IGN: Driveclub Review

Fast, beautiful, and accessible, but a more modest, conventional arcade racer than its sprawling, open-world peers.

[Gazondaily]

I'm not surprised about the scores at all to be honest. But was the comparison with FH2 necessary IGN? Yes. Yes it was once Evolution lumped in that 'Forza-killer' quote from VG24/7. I think its safe to say that DC hasn't killed its peers off.

[MrSwankSinatra]

I think they meant Forza Motorsport, not Forza Horizon.

@98xpresent true, but when you think about it why would you compare a track based racer to that of a sem-open world racer? Just doesn't make sense.

[radler]

Look who wrote the review. Luke Reilly is an unashamed Forza fanboy, and would gush obsessively about the franchise even if served a steaming turd on a plate.

That's not to say I disagree with the review however, I think DriveClub is average at best and the graphical downgrade over the past year has been disappointing. I just don't consider Luke Reilly the most trustworthy of reviewers, either.

[98xpresent]

Forza M5 still gotta higher score tho.

[ABizzel1]

These reviews are all over the place, and seriously contradicting one another.

Some are saying it's too hard (those who said it, are referring to casuals in many cases, which makes no sense to me), some are saying it's too easy.

Some are saying the game looks bad, almost everyone says it looks amazing.

Some are complaining about it not being 60fps, some love the sense of speed.

Scores range from 5 - 9.

Do yourself a favor and try the PS+ version, before going to the store and picking up your pre-order.

[MrSwankSinatra]

@Abizzle I already own driveclub, got it two days early. It's a good game, not a overly amazing game, but a good game.

[Stsonic]

From the guys that gave Alien Isolation a 5.9 so probably a 10 then, who knows anymore.. Reviews are becoming more and more mixed, I think the numbers should leave all together so ppl can do there own research.

[Azzanation]

Drive Club has a better chance of killing Horizon then it does with Motorsport. What's even worse is Driveclubs best review is from PlayStation Universe with a 95/100.. the only review that's over a 9. Sony are really trying to sell this game.

[VealParmHero]

@MRSwankSinatra..I quote.."but when you think about it why would you compare a track based racer to that of a sem-open world racer? Just doesn't make sense".

Ok yes, that is ture, FH2 and DC are diff types of racers. What they do have in similar, perhaps more importantly, is that they are the premier exclusive racing titles for two consoles who are in the midst of one of the most publicized console wars in history. At this point, the two games are almost destined to be compared. Remember when Resistance 2 and Gears of War 2 were released in the same season?...nothing but comparisons, yet two very different games. But they were the two premier exclusive shooters of that season, even if they were diff perspectives.

To be fair, if this was next year, and a proper Forza title was released, I do not believe DC would have fared any better in comparison.

Either way DC seems really good, and I am excited to, at the very least, get the PS plus version. I am too busy with FH2 to buy it now. But that's what is great about PS plus.

[gootimes]

I guess people were right about Drive Club... They focused too much on graphics and not enough on gameplay.

I can't really fault a reviewer for comparing it to FH2, FH2 is still a racer, and a fun one it seems.

DC is probably still good though.

[ShinMaster]

*

Better than Destiny

*

[oof46]

I actually think its good that the scores are all over the place. Beats the days when people would complain that everything would get an 8.5.

Best thing to do? Try the PS+ version to see if Drive Club is for you.

[fr0sty]

THE VERDICT

Driveclub is the best-looking racing game I’ve ever seen on a console, but down deep it’s a more modest, conventional arcade racer than the sprawling, open-world types we commonly see today.

Way to compare apples to oranges. As if we come to expect open worlds out of a racing game. Forza doesn't have it, project Cars doesn't have it. GT doesn't have it. Only Forza Horizon does, and it had to make serious visual sacrifices to pull that off.

Don't bother listening to biased and/or paid off journalists (and both are very real, I was a journalist for many years before I got out of the industry), just download the PS+ version and find out for yourself.

[Ju]

"They focused too much on graphics and not enough on gameplay. "

This is simply wrong. This game plays harder than I expected. The Ai is actually really good, Winning actually is a challenge. I expected it way smoother. OTOH, I am not sure if I like the visuals that much. But that's just what you get with a muggy day lighting system - which is the case most of the time. It looks impressive in the special light situations, but not as "shiny" in direct sunlight as other games?

The gameplay, however, is spot on. Tight controls, a good sense of speed and a challenging AI. This sure ain't the problem if DC.

[donthate]

Metacritic tends to accumulate the score pretty well and be spot on where I tend to have rated it myself so I don't see why this time it would be any different.

Metacritic says 74%, which is pretty bad for a delayed game!

http://www.metacritic.com/g...

I will get FH2 instead or even FM5 (at least the latter is hugely discounted now).

Still no games to play on the PS4 other than a remake (Last of Us remaster) from PS3! Mind boggling that PS4 sells so well on hype.

[ChronoJoe]

It makes sense to compare this to GRID Autosport, if anything. :)

Not sure if DC is better than GRID Autosport, as I haven't played DC yet. GRID is a pretty good game though, but Codemasters have had a long time to get good at making racing games.

[Give_me_head_strong]

Well to be fair, Driveclub isn't a Forza Motorsport killer either. The content in Driveclub is more comparable to an Android game, than a console game.

