Product Description

TOCA Race Driver is the next evolution of Codemasters' renowned Touring Car series. At its core, Race Driver remains an intense, realistic racing game, but introduces an innovative new feature to the racing series--a narrative character-based storyline. Players assume the role of aspiring test driver Ryan McKane, looking to prove himself in the world of racing. Driven by the death of his father and a lifetime spent in the shadow of his brother, Ryan McKane rages into the spotlight of a world that respects only winners. As Ryan, take a grip on the wheel and chase down his destiny in a hi-octane career of fast and furious racing. Race Driver features up to 14 cars gunning for position on track at once, a vehicle damage system which dynamically affects on track performance, and a state-of-the-art physics engine tested for realism by professional race drivers. There are 13 global championships, including official series, 42 licensed touring and race cars, including Mercedes-Benz CLK, Alfa Romeo GTV, Dodge Viper GTS-R, with AI that allows them to behave just like their real life counterparts, and 38 international circuits recreated under license including Bathhurst, Hockenhiem, Charlotte, and Silverstone. Races are interspersed with rich cinematic sequences which drive the narrative character-based storyline.

.co.uk Review

TOCA Race Driver, the first of the TOCA racing series to feature on the PS2, screeches in with a whole new gameplay twist. The usual single race and multiplayer races, plus 38 tracks and 42 cars, are still here, but the real development is the story mode. You take on the part of young racer Ryan McKane, initially testing for a small racing team with the ultimate aim of becoming world champion; the result is a very immersive experience in which the player progresses with McKane, moving through simple races and on to the cut and thrust of the worldwide circuit.

Those familiar with the previous TOCA games will immediately notice that the car's handling has been made easier--a second spent off the track doesn't end up in those frustrating spins. However, the more arcade-like style of handling may lead to fans of more hardcore racing games being a touch disappointed. Graphically the game is great, although a 60Hz mode should have been included. Damage, scenery and all the other cars whiz around the courses with little or no slowdown.

All in all, TOCA Race Driver is a superb racing game mixed with a new innovative style of game progression that produces much entertainment and excitement. --Laurent S Hall