Driver

 PlayStation
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 167 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 128 out of 167
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 167
  3. Negative: 10 out of 167
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  1. lollolvi4
    Jul 6, 2004
    10
    Very good game.One of the first classic driving games.
  2. NealS.
    Jun 6, 2006
    8
    This game is every guy's wish: drive a fast car crazy - and top speed - in a crowded city. It makes you feel like you're Steve McQueen in 'Bullitt'! Although the missions become a little monotonous, the driving game (specifically the car chase) is outrageously fun and addictive. My only gripe: not enough cities. Although the sequel gives you different city choices, it This game is every guy's wish: drive a fast car crazy - and top speed - in a crowded city. It makes you feel like you're Steve McQueen in 'Bullitt'! Although the missions become a little monotonous, the driving game (specifically the car chase) is outrageously fun and addictive. My only gripe: not enough cities. Although the sequel gives you different city choices, it does not compare to the ease and excitement of this first installment.… Expand
  3. [Anonymous]
    Apr 30, 2004
    8
    Good game, but repetitive sometimes.
  4. LindaR.
    Dec 12, 2002
    10
    Flat out an amazing game. The sense of fun is off the charts.
  5. GreenSkullRider
    Jan 30, 2017
    8
    Este juego tuvo la particularidad de que pocas personas lograron disfrutarlo, pues en la primera misión del estacionamiento se quedaron trancados, créanme con un poco de practica logra superarse, luego de esa misión pasa a ser un gran juego de persecución, inteligencia, delincuencia y trabajos en el bajo mundo. un excelente y divertido juego que mejora con su segunda entrega.
  6. Fab2cent
    Jan 27, 2014
    10
    The start of something amazing! A classic game with an amazing story, the driving physics and 3d open world graphics make it one of the best driving games ever.
  7. Harry210
    Mar 17, 2011
    7
    Driver is a decent driving game which draws influences from classic 1960's and 70's car chase films and attempts to bring those movie car chase scenes and mimic them in this game. Reflections has done a good job with this concept with great looking 3D environments, a soundtrack that fits well in the game and sound effects that sound powerful. The games 3D environments that you can driveDriver is a decent driving game which draws influences from classic 1960's and 70's car chase films and attempts to bring those movie car chase scenes and mimic them in this game. Reflections has done a good job with this concept with great looking 3D environments, a soundtrack that fits well in the game and sound effects that sound powerful. The games 3D environments that you can drive around in were somewhat of a new thing back then and still look great. Driver was a breakthrough in 3D driving games that even the mighty Grand Theft Auto series took this concept and the 3D view and built on it, and then Grand Theft Auto 3 was born, 2 years after this game. The environments are a little empty though and some of the cities roads are very strangely designed (I mean, Los Angeles has one of the longest straights I've ever seen!) The game play is simple: It involves you driving around in a car, around a big city, avoiding traffic and the cops, and either trying to get to a destination quickly or trying to get away from the cops as safely as possible in the single player campaign mode. The game play is quite limited and it does get quite repetitive after a while as you drive to this destination, then drive to another destination, avoid this, avoid that. The handling model feels responsive, polished and allows you to skid around corners and dodge traffic. The games main missions require a flamboyant driving style and good car control as you dodge traffic and avoid charging cop cars. The cut scenes that carry the story forward are nicely animated (seems that Driver games always have good cinematic cut scenes to advance its stories). As I said earlier, the sound effects are fantastic with some great sounding car crash noises and car engine sounds. The menu music is funky to listen to and is probably the best track in Driver's soundtrack. Chases with the police helps to liven things up and the police A.I is fair for most of the time and is able to dodge the traffic instead of mindlessly smashing into them unlike in Driver 2. Sometimes when the roar of the police engine and the sound of the police sirens is just behind you, you wonder if you're going to escape them or not. Along with the single player campaign, there are a few driving games to try out. My personal favourite is the Survival mode where you try to survive for as long as possible against a rampage of cop cars with supercharged V12 engines under their bonnets (well not literally, but they do seem to have a slight speed advantage) that try to damage your car. Now this game is good but there is one problem I have to address. Police car A.I is quite fair (unlike in Driv3r) most of the time but in one particular mission, they are far too aggressive; they slam in to your car consistently if you're not careful you could find yourself getting smashed around like a pinball in a pinball machine. This mission (I'm not telling you what mission it is) that I'm talking about is one of the hardest missions I've have ever come across in a Driver game because of the brutality of the A.I. It is a huge problem which may cause you to rip your hair out. Despite this "Minor" problem, Driver is a solid driving game and the fact that it was one of the first 3D driving games, it is one game that hugely influenced the 3D Grand Theft Auto games and the sandbox genre… Expand
  8. drlowdon
    Jun 16, 2013
    6
    At a time when GTA was still in 2d Driver provided an opportunity for gamers to take to the streets in 3d. It may not have been a true open world game but the thrill of chasing and being chased around a fully formed city in vehicles that, for the time at least, handled very realistically was fantastic. A horrendous difficulty spike in the last level meant that many would never complete itAt a time when GTA was still in 2d Driver provided an opportunity for gamers to take to the streets in 3d. It may not have been a true open world game but the thrill of chasing and being chased around a fully formed city in vehicles that, for the time at least, handled very realistically was fantastic. A horrendous difficulty spike in the last level meant that many would never complete it but it remains one of the best game available on the PSone.… Expand
  9. Vapor96
    Mar 23, 2015
    9
    This one's a real classic with a great feel and an engaging atmosphere, but it's held back by its steep difficulty level and very frustrating time limits.
  10. Duke_Nukem
    Oct 5, 2015
    9
    Driver is the first driving game set completely in a 3D world, as far as I know. When I first saw (and later played) the demo, I was impressed so much and I knew I gotta have this game!