[ikkokucrisis]

It's hard to say if an open world racer is better than a traditional track type racer. It might just come down to your preference upon whether or not you prefer to mostly race other people online or if you just prefer to play on your own in a single player campaign format.

If you like to race a lot of other people online, a traditional race track type of game might be better for you because you'll more than likely be able to find a lot more people to race against in a relatively short period of time.

With that said, I've noticed that a lot of open-world type games are usually a lot more baron and desolate of people to find, play, & interact with online. I remember the first open world Burn-out game I played (Burn-out Paradise) was really cool at first, but then I noticed that there was nobody to really play with (because there are just too many other places in the map that people can be at any one time) and the game quickly lost my interest after a while.

Same thing holds true for other open world game series like Red Dead Redemption and GTA series. It would be great if they allowed over 100+ people to inhabit the server at the same time (like they do in MMORPG's), but it seems like they've really gimped the MP games on consoles.

[Volkama]

Comparisons are kinda part of reviewing. The whole review system in itself is made for comparisons, the scores are relative. People will always look at the number at the end, and compare it to the number at the end of the Forza reviews. Why not talk about it directly?

[nX]

I feel like this game would've received different reviews if it released 2 months ago. Usually I agreed with the general consensus for a game but in case of Destiny and now Driveclub, I couldn't disagree more. It's like games are being rated only by the features they have/not have, but not by the fun you have while playing.

[BlackOni]

And there in-lies the flaw in review scores.

[Volkama]

@Bloodborn agreed. Not so much about Destiny, but about review scores in general. There are loads of "mediocre" games about that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

Part of the problem is the price of games though. Most people are unwilling to invest $60 in a game that got less than great scores, and they end up getting overlooked.

Play what you fancy. If attractive closed-track racing appealed to you before these reviews, then it still should. If you are unsure about the handling model or any other detail, try the plus version first.

[-Alpha]

@Bloodborn

Almost all the complaints about Destiny were very valid. Of course people review what the game has/does not have, what else would they do?

I have a lot of fun playing wrestling games when I have lots of friends over, but that doesn't mean the game is objectively any good. In fact, sometimes the fun I have comes out of how broken and glitchy the game is.

In the same way, "fun" doesn't ride you up to 9/10 scores. If Destiny was fun for most reviewers, they would have given it a higher score. What the game lacked, the repetitive nature, and the lack of a good story definitely pull the game down a lot. Destiny also made promises that they couldn't keep. Reviews inform potential buyers, some of whom follow the game and promises of the developers.

@Volkama

You are correct about comparisons. It's also doublefaced for people to be okay with the "Forza Killer" comparison and then not be okay when those comparisons are made in disfavour of Driveclub.

[user5669510]

its because people over-hype these games to no end. if gamers just let devs give the info and take it how it is and wait to play the game to see how it play then pass judgement it would received a better review(content wise). but people over-hyped stuff because they love pissing matches. im sure its a great game not all games are meant to be loved by everyone. most of these games these days are over-hyped and overrated because people overreact when seeing the gfx or some other bs excuse like exclusivity.

i hope evolution support this game so their supporter can see how this game grow, i want them to make a carmageddon type game was disappointed when they announced DC.

[rainslacker]

Reviews should be based on the merits of a particular game, and not on it's worth compared to another game. When you read movie reviews they aren't comparing similar movies to each other, just focusing on what makes a particular movie good or bad.

In gaming, given it's adaptive nature, it's OK to compare a bit, but to downgrade a game because it isn't like another game is wrong. But at most, it should be more of a footnote, and not a grading criteria...particular for exclusive games where a PS fan probably couldn't care less how it compares to forza, and just wants to know if it's worth their time/money.

Downgrading should only be done on actual technical flaws, a regression on game play innovation, or just bad game play mechanics or implementation, and probably some things that others may consider buying criteria for a game.

[MaxKill]

Check This,i think that they are very diferent games but have a lot of thins on common.
http://www.craveonline.com/...

[zero_gamer]

Reviews aren't as favorable like expected. Not going to drop 60 whopping dollars on this. Maybe I will wait until a price drop, or just stick to the PS+ version all together. Buying Shadow of Mordor instead.

[juggulator]

PS+ Version is missing from the store. No one can find it and Sony's not acknowledging it at all.

[zero_gamer]

Oh well, no biggie. Off to Middle Earth.

[elsuperamigo]

people cannot get mad at this game getting bad reviews from american sites,hell Americans dont even know nothing about racing they love to see cars going in circles and call it nascar they need to go to Europe and see real racing in action

[Godz Kastro]

With comments like that, enjoy your one bubble :/

[DirtyLary]

But we can sure spot a troll.

[geddesmond]

We all know that when it comes to sony games you just add 1 point onto each review to counter all the hate most media review sites have for Sony and thats the real score. So an 8.9 is not bad at all. Still not my cup of tea. I only play Gran Turismo car games, don't really like arcade racers but I will try the PS Plus version considering its free.

[turdburgler1080]

Soo driveclub=drivecrap. Got it. Another hyped up game that fails. By educational standards it got a C+. This year has been a Rollercoaster of reviews.

