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DRIVECLUB
Platform: PlayStation 4
67

Driveclub Preview - E3 2014

Taking a ride with some friends on this PS4 exclusive title

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Driveclub is Sony’s first official flagship racing title for the PS4, even though many expected Gran Turismo to take that on that role. Additionally, this is a multiplayer title that’s focused on teamwork and competition, as the name may imply. Although it was first revealed as one of the launch window games for the new console, some development troubles have caused a delay into the Fall of 2014. With that deadline fast approaching, we got to play through a couple of races at E3 this year, and can predict that the game is well on its way to success.

The concept of Driveclub is to create a connected, social racing experience and not just by including a random ability to tweet your results or upload highlights to YouTube, as some other racing games have attempted. Instead, you’ve got Clubs at the center of the experience in this multiplayer-focused racer, where each member of a Club can earn points for their team and themselves. It adds a new layer of teamwork and global competition not previously seen in the genre.

Driveclub

For the actual hands-on portion, we grabbed a DS4 and got a choice of one of four supercars with varying stats, such as speed, acceleration, drifting and control. Going with the well-rounded Ferrari, we waited for the other three players to make their selections and the race kicked off. The loading time was quite quick, and engines were revving at the starting line in no time. This was a point to point race, so attempting to learn the track was not necessary.

As the rubber burned at the starting line, we were off. Joining us were about 4 AI opponents as well, who held their own and even attempted to challenge the players for a podium finish. Driving through the twisting roads of a desert locale, the evening sun burned bright in the sky and washed the panoramic hills with its warm orange glow. The cars looked good and the lighting was fairly impressive combined with panoramic vista views. Design of the track was serviceable.

Driveclub

A few turns into the race, and we ended up in a bit of a wreck. Nothing too serious and the game seemingly allows players to rebound off the barriers on the side of the road with minimal speed reduction. The car damage model however showcased a great level of detail, and the more collisions occurred, the more wear and tear was dealt to the body of the vehicle. Our Ferrari handled very well, tightly taking corners and responding to acceleration and braking with precision. It’s no simulation, as the game also lacked mechanical damage, but the car handling was good enough to be fun to drive.

As we made our way through the corners and straightaways with fans cheering on the side of the road, the track itself offered some activities. Certain sections presented us with various challenges to beat, such as best drifting score, or top average speed. In the few that we succeeded in, our name was put at the top of the leaderboard to beat for any racers still behind us. We also earned points for our profile as well as our club, even on the challenges that were not able to beat. It’s a great system and is sure to give players something to do, regardless of their final placing.

Driveclub

The only concern that was experienced with our demo was during a complete wipeout. Following a big pileup about halfway through the race, our beat-up Ferrari lost control and found itself facing the wrong way. Our attempts to reverse and steer out of this situation were surprisingly awkward as the car suddenly refused to behave and felt unresponsive. At least the game automatically makes you transparent for others while you attempt to correct your vehicle. Getting back on the road took but a few moments, due to the clumsy reverse controls, but it was enough to put us well out of the podium finish, even though we were in the lead at the time of the incident. Hopefully, the final game will tweak the racers’ ability to recover after a crash.

Driveclub aims to mark a new generation of racing on PlayStation, one that is both social and competitive. The plan to have the game partially available for free on PlayStation Plus will likely bring it wide exposure. Experienced developers at Evolution Studios have crafted a good looking title with tight controls and great damage modelling, and despite some development troubles, the game looks nearly ready to compete later this year. Watch for Driveclub to arrive this October on PlayStation 4.

Comments
DriveClub
DriveClub box art Platform:
PlayStation 4
Our Review of DriveClub
67%
Adequate
The Verdict:
Game Ranking
DriveClub is ranked #1395 out of 1957 total reviewed games. It is ranked #104 out of 152 games reviewed in 2014.
1395. DriveClub
1396. Defiance
Xbox 360
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Screenshots

DriveClub
18 images added Oct 18, 2014 18:12
Videos
DriveClub - Announcement Trailer
Posted: Feb 24, 2013 16:51
Driveclub - E3 2013 Trailer
Posted: Jun 14, 2013 13:04
Driveclub - Club Challenge Trailer
Posted: Aug 31, 2013 04:47
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