    It's amazing how they succeeded in making such a big 3D map for the original Playstation back in 1999, 2 years before GTA III did it on the PS2. This really changed the face of driving games for the    Driver is the first driving game set completely in a 3D world, as far as I know. When I first saw (and later played) the demo, I was impressed so much and I knew I gotta have this game!

    It's amazing how they succeeded in making such a big 3D map for the original Playstation back in 1999, 2 years before GTA III did it on the PS2. This really changed the face of driving games for the future.

    The car handling is enjoyable and it's a hoot turning tight corners using the circle (burnout) button! Driving at high speeds through the city being chased by the cops, makes you feel like you are Steve McQueen in Bullitt (1968) The film director mode allows you to see your wildest chases again from different camera angles.

    The funky music is fantastic and sets the tone for a 70s police/bandit flick. The graphics are good for its time.

    A year later Driver 2 (2000) was released which didn't improve on Driver at all, except you can get out of your car. If you like more of this kind of driving games on the original Playstation, check out World's Scariest Police Chases (2001).

    Driver was at its time a very original and solid game. It hasn't aged so well over the years, but it's still a good game if you own an original Playstation. I rate Driver 9 out of 10.    … Expand
  11. Playing_Critic
    Oct 12, 2016
    10
    Эх, вернуться бы в то славное время, которого нет, однако есть классная игра конца 90-х под названием Водитель, к сожалению, поклонников довольно таки немного, но есть те, кто чтит память данной игры и по сей день, ведь, предствить, что эта первая игра по сути, в которой можно рулить в свободном мире вызывало лишь бурю отличных эмоций, да и в игре был сюжет, который здоровска вписывается вЭх, вернуться бы в то славное время, которого нет, однако есть классная игра конца 90-х под названием Водитель, к сожалению, поклонников довольно таки немного, но есть те, кто чтит память данной игры и по сей день, ведь, предствить, что эта первая игра по сути, в которой можно рулить в свободном мире вызывало лишь бурю отличных эмоций, да и в игре был сюжет, который здоровска вписывается в антураж игры, прекрасные диалоги, от которых я до сей пор обалдеваю, даже, представить не возможно то, как создтели обошлись с продолжением, которое было, наверно, и неплохое, но и не особо, чтобы кайфовое.… Expand
  12. IvanW.
    Jan 29, 2004
    0
    Not very good.
  13. servicepack21
    Apr 8, 2016
    10
    Лично мне игра очень сильно понравилась. Здесь есть все, начиная от прекрасного сюжета, и заканчивая отличной атмосферой. Для тех времен графика просто потрясающая. Очень хорошо.
  14. 2000mudkip
    Oct 12, 2016
    9
    Driver is a timeless classic. While the first mission is extremely difficult, the game is a lot of fun. Graphics look great for an early open world game, the cars control great and the maps are varied in design, The cops are brutal but that just adds to the charm.
  15. Jordanx23
    Nov 3, 2016
    9
    Driver was utterly outstanding for its time on the playstation. The tutorial was the most frustrating part of the game ironically but that didnt stop me fro playing through the game. I had a lot of fun ramming my car into the police as they chased me down. Avoiding police using the map was engaging and I was anxious. I'll never forget driver. Overall, a cool driving game that has physicsDriver was utterly outstanding for its time on the playstation. The tutorial was the most frustrating part of the game ironically but that didnt stop me fro playing through the game. I had a lot of fun ramming my car into the police as they chased me down. Avoiding police using the map was engaging and I was anxious. I'll never forget driver. Overall, a cool driving game that has physics errors but was an amazing experience as a child playing this.… Expand
  16. HenrikS.
    Jun 7, 2007
    9
    One of 2 games to "survive" my transition to PS2. Great fun, and still is.
  17. iKen
    Apr 14, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GOOD.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue: GOOD.
  18. Diegochocho
    Jul 8, 2018
    8
    Aunque nunca entendí la historia de pequeño, me encantaba la ciudad y la conducción, y que me persiguieran los policías rompepelotas, pero lo disfrute mucho.
  19. BOS2161
    Sep 4, 2017
    8
    Handling is bad. Speed is bad. Acceleration is horrible. You apparently drive a base model/ bottom of the line common car as a getaway car (honestly, my 2006 stock Scion XB performs better). Most of the game is made up of seventy five percent luck/rng and twenty five percent skill (with the last mission being ninety nine percent luck/rng and one percent skill). But, at the end of the dayHandling is bad. Speed is bad. Acceleration is horrible. You apparently drive a base model/ bottom of the line common car as a getaway car (honestly, my 2006 stock Scion XB performs better). Most of the game is made up of seventy five percent luck/rng and twenty five percent skill (with the last mission being ninety nine percent luck/rng and one percent skill). But, at the end of the day there's just something to it that makes this game fun (most of the time).… Expand
  20. Kallenovsky
    Sep 15, 2017
    8
    There's something interesting to be said that a game can be funner when manipulating its glitches rather than actually playing it for its original purpose. Driver is one of those rare games, and for once it's not really a bad thing. The game does have mission-breaking glitches—your car flying off of the map, going through invisible walls into the ether, and so much more. However, utilizingThere's something interesting to be said that a game can be funner when manipulating its glitches rather than actually playing it for its original purpose. Driver is one of those rare games, and for once it's not really a bad thing. The game does have mission-breaking glitches—your car flying off of the map, going through invisible walls into the ether, and so much more. However, utilizing these glitches in leisure or challenge modes are mouth watering. The reason? This game came with a replay mode where you could save your best "work." Hit a car on its side at just the right spot and your car or the other one will go flying to hilarious new heights. It makes for fantastic laughs with friends trying to create new videos, one-upping one another to put together the greatest madness possible.