[Ra3030]

Your so right....Evolution is not going to do anything to kill off Forza Horizon 2. Sadly for Turn 10 and Microsoft the X1 and Xbox 360 console owners are killing it off. Since the Forza Horizon 2 release those console owners have spoken very loudly worldwide and they have said "We don't won't FH2". FH2 had no pre-orders and then very few purchased it. FH2 with no sales brings into question all the pre release hype and high scores it goes to show Microsoft was paying for both the hype and high scores in hopes of selling FH2. We've seen this before with Microsoft with other exclusives. They did this with TitanFall, Forza 5 and Ryse and through the years many others maybe Microsoft one day will learn there are better ways to sell a game.

[NeoGamer232]

That is completely off basis...

First, Forza has not traditionally had high sales on day one. Forza IPs have good legs and continually sell over time rather than huge day one sales.

Second, FH2 deserves the scores it is getting by reviewers. They are accurate and consistent with the game in my opinion. If you played the game you would know that.

Third, as for hype... Forza Horizon 2 did not have a trailer where they pasted on it "DriveClub Killer" whereas Sony did paste "Forza Killer" on their trailer. MS as only showed the game and gameplay for what it really is every step of the way. If MS has over-hyped or oversold Horizon 2 then please provide an example where the game has not matched up to the product delivered.

Fourth, I personally think Titanfall scores were too high, but that was not MS doing... Reviewers got into the who mech/FPS and didn't bother assessing the lack of a real single player campaign.

Fifth Ryse... MS did exactly what Sony has been doing DriveClub. They showed a ton of how beautiful the game but lacked gameplay. That said, most people who have played Ryse all the way through give it a better rating then its Metacritic ratings...

MS is doing nothing that Sony doesn't do... To single out MS is ridiculous. It is an industry issue not just MS.

[Xb1ps4]

Salty....

[mhunterjr]

What makes you think FH2 isn't selling well? Unlike most game releases dependent on hype, Microsoft let FORZA Horizon gameplay speak for itself. They let reviews play it for weeks before its release, ended the embargo a week before launch, and had a demo that Xbox 1 owners couldn't get enough of. If I had to guess, thanks to the demo, digital sales of this game were probably phenomenal.

Gone are the days where preorders can be your primary metric for success. They are more a metric for hype generated.

[NeoGamer232]

Every since the announcement of DriveClub Sony fans have continually dissed on Forza saying DriveClub would be way better than both FM5 and FH2. Many Sony fans have even used the term GOTY to describe DriveClub... Or at least Driving GOTY...

Sony recently released a trailer that had a quote in it from one of the VG247 review saying it was a "Forza Killer"...

I agree that reviewers shouldn't encourage fanboyism... But, I also see the point when fanboys and marketing teams have continually dissed FM5 and FH2... The perception created needs to be dispelled.

Personally, I think DriveClub, GT, Forza Motorsports, and Forza Horizon are all solid IPs... They all have different strengths and weaknesses. Fans dissing any of the franchises are not gamers. As both a high octane driver and software development leader myself, I appreciate all of these franchises.

I have in previous comments expressing concerns that DriveClub would not live up to what fans were selling it to be. And I was disagreed with and mocked as a fanboy for looking at DriveClub objectively. I came in thinking the game would score about 75 on Metacritic and I am pretty bang on. I am playing the game and I like it...

Is it is as good as Forza Horizon 2? Ummmm.... Well, I will say that they have different strengths and weaknesses. That doesn't make one better than the other. But, Forza Horizon 2 is on iteration #2 whereas DriveClub is on iteration #1... That should be taken into account when looking at the two games head-to-head. Personally, I like FH2 more from a gameplay and content perspective and DriveClub has better graphics. Depends what you value more...

[Magicite]

So far its their worst reviewed game :(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

[Veneno]

Not a fair observation. PR is better than the original in every way yet its lower scored.

[FunkMacNasty]

Can someone please tell me where to find this "free" version on the PSN??? (Sorry for the slightly off topic post - been looking for awhile now and all I see is the full game or the $49.99 version with the ps plus logo... Nothing that says "free")

Help!

Thanks!

[juggulator]

The free version was for plus members I suggest u check the latest enrage mode recently ensued on the ps blog under the store update post.

[FunkMacNasty]

Thanks jugulator (below). I am a ps plus member, that's why I'm confused about the situation.. really wanted to play this today, but don't have the means to buy it quite yet

[Xb1ps4]

Been waiting for this review and I finally got it! Lol solid score but I thought something was up with this late review. Guess it's not all about the graphics after all that was all they ever talked about.

[raymantalk1]

even if DC had been open world ign would still of given it a low score as they do for most sony games

as for DC not being open world who cares it a racing game not gta and DC is all real time they could of made it open world if they had wanted too maybe DC2 will be but even if it is not does not matter.

[SniperControl]

A real mixed bag of scores coming in, i'll still get it though.

[Death]

Reviews are irrelevant when you can download a pretty big demo and make your own decision.

[Volkama]

^^This. People that already have the console can and will form their own opinions on the game.

Might make someone think twice about the PS4 Driveclub bundle though.

[rainslacker]

Agreed. Man there are a lot of DC reviews on the first few pages of N4G. very mixed reviews too. The PS+ version is a bit more than a demo, and could probably keep a person busy for a month or more depending on their playing habits, so don't even see the need for a review other than hit garnering.

