Mastering the racing machine is required to win. However, beginners can make use of many facilities that help at cornering, among other things. The game also features the so-called flashbacks that allow us to reverse time to correct the mistakes we made. GRID offers an incredibly realistic damage model. It applies to both minor bumps and huge crashes that can lead to immediate end of the race. Repeated impacts have a negative influence on the performance of our vehicle.

Technical aspects

Race Driver: GRID for PC, PS3 and X360 is powered by the EGO engine which is a modified version of that used in Colin McRae: DiRT. The most important enhancements were made in car and environment appearance. Races take place on very detailed speedways. In case of city competitions, we can see the characteristic sights of a given metropolis. The game also features crowds that dynamically react to the players’ performance.

Platforms:

PC Windows May 30, 2008

Xbox 360 May 30, 2008

PlayStation 3 May 30, 2008

Nintendo DS August 5, 2008

Developer: Codemasters

Publisher: Codemasters

Similar Games:

Need for Speed ProStreet

Test Drive Unlimited

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit

Game Series

12GAMES

Race Driver / GRID Game Series

The cult series of video games dedicated to the theme of car racing. It was created and is still being developed by the British company Codemasters Software. To date, eleven major installments of the series have been released, which has changed its title and formula a couple of times during its long history. Initially, the series became famous for its high level of realism (unattainable, for instance, for Gran Turismo), later its hallmark became a huge variety of available routes, vehicles, and motorsport disciplines (from all forms of traditional rivalry on asphalt, through drifting, to rallying), as well as an advanced destruction model. It currently stands out from the competition with its aggressive artificial intelligence and exciting, unpredictable races.

Race Driver / GRID Game Series

Features

Guide

Last update: June 18, 2008

Race Driver GRID Game Guide

Detailed description for all tracks, cars, careers, race types, hints, tips.

Race Driver GRID Game Guide

Downloads

Top downloads for Race Driver: GRID Video Game:

All Downloads

System Requirements

System Requirements for Race Driver: GRID Video Game:

PC / Windows

Recommended System Requirements:
Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB (GeForce 8800 or better), 12.5 GB HDD, Windows XP SP2/Vista.

Xbox 360

Supports:
Xbox Live

Ratings

Game Ratings for Race Driver: GRID Video Game.

82%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (3,311)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Graphics: Despite being released in 2008, the game's graphics are still considered impressive and hold up well on low-spec PCs.
Damage Model: The game features detailed damage visuals, enhancing the realism and immersion.
Engaging Career Mode: The career mode is well-structured, providing a sufficient variety of tracks and racing events across three continents (USA, Europe, and Japan).
AI Responsiveness: The AI is responsive and can be set to different difficulty levels for each race, providing a tailored challenge.
Unique Race Types: The game includes various race types, including drifting, demolition derbies, and endurance races, adding variety to gameplay.
Value for Money: Many users feel the game offers great entertainment value, especially when purchased on sale.

The main cons of the game

Limited Car Selection: The total number of cars is relatively low, which some players find disappointing despite the inclusion of fan-favorite models.
Unrealistic Handling: The handling model is seen as a mix between arcade and simulation, which some players find unrealistic, particularly regarding muscle car handling and tire skidding.
Non-Functional Multiplayer: The official multiplayer servers are no longer active, limiting the game to single-player experiences unless using third-party solutions.
Lack of Achievements: The absence of Steam achievements is noted by some users as a downside.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Practice Mode: Many players express a desire for a practice mode to learn tracks and refine skills without the pressure of competition.
Car Customization: Players are looking for more extensive car customization options beyond basic paint jobs and sponsor decals.
AI Improvements: Some users desire better AI behavior, particularly regarding how they interact with players during races.
Realistic Race Mechanics: Features like tire degradation, fuel consumption, and pit stops are absent, which some players feel would enhance realism.
Expanded Career Mode: A more robust career mode with additional events and championships is desired, as some players find the current structure repetitive.

Summary

In summary, Race Driver: GRID is praised for its graphics, engaging gameplay, and unique racing experiences, but it faces criticism for its limited car selection, handling mechanics, and the lack of multiplayer features and customization options.

Summary generated on: October 28, 2025

8.0

USERS Score

Average score from votes.

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