Conclusion
Codemasters' GRID is easily a front-runner in the racing genre, providing one of the most entertaining driving pseudo-simulations that we can recall. Fans of the recent Need for Speed titles might miss the lack of a free roam mode, and those looking for the next Pimp My Ride experience will be left in despair; however, players who desire an exceptional racing experience will be pleased to no end. With beautifully rendered graphics and cars that actually feel like heavy machinery, GRID offers a blend of realistic and arcade racing with beautiful real-world locations and a chance to get behind the wheel of some of the world's most respected racing vehicles.
The game runs like a dream and is a lot of fun to play regardless of whether your preference is playing online or off. With varying types of racing all crammed into a single package, the game's replay value is off the charts. Racing fans will keep GRID in their collection of games for a long time to come, and even with a massive 12GB hard drive footprint we don't expect many users to be in a rush to uninstall this gem. Simply put, GRID is a welcome offering in the racing genre and comes easily recommended. Cheers to the good folks at Codemasters for another successful racing sim.
You can pick the game up for PC, PS3, Xbox 360, and even the Nintendo DS - although the experience is quite different for the DS. Depending on your hardware, the consoles may or may not provide a better gaming experience. If you have at least a GeForce 8800/HD 3850, we'd recommend the PC version, but you'll probably want to make sure you have a gamepad or a steering wheel before you try this on a PC. For those that are interested but aren't quite ready to bite the bullet, you can also download the demo, which clocks in at a whopping 864MB. The demo is also available on Xbox Live Marketplace and the Playstation Network. Having played the 360 version of the game, I have to say that GRID on PC wins hands down. But I'm sure you expected that.
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EddieTurner - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
Yeah, I was not nearly as impressed with GTP. Too bland in my opinion. Anyway, it ran as smooth as a baby's butt without a single hiccup. Very nice at 1680x1250.V3ctorPT - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
I bought this game on Steam, and it's great... I love this game, it's perfect... And as far as I saw, it doesn't have any bugs... i think that the only bug it ever had was something about locking (sometimes) in multiplayer, but since update 1.1 it's rock on!! I already finished it this weekend, its a fun and long game I strongly recomend it to anyone who loves racing games and wants something that lasts more than the NFS series... at least I was never bored playing GRID... good game Codemasters... do another one please... I'm addicted ;)AnnihilatorX - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
There seems to be a lot of problems with X-Fi soundcards and Nvidia drivers locking up in official forum.I have the Auzentech Prelude and the old 8800 GTS and I am getting black screen lockups (sound not looping though so I am thinking it's more about Nvidia drivers) between every 5-10 mins of play though. It is not a BSOD and it does not register on windows error reports so I can't judge what's wrong.
V3ctorPT - Sunday, August 17, 2008 - link
I played the game with a HD2900XT, 7800GTX and a HD4870 and no problems whatsoever... all in Vista, and in XP too. About the sound, i use the mobo's sound... no Creative for a long time (drivers problems sucks)sinisterDei - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
Just a note, I have an 8800GT and a Creative X-Fi running Windows XP and I have no problems to report. I've played about 2/3 of the way through the singleplayer career and haven't run into any problems.Souka - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
As a FYI.. Creative released updated drivers for X-Fi on July 30th...both Vista and XP.My $.02
Egglick - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
Excellent review Eddie. I was already interested in this game, but I think I'll go ahead and pick it up now.One quick question: Were you playing the Steam version, or a retail copy?? I think it's worth mentioning if retail copies use irritating protections such as Starforce. It would make the Steam variant more appealing in my eyes.
BZDTemp - Friday, August 8, 2008 - link
Do make sure and try a demo first.I had GRID way up on my most wanted list but there is something off with regards to the driving sensation!
drebo - Saturday, August 9, 2008 - link
Yeah, it pretty much sucks. For a game that advocates realism, the driving is pretty terrible.For example, I know that my (real) car begins turning far sooner than 2 seconds after I tell it to start turning, and even my 2006 Chevy Malibu is capable of taking a turn at 70mph without my back tires slipping out from under me.
Sure, the crashes are fun the first time, but when barely clipping a wall at 40mph send you flying...you can only handle that so many times.
Least fun racing game I've ever played.
FlukeRogi - Sunday, August 10, 2008 - link
Advocates realism? Codemasters have never said it's realistic, or a sim (unlike the F1 game they're working on which they have said will be a sim).It's an arcade racer, and as far as arcade racers go, it's spot in in every department - fast, fun, and just generally in your face!