[Ben Dover]

So far seems to be sticking around a 7.. not too bad but given the delays and the hype I did expect more. Shadow of Mordor it is then!

[oof46]

You can't go wrong with the Nemesis system.

[KiwiViper85]

Gotta catch'em all

[G20WLY]

It's a new IP. Granted it was delayed, but when you read about what they've done with the engine, only a fool would disagree that this builds an impressive foundation.

[boodi]

this doesn't hold me from being disappointed as this should have been the ps4 killer app I'm waiting from months .. mixed review doesn't sound that good .

I'm playing it tomorrow but my hype and expectation bar have considerably dropped .. gorgeous looking game ..ok.. rest is I'm lil unsure .

[G20WLY]

Yeah, I agree, it's a shame the scores aren't a bit higher. I did kind of expect it though. New IPs have a tough time with reviewers and some 'journos' are desperate to derail PS4.

If it's a good game, that will shine through in the game's community; I gave up on being dictated to by reviewers a long time ago and thanks to the free version on Plus, I'll make my own mind up like you. :)

[boodi]

agree and i can cope with the fact that DC maybe is not the killer app i was waiting , besides being a gorgeous looking game .
Sure Gt7 will be. Not happy to wait at the moment .

[-Foxtrot]

Yeah I feel like when you have new IPs which have been built from the ground up you have to give them the benfit of the doubt it some cases...not compare it to Forza which has been for years.

I mean they listed this as a negative

"Almost exclusively Euro-centric car list"

And? Does that really make the game that bad.

I've seen this with mostly all the reviews, they seem to nitpick it to death and compare it to already existing racing IPs

[Neonridr]

I guess they were trying to reiterate that cars come from all over the world. And it's a shame that we aren't able to experience more of that.

DLC incoming.. North America pack, Asia pack.. ;)

[Gazondaily]

"
"Almost exclusively Euro-centric car list"

And? Does that really make the game that bad. "

No but it makes it lacking. No Japanese cars man? Seriously wtf? I mean, aside from a few exotics, most of my cars in my Forza garage are JDM ones. It's actually a very BIG omission, especially if you're a car fanatic.

[SuperBlur]

i know right. Some of the criticism comes from blatant ignorance . Heck i've seen one where the guy complain about the missing dynamic weather , he give the game a low score but does not even mention the feature will be added post-launch

-_-

[-Foxtrot]

"Forza Horizon on Xbox 360 was Playground Game's FIRST GAME EVER as a studio and it scored damn well and was loved by many...Horizon 2 is their second game ever and it out does their first effort...to say we should cut them slack because its a new IP is a sad excuse"

Forza Horizon already had Forza behind it, just because it was made by a different studio doesn't cancel out the fact the IP has been built up for quite a while. The foundation for Forza Horizon was already there thanks to past Forza games

[gangsta_red]

"Almost exclusively Euro-centric car list"

And? Does that really make the game that bad.

YES! It actually really does. How about a Soccer game that only features Euro-centric teams. You think that would make a good Soccer game?

No more than any other game that gets nit picked to death. Time to stop defending these games and judge them on content. Driveclub had a whole year delay and should have been comparable with what is on the market.

It's a racing game, regardless of it being a new IP it is NOT a new concept, a new genre of game. It should have had everything the competition had and more to blow them out the water.

Once again everyone marveled at graphics, but didn't even think about gameplay, design or if it's even fun.

One day as gamers we'll learn.

[GodGinrai]

"Yeah I feel like when you have new IPs which have been built from the ground up you have to give them the benfit of the doubt it some cases"

Funny...I never heard anybody say that about titanfall or Ryse, what with them being new IPs..yet we should give DC the "benefit of doubt"...

Evo studios are not strangers to racing games. they have been doing them since WRC on PS2. I could understand if this was their first racing game,but this isnt.

[MrPink2013]

-Foxtrot
"Forza Horizon already had Forza behind it, just because it was made by a different studio doesn't cancel out the fact the IP has been built up for quite a while. The foundation for Forza Horizon was already there thanks to past Forza games"

And?

It's not like this is their first game ever made. They also made Motorstorm didn't they? So it's not like racing is new or making games is new. Did you cut Crytek this much slack for Ryse? How about Respawns first game, Titanfall? I highly doubt it which again shows why many question your bias.

Besides, if you're a good studio you can make new good games without poor excuses. Ever hear of The Last of Us?

[mhunterjr]

Of course a lack of cars is a valid complaint in a racing game. The fact that they are mostly European doesn't mean much alone, but combined with the fact that there aren't many cars to begin with and it's very disappointing ... Especially for car enthusiasts...

People want to see their favorite cars rendered in this beautiful engine...

[StrawberryDiesel420]

60FPS seems to be the standard, they should have aimed for that with the amazing graphics. They should have know this would be compared to Forza Horizon.

[SideNote]

So there we have it, after all these months of bitching about Driveclub on Forza Horizon 2's doorsteps, the greatest graphics cant vs the greatest gameplay. Vrrrmmmmm..

[WeAreLegion]

And yet...you're on N4G, commenting about Driveclub, instead of playing Forza.

[Ballsack]

Lmfaooo

What a reply ...bubble up

[SideNote]

@wearelegion Im just taking some of your Sony cake for once. When will you graphic tarts learn eh?

