GSY Review PS4

It’s all about motor-sports here at the end of 2014 and, after Xbox One’s most recent outing, it’s time to look at PlayStation 4’s exclusive and aptly named DriveClub. After a burst of videos and no less than two live streams, Gamersyde is finally ready to pass judgment on Evolution Studios latest racer. While the review comes with a new set of 1080p videos, among other details, but we’re also happy to announce that we’ll be holding another live stream on launch day starting at 10:15 pm where we can answer any additional questions. Due to time constraints the full review is only available on the French side of Gamersyde but do enjoy the new videos and our conclusion below.

Verdict


DriveClub is not a perfect title across the board at release but it’s very ambitious none the less. Technically, the developers have done a remarkable job of managing the atmospheric effects, even though full weather still has yet to be implemented – at least for a few weeks, but the handling of lighting is one of the most realistic and impressive implementations to date. Crucially the gameplay doesn’t let us down either with a broad range of content on offer to complement its variety of events that left us fighting for each and every star in true arcade spirit. The driving model is not without its subtleties as we quickly discovered as we gained access to upper class cars. Tracks are rich and well designed despite the lack of “stage races”. We hope that the addition of future content and patches will eliminate some of the minor issues we have with the game. Of course, for those concerned, we can’t forget that a chunk of the game will be made available to PS+ subscribers on day 1 as well. We’ll be eager to hear what the rest of the community thinks of the game!
  • Up side
  • Visually remarkable 90% of the time
  • Incredibly rich cloud simulation system (with more weather effects on the way)
  • A perfect blend of arcade and semi-realism
  • Handling varies greatly by car
  • Solid track design
  • A huge selection of tracks (counting reverse variations that’s 55 courses!)
  • Variable race conditions that change the dynamics of each race
  • Beautiful landscapes galore
  • Each of the available views feels great – cockpit is especially well implemented
  • Emulation of online challenges while offline
  • The promise of future content (weather, photo mode, replays, new circuits, etc)
  • The BAC Mono and the McLaren P1
  • Club Gamersyde – because we're worth it!
  • Down side
  • Noticeable aliasing
  • Visually limited damage model
  • Engine sounds are disappointing
  • Just one color in the builder mode
  • AI can be frustrating
  • Lack of different routes
  • The music
  • Some rather random penalties
  • Lack of private parties
  • No replay mode at launch (but soon!)

BlimBlim's thoughts


I strongly agree with our “test master” Driftwood but, as a relatively average virtual driver, I’d like to note some of the more frustrating aspects of the game. The fact that each car handles uniquely is, in general, a good thing but it also makes some of the later challenges almost impossible without the right vehicle which may not even be available until later in the game. I don’t mind restarting events dozens of times in a car game but when it turns out that my failure was mostly due to the car, particularly when coupled with overly aggressive AI, well, I found myself quickly switching the PS4 off to do something else. Another interesting point; the cloud cover system is not reset when you choose to restart an event which is an incredible achievement. What it means is basically that, for one run, you might have the sun in your face while the next will be entirely shrouded in cloud cover. Still, as this makes such a difference in terms of track visibility, it seems like an odd choice since it is impossible to experience the same conditions in any two races. For a game based heavily on the social link between players and the inherent competition one would expect that everyone would enjoy the same conditions for a specific event. Don’t think for a second that I dislike the game, however, as, when everything goes well and thankfully that’s most of the time, it is an absolutely stunning game both in terms of gameplay and visuals.
Zat
Zat
Commented on 2014-10-07 15:39:21
Awesome guys. Thanks. And there is "no HUD" option. GREAT!!!
In reply to
Xoar
Xoar
Commented on 2014-10-07 15:41:17
I wonder why this game has so many jaggies considering it's only 30fps?
In reply to
TreyAndQuad4life
TreyAndQuad4life
Commented on 2014-10-07 15:44:30
;) Love the last point of the "up side". Now to the videos. Later.
In reply to
catfish
catfish
Commented on 2014-10-07 15:46:48
God damn that is some comprehensive footage. Thanks for the review and all the awesome videos!
In reply to
TreyAndQuad4life
TreyAndQuad4life
Commented on 2014-10-07 15:55:25
I gotta say it: Love BlimBlim´s constructive criticism. Thats what makes games better. Guys, thanks and congrats once again.