    However, there is also a story mode here. While it is interesting, taking on a 1970s cop drama/thriller theme, it can feel absurd with some poor dialogue and voice acting. However, none of this is problematic enough that you will lose interest in playing. The story quests are challenging, some incredibly so, and will keep you going for some time. Just be sure to do one thing when you begin this game: don't give up on that opening driving test! it's tough and annoying, but it will prep you for how crazy this game is going to get.    … Expand
  21. Mirannejad76
    Sep 3, 2018
    9
    in my time it was a best open world game before GTA III release . i paying this many time
  22. Leontorres7
    Nov 13, 2018
    8
    This is really a great game, there is so much to love about it, must play for sure!
  23. djape
    Apr 25, 2022
    9
    Was mind blown when I first played this game on PS1 long time ago. Solid 9/10 game. Fun aspect 11/10.
  24. AltMetal
    Nov 9, 2022
    2
    This game either didn't age well or wasn't designed well, plain and simple. Cops just appear in front of you on the radar, cars have the damage resistance of cardboard, cops only know how to ram you and not arrest you and car physics are equivalent to that of bumper cars. Just play Driver 3, PL, 76 and San Francisco.
  25. 8Gerrard
    Jan 12, 2020
    8
    Perfect game but too much harder than it should've been.The police difficulty should've been much lower.
  26. Alvelian
    Dec 15, 2022
    10
    ==================================Legend=======================================
  27. Paydayjacket
    Feb 26, 2020
    10
    El juego es bueno y entretenido porque además de que sea difícil la supervivencia en driver es un poco divertido. pd el verdadero desafío es el tutorial
  28. hocineDZ
    Oct 12, 2020
    10
    Driver is the game of my old days i still play it to this day and i have the same feeling as i first played it.
  29. storygamer
    Sep 5, 2020
    8
    The first entry of the Driver series is still the best choice. The graphics, controls and gameplay simply rule! The game was revolutionary and is still great fun. But can be pretty difficult, especially the start,
  30. Ardho
    Feb 8, 2022
    8
    Open world car game with best story for ps1................................
  31. Badr90s
    Sep 23, 2021
    8
    The classic yet better than many recent cars games in terms of driving mechanic, unforgiving missions and brutal cops
  32. wateryey
    Sep 30, 2021
    10
    Such a fantastic game. Driver 1 and Driver 2 are still two of the best video games ever made. Driver 1 has a fantastic gameplay and Driver 2 has the most memorable missions i have ever played in my entire life.
  33. Jattaman
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    Giocato ai tempi della mitica PSX, lo ricordo come un gioco divertente e anche con un buon livello di sfida.
    Pur non essendo fan dei giochi di guida, questa sorta di "GTA tutto in auto" si è rivelato un ottimo passatempo.
  34. petrkozak13
    Dec 12, 2021
    9
    I recently tried this cult classic again on the PC and the graphics/gameplay are still fun. That can't be said about lot of other games. Only downside is the absurdly difficult campaign though.
  35. GabePhoenix
    Mar 7, 2022
    5
    Let me start by saying how great the physics for this game are, and how it surprisingly still holds up TO THIS DAY; it's incredible. The way the car moves, and reacts to the environment; the crashes, and swinging - really cool.