[snookiegamer]

@WeAreLegion +1 Bub

'And yet...you're on N4G, commenting about Driveclub, instead of playing Forza'.

OMG!!! Somebody got owned wholesale and re-sold for profit....hehe ;o)

*DC Tomorrow :)

[KiwiViper85]

Bubble ups for a generic comeback that's used in place of a real argument?

Got to be kidding me.

[MysticStrummer]

Greatest gameplay? FH2 isn't even the highest rated Forza, the Forza series has yet to rate higher than the highest rated Gran Turismo entries, and if you want a pure sim you're not playing on console at all.

[YodaCracker]

Oh please. In the late '90s, GT offered an experience unlike anything else. That was a different era in gaming. A Gran Turismo title has not broken 90 on Metacritic in over 13 years. Forza has consistently outscored it for the past decade with the exception of the rushed launch title that is Forza 5, which received lower scores for having less content than previous games in the series and because of microtransactions. Nothing to do with the core gameplay experience, which was as solid as ever.

[Whirlwind_Fanfare_08]

Go play drive through barnyards and be happy troll!

[patsrule316]

I tried the demo for FOrza Horizon 2, and didn't get hooked. Today, I'll try the PS+ edition of DC and see if I like it any better. For some reason, I have liked the last several Need For Speed games a lot, and I loved Split Second, but have never been in to Forza and have never looked to go out of my way on DC either. Actually, The Crew looks to be most up my alley of this year's racers, but I didn't get in to the console beta (and I tried for both consoles) so I don't know if I will like it for sure yet.

[RzaDaRazor]

I wasn't real "into" the Forza Horizon 2 demo either but the full game is absolutely fantastic.

[OOMagnum]

But the gwaphics! The reviews are confirming what we already know this game cant touch horizon. It might sell better (ps4 sales and gifting the game) but better quality, thats laughable.

[Macdaddy71]

There you have ps4 your Great await racing game, Aw it sucks!!! Better luck next time it's release next year...

[MrSwankSinatra]

Since when did 7.9 become a bad score? That's nearly an eight.

[OOMagnum]

When the developer uses the term forza killer in its trailer then highlights it, then the game cant even get an 8 (metacritic 73) thats when.

[OldDude]

Every major legitimate review site scored it lower. You guys got exactly what you were screaming for, graphics. That's all PS4 guys care about, well that and resolution. Welcome to your game, have fun. Makes me feel even better I ditched my PS4. Show me a good game other than a remake and I will rebuy it.

[DanteVFenris666]

Wait what? An 8 is bad? An 8 sucks? Oh god I must be doing jus terrible in school if only 90% equals just good. Your clearly a troll for Microsoft. Anyway I'm personally not interested. All racing games tend to suck doesn't matter if it's forza or this. The racing genre is stale

[OldDude]

Its only stale on PS4. X1 has the best racer I have ever played, sorry.

[GodGinrai]

"The racing genre is stale"

huh?

Forza, project cars and gran turismo says hi.

[Ryan741]

There is always Little Big Planet 3# For the players.😂

[DanteVFenris666]

Oh a one bubble troll. Too bad you are so biased you can't understand the greatness of the lbp series

[TheFallenAngel]

I never expected much from this game. In my opinion forza is the only racing game at the moment worth $60. But hey I will try the ps plus version

[FsterThnFTL]

Not a good few days for Playstation fans. 7.9 for an exclusive is not something to brag about. Guess Gran Turismo 7 is the next big hope to look forward too.

[DarXyde]

Certainly not a bad score, but a bit disappointing considering the delay. Eh, I find IGN to be rather sensationalist at times by rating games too highly or unfavorably (then again, Joystiq reads my mind on a lot of games and they gave it 3 stars). I'll be the judge of this myself. Can't wait to see how The Crew does as it's another game I'm watching.

IF these scores are any indication, I'm a little underwhelmed by games this generation so far. I'm an optimist, so here's to hoping next year kills it.

[Fishy Fingers]

Looking like I'll be sticking to the PSN+ version. Unless it wows. Which seems unlikely.

[ginganinja]

I think that the main negatives are that a racer built around online connectivity has limitations in single player and a European-centric rosta of cars from a European developer says to me the game can't be too bad.

[ginsunuva]

Need next-gen Motorstorm in this engine.

[lemoncake]

Seems like it's fallen into the ryse trap, graphics over gameplay. Will still sell like crazy because it's the only exclusive racing game on the ps4 and one of the few aaa exclusives coming this holiday on that console.

[SharnOfTheDEAD]

Unless cars can change into jets and fly off then driving games are going to play the same.

[uth11]

And that game would get bad reviews from half the sites and half the driving fans for being too gimmicky or too arcade-y or something

[Sm00thNinja]

The only people who didn't see this coming we're PlayStation faithful still excited downloading now need to pick up forza yet

[DJustinUNCHAIND]

Soooo...

About those Forza Killer comments.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

I am not shocked by the scores... This game will sit in the low 70's on metacritic and probably where it belongs at launch. The game will improve with updates so there is something to look forward to but this isn't the "great" racer so many tried to pump this up to be. Its a decent racer for a platform that desperately needed a racer so it will succeed on that level.

[esemce]

http://www.gametrailers.com...

[thezeldadoth]

ok, your point is?