PS: what about the free-to-play version tracks? Are they any good?
In reply to
Driftwood - Dictateur en chef
Driftwood
Commented on 2014-10-07 16:04:39 In reply to TreyAndQuad4life
So mine is not constructive then. :(
In reply to
Zat
Zat
Commented on 2014-10-07 16:14:57 In reply to Driftwood
Posted by Driftwood
So mine is not constructive then. :(
:-D
In reply to
dargis49
dargis49
Commented on 2014-10-07 16:17:28
From what I've read here and on other reviews, not sure if you folks at Gamersyde agree, but Driveclub suffers from last gen AI opponents , omitted features (odd after a year delay), and has little depth. Seems to be they wanted this game to look gorgeous first and foremost, and the rest of the game suffers for it. A shame really.
In reply to
r2d3
r2d3
Commented on 2014-10-07 16:45:44
was really looking forward to this as its the makers of motorstorm. But sites giving as low as 5 out of 10 makes me cancel my copy. Oh well, lets wait for a new motorstorm...
In reply to
Xoar
Xoar
Commented on 2014-10-07 16:51:35 In reply to r2d3
Posted by r2d3
was really looking forward to this as its the makers of motorstorm. But sites giving as low as 5 out of 10 makes me cancel my copy. Oh well, lets wait for a new motorstorm...
Nevermind Motorstorm these devs done the amazing WRC games on PS2
In reply to
andrewsqual
andrewsqual
Commented on 2014-10-07 17:03:01 In reply to r2d3
Posted by r2d3
was really looking forward to this as its the makers of motorstorm. But sites giving as low as 5 out of 10 makes me cancel my copy. Oh well, lets wait for a new motorstorm...
Yet more websites have given 8 and 9 scores and you know it. Guess that magically cancelled preorder is back on then?
In reply to
b0vril
b0vril
Commented on 2014-10-07 17:14:11
Is the PS Plus Demo a permanent thing?
In reply to
Driftwood - Dictateur en chef
Driftwood
Commented on 2014-10-07 17:18:14 In reply to dargis49
Posted by dargis49
From what I've read here and on other reviews, not sure if you folks at Gamersyde agree, but Driveclub suffers from last gen AI opponents , omitted features (odd after a year delay), and has little depth. Seems to be they wanted this game to look gorgeous first and foremost, and the rest of the game suffers for it. A shame really.
FH2 also suffers from last gen AI, though the wider roads make it less obvious (and don't get me started on the drivatar system, it's terrible at best). And last gen AI suffered from previous gen AI too. :)

AI has always been left out in most games unfortunately. :(

That being said, it's a lot more frustrating in DC than in FH2.
In reply to
catfish
catfish
Commented on 2014-10-07 17:40:25 In reply to Driftwood
Posted by Driftwood
FH2 also suffers from last gen AI, though the wider roads make it less obvious (and don't get me started on the drivatar system, it's terrible at best). And last gen AI suffered from previous gen AI too. :)

AI has always been left out in most games unfortunately. :(

That being said, it's a lot more frustrating in DC than in FH2.
Completely agree. I have yet to sample this mythical next gen AI in any current gen game so far.
In reply to
r2d3
r2d3
Commented on 2014-10-07 17:44:22 In reply to andrewsqual
nope not buying it, too many average reviews. gamespot(5 out of 10) and eurogamer (60%) does it for me. Theyre reliable enough for me.
In reply to
Executioner_UK
Executioner_UK
Commented on 2014-10-07 18:15:38
Geez at the aliasing! Average racer deserves the average reviews. Will download the demo and give it its 5 minutes of fame but ill be jumping straight back onto FH2 after. Its clear why there was a review embargo.
In reply to
Seth
Seth
Commented on 2014-10-07 18:21:31
I never get the hype for this game, so not surprised it's inferior experience than the new forza after all.
In reply to
xgei8ht
xgei8ht
Commented on 2014-10-07 18:37:08 In reply to Executioner_UK
Forza Horizon is ok. But the X1 controller is awful just like the 360's.

The crew's beta is awful. Boring as hell.

Project cars is very good and looking forward to the full game.

Not quite sure what you meant by engine sounds.

