Just Drive

Driving games are a dime a dozen, with every style covered from the hyper-serious and simulation-standard games to the arcade-y joy that we can find in indie titles. One title that is gathering a fair amount of interest at the moment is Just Drive.

If you are looking for a fun and simple driving experience that feels like it harks back to the old-school rally driving days of the 90s, then this might be a title that you want to keep a close eye on as it grows. Developed by Kendall Hallmark, there is an authenticity to Just Drive that makes it work investigating for the price.

Simple competitive racing

Many racing games today lose their edge because they try and become the next Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo. While Just Drive has more in common with old-school games like Sega Rally, it has a joyful simplicity and an arcade feel that makes it highly enjoyable for racing enthusiasts. What it lacks in polish and detail, it makes up for in charm and charisma.

There is a joy to be found in Just Drive that you would probably be more used to finding in games like Crossout. There is something to be said for the simplicity of the game, though those looking for something more modern and immersive might not feel quite as satisfied as we were. Like any smaller game, there are limits to what this can offer but the fact you can easily enjoy public games with friends makes it easy for you to come to enjoy participating with Just Drive.

Simple, basic riding fun with limits (6/10)

So, Just Drive does not look like a title that was released even in the last decade. In many ways, it can feel like a mobile game that somehow found itself on PC. The level of detail on the vehicles and the tracks is quite limited, and the interface is pretty limited.

However, fans of motor customisation will find a friend waiting for them here. Just Drive does a good job of making sure that you can easily customise and change your vehicles in so many ways. You can even add weapons to your car, adding a kind of Road Rash style feel to the races that can help to add another layer of tension when you happen to be playing online.

Give yourself an advantage by shooting out at other cars so that you can get ahead – be warned, though, as others drivers can do the same to you. You simply create your vehicle, you set out onto the road, and you take on the various challenges along the track as you beat everyone else to the punch.

Pros

• Excellent customisation options helps you to control your cars
• Enjoyable gameplay loop with the use of weapons for slowdown

Cons

• Limited visuals and UI makes this feel like an outgrown mobile game
• Lack of polish limits the level of enjoyment you can have after a period of time