[Kingdomcome247]

I think that the color coded flags that indicate the sharpness of turns is a neat way to avoid driving lines, and to maintain a more demanding game from players. I think I've probably only played 2 racers in the past 20 years. Gran Turismo on PSone, and FH2 so I can't compare it to anything, nor should it receive much comparison to FH2. They've gone for a completely different experience than what's found in Forza Horizon 2. Although games of the same genre are inevitably going to be compared, I think they should be reviewed based upon each game's respective merits/shortcomings. I'm not sure as to whether or not they've planned this as new franchise, or a one off game, but it's looks like they've built a very solid foundation for going forward. I'm definitely going to try my hand at the PS+ version, and if my girlfriend's son likes it well enough we'll get the full game.

[Onenyte]

The game can only get better going forward tbh,it plays reeeally well.

[Kingdomcome247]

When is the plus version available? I couldn't find it with Dust, Pix, and the others.

[Flames76]

Im surprised it got a 7/10 to be honest.I was expecting 5/10 as bad as the gameplay looks and how many times it was tossed around to different devs.Im guessing ign received some nice things from sony to sweetin the review just a bit.So much for that forza killer lol

[windblowsagain]

WTF are you on about.

Driving is smooth, good competitions, graphics are unmatched by any other racer. Project cars will come closest.

Gt already beatdown Forza,lol.

[Underworld]

Still a good score, though I don't know why they didn't give it a full 8. 7.9 is basically great.

The reviews are a bit disappointing though considering the game was delayed a full year. What's with the PS4's major exclusives, like Knack, Killzone and now this, getting low or mixed reviews? Hopefully the same doesn't happen to The Order and Bloodborne.

[mrmarx]

oh infamous mlb ff14 and the last of us. plus multiplats play and loo better. try again

[Underworld]

Try what again? I'm a big Sony fan but what I said is true. Knack got low scores, Killzone got mixed scores, and this is getting mixed scores.

The games you listed did get great scores but two are also on PS3 and one is a remaster. I was more talking about the big PS4 only games. And you don't think the mixed reviews for Driveclub are a little disappointing considering it was delayed a year?

So wasn't trying anything just disappointed that these games didn't score a bit higher. Though I still enjoyed and like Killzone and will be getting Driveclub.

[rainslacker]

Because 7.9 is a 7, and 8 is an 8. one tenth scale adjustments for reviews are ridiculous, these publications should just commit to giving the score they want without trying to hide it.

Anyhow, for comparison's sake on the psychological effect of it all, consider that a lot of stores will sell stuff at 9.99 instead of $10, just because 9.99 is less than $10 in most people's minds.

[KiwiViper85]

Agree, if your gonna give 7.9 then make the score out of 100 and give it a 79. Otherwise stick to whole numbers.

[Underworld]

Not sure why I'm getting disagrees.

[Killzoner99]

Nice try troll . Sony's exclusives are the highest ranked in the industry. Playstation gamers only get the best. This is a garbage review written by a Forza fanboy. The Last of Us says hello.

[marloc_x]

Highest ranked in the industry? That's a fanboi stretch zoner..

[Scar-]

Reviews are getting crazy and crazier theses days the only constant is gaming journalism has went to shit. Seriously why are there so many conflicting opinions lately it's not rocket science to assess a games value.

[Fkhalf16]

for those who are skeptical about the game. I will give you my impressions on the game, I bought it digitally and been playing it for about an hour. Im enjoying it so far, It reminds me of Ridge Racer but with GT handling. To be honest, it feels like a Launch title. not sure what changed from the one year delay but i know there are future update patches coming.

[one2thr]

Im getting it
(Reviews are opinions I respect, thats about it)

[Onenyte]

Wow, respect bro,but unfortunately some people need someone else to do the thinking and decision making for them

The game is lacking in content but I can understand that because the quality is by far the best out there.

[one2thr]

Thanks, and I dont understand that either, nor do I understand the disagrees I got, that were given to me without any explanation of why they disagree with my comment.

I guess people, dont like it when strangers respect other peoples opinions.

[kenshiro100]

Judge for yourself. Don't let reviews sway you. The people hating on this game since day one are only using this as ammunition to back up their agenda.

[Mornzie]

For me Driveclub will keep me occupied until project cars and then maybe gran turismo.

[feedthereaper]

Sounds a lot like too much spending on making the graphics look awesome, and too little actually providing an enjoyable gaming experience.
These developers and the media who have hyped up resolution-gate and power performance between consoles have caused their own downfall by getting gamers and fanboys fighting and frothing out of their mouths at the resolutions and frame rates while forgetting completely to make sure the gameplay is up to scratch first!

[_FantasmA_]

I don't have the game yet but I've been watching a lot of streams and the thing I kept asking but didn't get any answers is, "where is the social/club aspect in all this??"

I was thinking it would be like Midnight Club LA (damn I miss this series) where you can create races and invite your friends, race with your club against other clubs on the same track, or have a free roam mode where you can cruise with your club and drive up to other clubs and challenge them like in MCLA's cruise mode. Isn't it strange that a 6 year old game did all those things already?
Driveclub does look gorgeous though. It was the only retail game I was looking forward to all year.

[xBraiNshOcK]

I have the game. These low score reviews are flawed. I like the game, so glad I bought it. If you'll excuse me I am going to play some Driveclub.