DRIVECLUB'S are among the most realistic recorded for a driving game. 16 mic's at various places in and around the car.
In reply to
Driftwood - Dictateur en chef
Driftwood
Commented on 2014-10-07 18:49:11 In reply to xgei8ht
Car engines don't sound too good overall though (some even remind more of a vacuum-cleaner than anything else). But then again, maybe the original cars sound awful and that's why. :)

Maybe 32 microphones would have been better huh?
In reply to
Nietzsche
Nietzsche
Commented on 2014-10-07 18:49:55
Been playing driveclub all day and I'd give it a 6 or a 7. The sound is poor and the graphics are good but not the holy shit wow factor the previews hyped it to be. I didn't expect this to be as good as PGR but I had my hopes up. This game is average at best from my time so far. : (
In reply to
bobward
bobward
Commented on 2014-10-07 19:22:32
Nice selection of videos.
In reply to
Lara_Croft
Lara_Croft
Commented on 2014-10-07 20:14:11 In reply to r2d3
Posted by r2d3
nope not buying it, too many average reviews. gamespot(5 out of 10) and eurogamer (60%) does it for me. Theyre reliable enough for me.
Posted by r2d3
nope not buying it, too many average reviews. gamespot(5 out of 10) and eurogamer (60%) does it for me. Theyre reliable enough for me.
So GS and EG are reliable sites now?? When it suits your need u say - "oh yeah Gamespot gave it a 5/10, the game sucks." But when u need to act fanboyish, you say - "how dare they give this game a 5/10, Gamespot are the worst game site, they don't know how to review games"
In reply to
Lara_Croft
Lara_Croft
Commented on 2014-10-07 20:15:55 In reply to Nietzsche
This message is in "Boulet Time" (TM), If you still *really* want to see it, click here
Posted by Nietzsche
Been playing driveclub all day and I'd give it a 6 or a 7. The sound is poor and the graphics are good but not the holy shit wow factor the previews hyped it to be. I didn't expect this to be as good as PGR but I had my hopes up. This game is average at best from my time so far. : (
Nice fake story.
Driftwood - Dictateur en chef
Driftwood
Commented on 2014-10-07 20:16:31 In reply to bobward
Posted by bobward
Nice selection of videos.
Thanks. :)
In reply to
This message and account have been deleted at the user's request
About the game
Platform
PS4
Published by
Sony Computer En...
Developed by
Evolution Studios
Patreon

$135 of $400 per month

What's up?
  • Loakum

    Loakum *takes a sip of grape juice* The Great Awakening is happening…. (5 Weeks ago)

  • gigantor21

    gigantor21 We getting any Tekken 8 demo footage? (> 3 Months ago)

  • dc_coder_84

    dc_coder_84 Playing Half-Life 1 with ray tracing mod on Linux, yay ;) (> 3 Months ago)

  • nostradamus

    nostradamus MS-Bethesda-ABK does have some ring to it. My oh my, (> 3 Months ago)

  • Loakum

    Loakum Sony’s PlayStation Showcase was weaksauce….except for 5 great upcoming games. (> 3 Months ago)

  • Loakum

    Loakum *takes a sip of grape juice* Ah…such a good vintage. (> 3 Months ago)

  • nostradamus

    nostradamus @dc_coder_84: [url] (> 3 Months ago)

  • Driftwood

    Driftwood Download is now functional again on Gamersyde. Sorry for the past 53 days or so when it wasn't. (> 3 Months ago)

  • Driftwood

    Driftwood Another (French) livestream today at 2:30 CEST but you're welcome to drop by and speak English. I will gladly answer in English when I get a chance to catch a breath. :) (> 3 Months ago)

  • Driftwood

    Driftwood GSY is getting some nice content at 3 pm CEST with our July podcast and some videos of the Deus Ex Mankind Divided preview build. :) (> 3 Months ago)

  • Driftwood

    Driftwood For once we'll be live at 4:30 pm CEST. Blim should not even be tired! (> 3 Months ago)

  • Driftwood

    Driftwood More Quantum Break coverage coming in a few hours, 9:00 a.m CEST. (> 3 Months ago)

  • Driftwood

    Driftwood We'll have a full review up for Firewatch at 7 pm CET. Videos will only be tomorrow though. (> 3 Months ago)

  • Driftwood

    Driftwood Tonight's livestream will be at 9:15 GMT+1, not GMT+2 as first stated. (> 3 Months ago)

Also on Gamersyde

GSY Preview Video : TopSpin 2K25

  • Tuesday, March 12, 2024
  • davton

Our PC video of Islands of Insight

  • Sunday, March 3, 2024
  • Driftwood

We reviewed Expeditions: A MudRunner Game

  • Thursday, February 29, 2024
  • Driftwood