The Driver series took a new direction for this game, and produced a surprisingly solid title.
GAMEPLAY:
As with all Driver games, the best fun is just driving. But now there are a lot more possibilities. There are a lot of well modeled cars, varying in their speeds and assumed pricetags. This games really gives you a speed rush that you don't often feel, even in racing games. The adrenaline goes higher as you not only race at high speeds, but you also dodge traffic and evade police.
There is a great weapon arsenal in the game. The on foot targeting system will have you clearing your foes quickly, and you can even deal some big damage from inside your car. The game is one big sandbox. Missions and mini games are started by going to certain places. Otherwise, you can spend hours exploring the realistic and vast city.
The game all takes place in New York City (and parts of New Jersey). Having been there myself, I have to say they perfectly replicated the atmosphere. On top of that, half the game is played in the 70's, and later on you jump forward to 2006. Both time periods feel very different, making it feel real.
There are lots of nice cars to drive around. There are three race tracks, each with a garage where you can store one of each car (and pick them up no matter where you last left them). You can repair them, remove felony, and customize them exstensively.
SOUND:
The music in this game is great. Lots of licensed tracks. The 70's music gives the perfect atmosphere, and will really bring older players back. The 2006 music isn't as enjoyable at first, but over time you realize that it helps form the cold atmosphere of the 2006 portion of the game. In fact, most of the 2006 tracks were made for the game and designed for their feeling.
GRAPHICS:
Some people say the graphics are dated. Personally, I thought they were excellent. And as nice as they are, they didn't become a centerpiece that took away from the gameplay. The warm colours in the 70's play and the colder tint of the 2006 play really helps create the environment. The cars are well designed, the newer sports cars being perticularly sleek and expensive feeling. The city is very detailed and feels very real.
STORY:
The story is about as deep as it gets for this type of game. However, it tells a fairly interesting story and puts you into some very exciting missions. The twist sending you into 2006 makes this game feel unique. How often do you play two time periods in one game?
OVERALL:
Driver: PL shows what a vision can do. With a clear image of what the game would be, and amazing work put into making it, the Driver franchise has finally redeemed itself and created a seemless game. The immersive city will keep you exporing, and the great cars with fun driving will keep you playing. It never gets old (trust me).