Driver: San Francisco

Driver: San Francisco is an action/racing game with an awesome new mechanic that sets it apart from the other games in the Driver series. Although Driver: San Francisco is the fifth game in the franchise, it takes place a few months after Driv3r, once again starring the grizzled police detective named John Tanner. Speeding through the streets of San Fran, you'll complete a variety of crazy vehicle-based missions as you track down the dangerous criminal Charles Jericho. By offering a blisteringly fast gameplay experience with some exceptionally cool new ideas, Driver: San Francisco is arguably the best in the entire series.

Main Game Features

• Over 100 licensed cars
• Accurate recreation of San Francisco, California
• Unique “Shift” ability allows you teleport to any car

Story

In Driver: San Francisco you play as John Tanner, a cop with a grudge against the criminal overlord Charles Jericho. On Jericho's trial date, he executes a daring escape during transport to the courthouse, commandeering a vehicle and making a break for it. Luckily, John and his partner Tobias are nearby, quickly engaging in a lively pursuit. Unfortunately, an ugly crash ensues, leaving John in a coma. Despite this, he reawakens just several moments later, as if the crash never happened. Shortly thereafter, John has an out-of-body experience, inhabiting the body of a nearby driver. With this newfound power, John sets out to scour the city for Jericho and solve the mystery of his abilities.

Gameplay

If you're a fan of open-world games like Grand Theft Auto, but perhaps aren't a fan of the high levels of violence, then Driver: San Francisco is a perfect game. Thanks to John's signature “Shift” ability that lets him possess almost every other car on the road, the game manages to feel more like an open-world action game at times. That said, you'll never leave the car itself, always staying firmly behind the steering wheel. Scattered across the city are a variety of missions and challenges, both pertaining to the main story as well as various sub-plots. These side-activities vary from simple time-trials to more wacky missions, like freaking out a driving instructor by possessing a youngster during their license exam. There's a big emphasis on hard-hitting racing and destructible environments, as you can boost and ram with every vehicle in the game.

There's also a great selection of multiplayer modes to enjoy, both in local split-screen and online lobbies. With over a dozen unique race-types, there's no shortage of excitement for you and your friends. You can enjoy classic sprint and lap races, along with goofier match-types like “cops and robbers” and the beloved childhood game of Tag. As you complete different matches you'll earn experience points, unlocking cool new content and extra bragging rights. Whether you're interested in a lengthy single-player adventure or some high-speed competition with your pals, this game has what you're looking for.

Conclusion

Although the story is pretty standard fare outside of the weird teleportation stuff, Driver: San Francisco manages to successfully resurrect a dying franchise with a much-needed bolt of energy. When it comes down to racing games, you only need a few things: super-fast speeds, intense and dramatic action, and some great track design. Driver: San Francisco has all of that, as well as awesome multiplayer offerings, unique gameplay mechanics, and an impressive selection of real-world cars.

Pros

• “Shift” mechanic never gets old
• The map is tons of fun to explore
• Great variety of missions

Cons

• Silly plot
• Some side-activities feel repetitive