    I should also mention the good atmosphere and soundtrack for this title. A lot of jazz and blues, and that's great to listen. It brings a retro feeling (even for    Let me start by saying how great the physics for this game are, and how it surprisingly still holds up TO THIS DAY; it's incredible. The way the car moves, and reacts to the environment; the crashes, and swinging - really cool.

    I should also mention the good atmosphere and soundtrack for this title. A lot of jazz and blues, and that's great to listen. It brings a retro feeling (even for when it was released, back in 99', I believe).
    The rain effects are really good, they look great.

    The game presents four major cities in the campaign, each with their individual vibe, and well represented. I don't think they hold many secrets, but they still pleasant to the eyes, as these were fairly good graphics for it's time.
    Also, there's a good replayability factor, since you can't do all of the missions in just one playthrough; sometimes you may have to choose one from two or three available contacts.
    Plus, you still got a director camera to film and edit your own cuts, and a few additional standalone modes you can have an extra fun with.

    Unfortunately, the game lacks a captivating story, a good protagonist, interesting characters overall, and car variety, as we only have a handful of vehicles to drive around the cities.
    Tanner doesn't have much charisma, and that certainly applies to the rest of the cast; no exceptions (actually they don't have any charisma at all).
    It's kind of hard to keep track of who's talking, and who's who during the cinematics, as they don't have any lip-synch or subtitles pointing out who's having the word.
    Some missions have a timer only for the sake of having it, instead of making any sense.

    Also, the opening mission, where you're given a proficiency test in the parking lot, doesn't make much sense at all. Why would you ask a proficiency test from a person who just got his hands in the controller? Sure, Tanner is already good using the wheels, but the player isn't. There's the tutorial, but the tutorial should be included in the campaign.
    Kinda poorly executed. Many people gave up right there and then.

    Anyway - I don't really have a lot to complain about the gameplay itself, as it does a good job of being a driving simulator, but that sort of brings me to the final mission of the game.

    NO SPOILERS: The final mission throws the idea of being a simulation to the garbage bin, and tries everything in it's power to completely frustrate and ruin your day. It doubles up the chasers' speed, and probably triples their bumping strength. I was countless times pummeled to death, and even thrown OUT OF THE MAP... literally; I could see the whole map disintegrate right before me as I flew away.
    For some reason, developer Reflections turned the game into a bumper car simulator, and let me tell you, it is the hardest mission I've ever played in a video-game; and I've played a lot of games.

    DRIVER was well respected, and very influential back in the day, and I believe you should at least experience what it offers once; though keep in mind it has aged in some aspects, and is also incredibly difficult at some points; especially during it's final mission, where all hell breaks loose, and you shall feel hopeless.

    In my opinion, it was an OK game back then.    … Expand
  36. basic123
    Oct 18, 2022
    8
    Fun game of my childhood. It was very hard from the beginning but also very rewarding you you mangaged to get trough.
  37. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    9
    Along with Midtown madness this was the pioneer of driving game series. I had a lot of fun with this.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PS1 Game of 1999
7
#7 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1999
14
#14 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Electric Playground
    100
    Delivers in spades exactly what it sets out to do: It lets the gamer be the wheelman in a non-stop car-chase movie. This is everything a driving game should be. It is, for all intents and purposes, perfect.
    Read full review
  2. IGN
    97
    What a tour-de-force! The graphics are top notch, the driving itself is unparalleled and the Director tools are unique and friendly... It's pure driving poetry.
    Read full review
  3. PSX Nation
    96
    One of the freshest, exciting and entertaining titles we have played in 1999. Reflections has done it again with a title that breaks boundaries and creates a new level of entertainment.
    Read full review
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