In between bouts of GTA4 I managed to download the new Grid demo and take it for a test drive. I had to, with Dirt being so fun I had to see if the guys at Codemasters could repeat their success with Grid.
And, I was surprised.
Playing Grid almost feels like watching an intense race scene in a Hollywood movie. I named my character and gave him the nickname ‘Chief,’ which invoked authoritative and cool at the same time, to me anyway.
I hoped in the BMW option of the three they give you and began the race.
This is when I adjusted my grip on the controller, as the camera panned to my vehicle and my crew chief told me the finish I had to do to get an achievement. I had to finish in a podium place. Simple enough, I think.
The race starts and I’m off. Zipping through cars in my Beemer until the first corner, where a collision of metal and glass sends almost bone crunching sounds through my speakers. My car is forced into a wall and takes damage on the left wheel and I now have trouble turning. I reverse quickly and off I go, leaving a trail of white smoke and the smell of burnt tires in my wake.
As I drive I notice a bumper fly off another car and land on the road clanking along as I speed past.
…and I smashed into the wall at 120 and effectively ended the race.
Though thanks to Grids replay system I was able to rewind the race a little, tap the X button on my 360, and start at that point. Once you crash you can also retire, though the game warns your reputation takes a hit if you do, or restart the race. I chose to restart.
As I raced my crew chief told me various things about the race like how damaged my vehicle was, who was in first place, how I was doing, and when I got into first how I should stay focused as I could win the race… and then I lost focused… didn’t make a great turn and effectively came in third. Shame, it was the last corner too.
Either way, the Grid demo is one worth checking out. So if you haven’t done so, please check if your system has the demo available and download it! Those crazy Brits can make racing games too.
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