GRID
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GRID
Codemasters does it again!
After seeing what Codemasters did with Race Driver last year, I wasn’t that surprised when they confirmed GRID for the DS. So when my copy arrived, it didn’t take me much time to put it in my DS and fire it up. And once again…Codemasters managed to deliver an interesting title that will keep DS racing fans, and myself, busy for a while. Here’s our review for GRID.
Yes it’s GRID but don’t expect to get the same next-gen experience from the Xbox 360 or PS3 game here, because it isn’t. You should look at GRID DS as it is: a nice complementary game to your current GRID experience. The game does continue on the same core concepts of the console game: the racing styles, the licenses, the cars but the look and feel of the game, the fact that you have the action in your hands…it makes you feel the action even more.
If you played Race Driver: Create and Race last year, you won’t see huge differences here (since it’s almost the same game) but GRID does offer that “little something” Race Driver didn’t have. Is it because I loved GRID on consoles? Is it because the feeling of the DS in my hands was almost forgotten? I don’t know…it’s a weird but pleasant and indescribable feeling.
So there are worldwide events, Tournaments, Time-Trials, Speed/Acceleration Tests, Drift Battles…lots to offer if you ask me. But there’s two things missing: the Rewind system and the sponsorships. Fear not, the game features an exquisite and interesting track editor, a feature that I would die to see on a next-generation racing game one day and that makes it up for what’s missing. Using the stylus as your construction tool, you’ll be drawing tracks, adding turns, slopes and even advertisement billboards just for the heck of it. You have my word: your experience with the track editor will be quite enjoyable and easy as well. And to top it all, you can share your creation with your friends…now that’s cool if you ask me, especially if you’re an excellent race track designer and your friend is one lazy lad!
Now, you know that this is a Nintendo DS game but don’t let this fool you. The game is obviously pushing the hardware limitations to the max. While you won’t see huge physical damage to your car, the 3D rendering in the game is nicely done. Although I did saw some minimal texture ripping and framerate drops, the game performs very well overall. When a game like this pushes the boundaries of the hardware limitations, I expect this to happen. But I’m a purist, I see framerate drops in my cereals…so for the gamer who wants to have fun and race like a fool, these minuscule nuisances won’t be a biggie. As for the sound build, you can clearly hear the roar of your motor and the sound of your tired screeching the asphalt. Nothing fancy but it does the job.
Like any other game on the DS that isn’t Final Fantasy, GRID DS is short. You can easily complete the career in a couple of hours if you put your mind to it (like I did!). Don’t worry though, GRID DS is one of these games that can be picked up at any time and played no matter when and where. It’s always good to have a handheld racing game close and for 30$, you won’t complain after seeing what this game has to offer.
Conclusion
In order to get the full GRID experience, you’ll need to play either the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360 version, that’s a fact. If you’re a racing fan already enjoying GRID on your console but has a DS that’s craving for some love, this version is definitely worth picking up. The Track Creator will let your imagination go for hours and the fact that you can play via Wi-Fi with only one cartridge with 3 of your buddies, makes this game an excellent addition to your racing collection and of course your DS library. I could go for hours about GRID DS…but I’ll stop it right here. I need to go back and play it again! And if you haven’t bought it yet…well, don’t make me slap you!
Pros
- Graphics pushing the limits of the DS
- Track Editor
- Lots of events, replay value is very good
- 4 Player Wi-Fi with one cartridge!
- 30$ Price Point
Cons
- Few framerate drop and texture clippings
- Experience could’ve been a bit longer?
Final Verdict
Here's a small guide to help you understand our evaluation of games.
PRESENTATION GRADE
Can be from the game's box to the contents of the booklet, and even the game introduction. (Intro, menus, options, etc)
GRAPHIC GRADE
Up to what point the graphics have been worked on my the developper. The design type, the effort used for textures and environments, as well as animations and framerate.
AUDIO GRADE
Is the soundtrack a good match to the game's style, he ambient sounds keeping with the gameplay and the sound effects clear and convincing?
GAMEPLAY GRADE
Placement of the controls and the inferface that the player with be using during the game.
REPLAY VALUE GRADE
The most important factor in the evaluation of a game. It identifies the lifespan of the game and the fun of coming back again and again.
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