Driver: San Francisco
Producer: Ubisoft
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii
Rating: Teen
Genre: Action/Driving
Get In and Drive
Written by Heather Spears
DRIVER: San Francisco is probably the farthest thing from any car game you have ever played. A fantastic story mode, 11 different online modes and the ability to overtake in a split-screen, co-op match, this game is sure to entertain. The player feels like they can really drive like the pros with sensational driving abilities like long drifts, sharp bends and fast boosts. Ubisoft’s latest release will provide gamers with a unique gaming experience they won’t find anywhere else!
John Tanner has spent his life putting criminals behind bars but has he met his match in DRIVER‘s next title? In DRIVER: San Francisco, main character John Tanner is forced take on a restive manhunt to eliminate his enemy, Charles Jericho. Jericho makes a gripping escape from a prison van and is on the loose to terrorize the city of San Francisco. Tanner and his partner chase down their rival, ending the pursuit in a brutal car accident that leaves Tanner in a daze. Even with life-threatening injuries, Tanner’s mind is still focused on finding Jericho. He will go through whatever it takes to find San Francisco’s greatest threat.
With that said, Tanner is left confused and a new way to play is introduced to the DRIVER series. As Tanner is recovering from the crash he realizes he has acquired a new skill that allows him to shift himself into any vehicles driving on the streets of San Francisco. Tanner’s new ability to “shift” is unexpected and slightly corny, but sure is fun. Players would never guess that having the main character knowingly become someone else could be fun. Popping out of your car and shifting into another vehicle allows you to get to know the people of San Francisco on a personal level. This new ability brings more of a story line into the game play; not only do you follow the manhunt for national crime lord Jericho, but you also learn the troubles of a young boy trying to get his license, troubled teens who street race to try and raise money for their college fund as well as many other side stories. As irrational as having Tanner fly through the air to find a new body sounds, getting to know each character makes the game feel more personal.
Story mode will prove to be fun in many ways, but online multiplayer is one of the best ever played online. There are 11 different game types to choose from and as one levels up, they get to play more of these modes. The multiplayer is far from just racing, but players can race, play a mode similar to the game of tag, as well as see who performs the best jump, drift or overtake. It is easy to play and extremely enjoyable if you have a group of friends to play with. DRIVER: San Francisco has a game type for anyone to enjoy.
All in all, DRIVER: San Francisco is a great game to just have fun with. This is one of the few car games almost anyone could play. If you’re looking for a more serious game you might want to steer clear of DRIVER: San Francisco, but if you just want to have fun, this is the game for you. Sit back relax and just drive.