Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Puzzle, Racing
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2
- Developers: BAM! Entertainment, Crawfish Interactive
- Publishers: BAM! Entertainment
Driven (2001): A Fast-Paced F1 Racing Game with a Hollywood Twist
Overview
Driven (2001) is an overhead-view Formula 1 racing game developed by Reflections Interactive and published by Infogrames. The game is based on the 2001 film of the same name, starring Sylvester Stallone, Kip Pardue, and Til Schweiger. Driven combines realistic aspects of the sport with some outrageous elements inspired by the film, such as power-ups and rivalries between drivers.
Gameplay
The game’s Story Mode follows the alternating roles of Joe Tanto and Jimmy Bly, two drivers who are trying to make a name for themselves in the world of Formula 1 racing. Players must complete 12 objectives taken from the movie, such as winning races, setting fastest laps, and overtaking rivals.
In addition to Story Mode, Driven also features a Championship Mode, where players can compete in a full season of Formula 1 racing. Players can choose from a variety of teams and drivers, and must race on all of the official Formula 1 tracks.
The gameplay in Driven is fast-paced and exciting. The cars handle well and the tracks are challenging. The game also features a variety of power-ups that can give players an advantage, such as speed boosts and invincibility.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Driven are impressive for a game released in 2001. The cars and tracks are well-detailed, and the game runs smoothly even on older computers. The sound effects are also top-notch, with realistic engine noises and crowd cheers.
Reception
Driven received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s fast-paced gameplay and impressive graphics, while others criticized its repetitive missions and lack of innovation. However, the game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Driven is remembered as a solid F1 racing game that was ahead of its time in some ways. The game’s unique blend of realistic and outrageous elements helped it to stand out from the crowd, and it remains a fun and challenging game to play today.
In-Depth Analysis
Gameplay Mechanics
Driven’s gameplay mechanics are simple but effective. The cars handle well and the tracks are challenging, but the game is also accessible to newcomers. The power-ups add an element of fun and excitement, but they are not overpowered and can be used strategically to gain an advantage.
One of the unique aspects of Driven is its rivalries system. Each driver has a different rivalry with another driver, and these rivalries can affect the gameplay. For example, if a driver is rivaling with another driver, they may be more likely to crash into them or block their progress.
Track Design
The tracks in Driven are all based on real-world Formula 1 tracks, and they are all faithfully recreated. The tracks are challenging but fair, and they offer a variety of different challenges. Some tracks are more technical, while others are more high-speed.
AI
The AI in Driven is competent and challenging. The AI drivers are aggressive but fair, and they will not hesitate to overtake the player if they have the opportunity. The AI also adapts to the player’s driving style, so the game becomes more challenging as the player progresses.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Driven are impressive for a game released in 2001. The cars and tracks are well-detailed, and the game runs smoothly even on older computers. The sound effects are also top-notch, with realistic engine noises and crowd cheers.
Overall
Driven is a solid F1 racing game that is fun and challenging to play. The game’s unique blend of realistic and outrageous elements helps it to stand out from the crowd, and it remains a fun and challenging game to play today.
Review Score
7/10