[Vanfernal]

Haven't played the game yet... But I'm wondering how you can make it proper review of a game focused on social driving and making clubs... When the game just came out and the online component hasn't been fully explored yet. I think the whole package should be thoroughly reviewed before making a conclusion.

[baodeus]

Then why did they release an incomplete game at $60? The rating will be for what the game is currently, for those that actually paid for it.

When DC patch up with all the features they promised, then perhaps another review would be appropriate.

[listenkids]

The review read like a 9/10, surprised it was 7.8.

Though I'll judge for myself tomorrow.

[HateFueled]

"Fast, beautiful, and accessible, but a more modest, conventional arcade racer than its sprawling, open-world peers."

Oooh! So racing games has to be open world to be top notch now? I guess Mario Kart 8 got that against it to? No? :)

But I guess DC feels a little empty on content right now. I'll try the PS+ version and buy it later if I enjoy the gameplay. Looks amazing!

[Skhan]

7.9? Great, that means this game is easily a 9 for me, as I am not interested in open world racing. This game is like PGR all over again, I'm buying this in a few days.

[WickedLester]

So far the game is reviewing about how I expected. A "good" but not great game.

[SnakePlissken]

Nice! Best looking race game out there! Makes Forza look like last gen im afraid! I was hoping for more of an arcade style racer too!

I want to spend my time playing the actual game instead of tweaking on my car! Forza is for meth heads!

[baodeus]

You know you don't have to tweak anything if you don't want too right? If you just want to drive as it is, you can. Perhaps you don't like options?

[SnakePlissken]

You do if you wanna win races. I like options, just not when it's more than the actual game.

Maybe you just like to tweak!

[pastysmash]

"Makes Forza look like last gen im afraid"

Stop lying bawbag. You haven't even seen Forza Horizon 2 running, never mind actually played it.

Try harder.

[Rainbowcookie]

Reviews scores are opinions that nobody asked. A good review will have the good and bad of a game by more than one person without a score . Compare it to it's rivals on the platform and of it and leave it at that. With driveclub I would rather download the "DEMO" and see for myself rather than IGN you know. What qualifies you as a reviewer anyway . Experience nope I have been playing games since I was very young, for about 25 year now, but I'm not into driving games does this qualify me to be a reviewer nope. I love games does that qualify me ...opinions like taste will always differ . A 90 or a 75 it's pretty hard to visualize that difference in a game.

[pastysmash]

What ever makes you feel better at night.

[zarbor]

What? A Sony exclusive racing game isn't as good as a MS exclusive racing game? I thought the 1080p graphics were a sure "Forza Killa." How can this be? Something ain't right. The XBone is an inferior console. It must be those idiotic reviewers. They have no idea what they are talking about. One look at the game and you can see it looks better than everything out there.....<rolls eyes> LOL

The funny part is that I only have a PS4 for now. MS keeps this up and I may be getting that white XB1 sooner than I thought.

[Sadist3]

Hey why don't you people grow up and formulate you own opinion about a game instead of following some other guy's opinion. Just because he says what he thinks about a game doesn't make it true. I don't know if you know this, but everyone has a difference of opinion. I don't like GTA. If I review it and give it a lower score because I'm not fond of it, does it mean you have to dislike the game too? Who cares about a score, someone else's opinion should not deter your reasoning for purchasing a game. Stop being a follower and make your own decisions.

[llxKonanxll]

Can anyone else connect to the Driveclub server?

[SinisterKieran]

I really need to stop listening to reviews.
i've learned lately that i have more fun in whats considered a bad game then high score reviewed games.

[zodiac909]

People need to stop listening SOO damn much to reviews, especially reviews from IGN, they fell off the map a long time ago, yet people still listen to their half assed articles and news.

[Urzusix]

Seems to me that IGN just wants to bash UK base studios

[SnakePlissken]

They do! Look at what they did to alien isolation. Practically every other site praised it, except ign!

Reason being, the reviewer said he made the mistake of playing it on hard and he kept getting taken out by the alien!

Been playing it since Friday on normal and the game is the best Alien game of all time. It was the reviewers fault and ign should not have had that biased asshole review the game!

Same thing here with driveclub I'm sure! You cannot always go by the reviews. There has been alot of crooked reviews lately for money purposes. It's been recently exposed online!

[Scatpants]

Honestly I think the racing and car handling are more fun in this than Horizon. I like the fact that they don't offer a braking line, but sometimes I wish there was a rewind. The races feel faster and more exciting in this than Horizon and sometimes the lighting is beautiful. Horizon does feel like there is more to do however. From a pure racing standpoint I prefer Driveclub, but overall Horizon 2 might edge it out.

[Tedakin]

This game is what it's always seemed to be. A completely generic driving game with incredible graphics. All anyone ever focused on were the graphics. They don't make a game good.

[ILLINOIS]

I can say without hesitation only a non PS4 owner would give this game less than a 8 period. Buy this game PS4 owners and see for yourself.

[jollygoodchap8]

Whoa whoa...When Destiny sits at 7.9 on most sites it was considered by fanboys as "panned by critics" and "Hated"....And NOW 7.9 is not a bad score? Oh right, DC is exclusive so it gets a pass.

[Bennibop]

After the alien isolation review I will ignore ign. Seems to me that all these various gaming websites are looking for the impossible/ rarity in true innovation. Driveclub is a good game not a great game but that is fine I and many others will enjoy playing it!

[LightDiego]

Whatever, i will play Driveclub and Alien: Isolation, no way i will trust these journalists from GamerGate.

[jaelegend]

where the fack is the plus addition

[Yomiro]

If a game is really bad then the game is bad to everybody, but when you see scores like 8.8/10s and 5/10s then the reviews start to look more like opinions.

[Skankinruby]

Everyone talking crap on this game is pretty much saying it sucks cuz its not a sim racer. Why the hell would you need over 100 cars anyway. I haven't played it yet however the weak criticism of both fanboys and uninspired critics is only making me want this game even more.

[TeflonHahn]

Hey guys am I missing something? Wasn't there a free version for PS+ members? Maybe there was a change or something that I missed but all I see is a $49.99 version for plus members and then the full price digital download.

[etownone]

Seems like Xbox is continuing the trend this gen to for being the go-to console for racing games.

[NBT91]

The only real negative point that any review so far has given it, is a lack of varied content.
Which IMO is a perfectly valid reason to award the game an 8 (which most are, and I count this as an 8 as well.. 7.9, what kind of rubbish is that?!)

If that's the only thing that's really wrong with it, I'll still get it. Its obviously going to get quite a bit of DLC as time goes on which will add more to it so yeah... Fair review as far as I can tell and confirmed to me the game is great, so I'll buy it.

[Spid3r6]

Hilarious...Everyone in there mother where trying to compare DC to Forza Horizon 2...WHY?? Because everyone went crazy when they saw the weather affects on DC...I kept saying not to compare the two but you guys wanted to go there.. Fast forward today "we should not compare DC to Forza Horizon 2 they are completely different games."

[iiorestesii]

The free PS plus version has yet to unlock. What is all the fuss about. So far every hands on account has been that it's a highly entertaining game. I can't wait to try this and judge for myself. Find out the reason for this mess of offset opinions.

[MrChicagoWind]

*excuse my rage*

I JUST WANT TO PLAY THE DAMN GAME ALREADY!

Their network team needs to get it together. You would think that once a game goes gold, they would have this kind of stuff prepared a week before release ...especially with software updates. smh

[iNFAMOUZ1]

see, fanboys these days man

[cabinotier]

Evolution Studio had much time to bark at forza, but no time to polish their own work.

[Ka7be]

And you have much time to troll bark at DriveClub but no time to play your own beloved racing game.

[molsen81]

Ok the game is getting scores lower than expected. So what? It can at least hold you over until Project Cars. I've been playing GT6 for awhile so I need something different.

[InTheZoneAC]

online still down?

[annus]

Holy shit, defense force can't admit that there may simply be a game that is better than a Sony exclusive. An 8 isn't even bad, what's all the bitching and conspiracy theories for?

[JMyers]

So a Euro-Centric car list is a negative? Ok IGN.

[S2Killinit]

IGN is MS's mouthpiece. so whatever IGN. still gonna love it. Even if you try to ruin gaming for me. I am not phased by your BS. (:

[blakstarz]

I thought this game was free to play for PS+ users?

[ThatOneGuyThere]

" but a more modest, conventional arcade racer than its sprawling, open-world peers."

..and this right here is why anyone with half a brain doesn't read IGN. This right here is the reason nobody lets that "but its not call of duty, 0/10" joke die. Why on god's green earth would open world matter when reviewing a racing game that isnt open world? Do people give a sh!t about the wonderful world of fencing when reviewing madden? what the hell, IGN?

[DaGamingKing]

The Horizon 2 Killer hey, sorry, but I dont think so VG247!

It will take a lot to knock Turn 10 of their ladder folks.

Still, 7.9 is a solid game.

[horndog]

But but teh graphixxxxs!!!! Lol!!!!!

But but teh forza baked lighting!

Forza killer?! Uck you! Not even close

[Miraak82]

Been playing it for a few hours (except the multiplayer portions), very good game . I like how it penalizes you for mistakes as it makes you strive for perfection ( like the demon souls of racing games lol jk somewhat). Very gorgeous and drifting is always fun . It's almost like GT but without all the customizing which is fine by me since it's all stock and everyone's on a even playing field and about skill. So far I'd give it a 9 on the solo portion .. Multiplayer I have no say since I haven't put time or even if I did not enough time to judge it , club races , challenges and the feeling of being in a really good driveclub yet

[fr3d0]

if this game was called forza: driveclub on xbone, ign would be giving it 9.8

[GodGinrai]

with THAT handling model it would be the worst forza game. LMAO!!

[Lex Luthor]

Project Gotham racing rip-off.

[Infinity_Rasta]

I just sit here wondering how people can take ANYTHING from IGN seriously, they proven time and time and again that they are the scum of gaming and should not be allowed on this site. peace out.

[RjK311jR]

To say anything, but it seems maybe reviews maybe more honest and true.... or maybe not... idk... Reviews I dont follow them but I do look at them... I havent liked racers since they started taking themselves too seriously... imagine a new aged cruisin usa or san fran rush!!! Racing arcade games are fun... I prefer them... Forza Horizon 2 is amazing... I will check out the Driveclub PS+ and if I like I will make the jump to full on purchase... USE ONLINE Reviews as the base and just the base for your own overall review...