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Driver (video game)
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{{short description|1999 action driving video game}} {{about|the first video game in the series|the full series|Driver (series)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}} {{Infobox video game | title = Driver | image = Driver Coverart.png | developer = [[Ubisoft Reflections|Reflections Interactive]]{{efn|[[Crawfish Interactive]] developed the Game Boy Color version and Abersoft Limited developed the Macintosh port.}} | publisher = [[Atari, Inc. (1993-present)|GT Interactive]]{{efn|The Game Boy Color version was published by [[Atari, Inc. (1993–present)|Infogrames]].<br>[[MacSoft]] published the Macintosh port.<br>[[Gameloft]] published the iOS and Palm Pre remakes.}} | producer = Peter Hawley | designer = Martin Edmondson | writer = Maurice Suckling | composer = [[Allister Brimble]] | series = ''[[Driver (series)|Driver]]'' | platforms = [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Game Boy Color]], [[Classic Mac OS]], [[iOS]], [[Palm Pre]] | released = '''PlayStation'''{{vgrelease|EU|25 June 1999|NA|8 July 1999<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 8, 1999 |title=GT Ships 1 Million Driver's |url=http://www.psxnation.com/news/070899b.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000604073539/http://www.psxnation.com/news/070899b.shtml |archive-date=June 4, 2000 |access-date=November 28, 2023 |website=[[Imagine Games Network|PSX Nation]]}}</ref>}}'''Microsoft Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA/UK|1 October 1999<ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=1999-10-02 |title=News Briefs |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/02/news-briefs-93 |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-02-10 |title=Gone Gold : EuroGold |url=http://www.gonegold.com/golden/eurogold99.shtml |access-date=2023-11-29 |archive-date=10 February 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010210220535/http://www.gonegold.com/golden/eurogold99.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}'''Game Boy Color'''{{vgrelease|NA|10 May 2000<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-05-30 |title=GameBoy Station - Release Dates |url=http://gbstation.com/releases.html |access-date=2023-11-29 |archive-date=30 May 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000530120743/http://gbstation.com/releases.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>|UK|23 June 2001<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=''Driver'' |url=http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=2742 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010425181100/http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=2742 |archive-date=April 25, 2001 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=Chipsworld}}</ref>}}'''Macintosh'''{{vgrelease|NA|12 December 2000<ref name="Mac">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/driver/platform/mac/ |title=Driver (Mac) |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=22 April 2005 |access-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023082905/http://www.gamespot.com/driver/platform/mac/ |archive-date=23 October 2012}}</ref>}}'''iOS/Palm Pre'''{{vgrelease|WW|8 December 2009<ref name="iOS">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/games/driver/iphone-53063 |title=Driver – iPhone |website=IGN |access-date=2 September 2014}}</ref>}} | genre = [[Racing video game|Driving]], [[Action game|action]] | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single player]] }} '''''Driver''''' (subtitled "''You Are the Wheelman''" in North America) is an [[action game|action]] [[Racing video game|driving]] video game and the first installment in the [[Driver (series)|''Driver'' series]]. Developed by [[Ubisoft Reflections|Reflections Interactive]] and published by [[Atari, Inc. (1993–present)|GT Interactive]], it was released on the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] on 25 June 1999,<ref>''Computer and Video Games'' issue 212, page 46, EMAP Images, July 1999</ref> and was ported to [[Microsoft Windows]] on 1 October 1999, and to [[Classic Mac OS]] on 12 December 2000<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/309/driver/releases/macintosh/ |title=Driver Releases (Macintosh) - MobyGames |website=MobyGames |access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="Mac">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/driver/platform/mac/ |title=Driver (Mac) |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=22 April 2005 |access-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023082905/http://www.gamespot.com/driver/platform/mac/ |archive-date=23 October 2012}}</ref> by Abersoft Limited.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22879 |title=Driver (Macintosh) – Overview |publisher=[[AllGame]] |first=Christopher Michael |last=Baker |access-date=6 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114150439/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22879 |archive-date=14 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/309/driver/releases/macintosh/ |title=Driver Releases (Macintosh) - MobyGames |website=MobyGames |access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref> The game, inspired by movie car chases, sees players driving around four real-life cities – Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York – using a variety of vehicles, with the plot focusing on the work of an undercover police officer, John Tanner, who infiltrates a criminal outfit to investigate their operations, only to discover a plot by their boss to assassinate the President of the United States. The game proved a commercial hit upon release, and received favorable reviews from critics. [[Porting|Ports]] for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[Macintosh|Mac]] were released on 1 October 1999 and December 2000. A remake for the [[Game Boy Color]], developed by Crawfish Interactive and published by [[Infogrames]] was released in May 2000, while versions for [[iOS]] and [[Palm Pre]], developed and published by [[Gameloft]], were released on 8 December 2009. The game was re-released on the [[PlayStation Network]] on 14 October 2008.<ref name="ubi.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.ubi.com/UK/News/Info.aspx?nId=5367 |title=Driver Coming to PSN |publisher=[[Ubisoft]] |date=6 August 2008 |access-date=2 June 2010}}</ref> The game's success led to further sequels, including ''[[Driver 2]]'' in November 2000 and ''[[Driver 3]]'' in June 2004. == Gameplay == {{Multiple image | image1 = Driver screenshot.png | caption1 = Gameplay from the PS1 release, in the mission "Taxi!" during the "Undercover" mode. Tanner is trying to scare someone sufficiently, indicated by the "Freak" meter. | image2 = Driver iOS gameplay.png | caption2 = The same mission as seen on iOS. | width = 200 | direction = vertical | align = left }} The game is played out in four cities: Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, each of which remain only partially faithful to the actual city layouts. A fifth bonus city, [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] (where Reflections Interactive is based), is unlockable in the PC version through gameplay and in the PlayStation version using a cheat device,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/virtual-toon-guide-video-games-11909625|title=Newcastle in video games – it's not just Fifa we've featured in|last=Meechan|first=Simon|date=21 September 2016|website=Newcastle Chronicle|access-date=18 June 2019}}</ref> but no missions are available and the playable area is small. The game was notable at the time of its original release insofar as the player was able to explore each city as an [[open world]] environment. ''Driver'' has often been compared to the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' series. It also bears significant thematic resemblances to the [[20th Century Fox]] movie ''[[The Driver]]'' (1978). == Plot == [[NYPD]] detective and former [[racing driver]] John Tanner is sent [[undercover]] by Lieutenant McKenzie to investigate a crime syndicate led by Castaldi; McKenzie instructs Tanner to go to Miami and meet a pimp named Rufus. After arriving in Miami, Tanner uses his driving skills to prove himself to some gangsters in a parking garage, and becomes their getaway driver. Tanner carries out jobs for various criminals before meeting Rufus, who tasks Tanner with rescuing Jean-Paul, one of his associates. Rufus is later shot dead by his girlfriend Jesse, whom Tanner apprehends, and she reveals that Jean-Paul is now in San Francisco. Tanner goes to San Francisco, where he finally meets Castaldi and begins working directly for him. He also meets Rusty Slater, his former racing rival, who also works for Castaldi. Tanner later learns from local informant Mojo that Castaldi is working with a man named Don Hancock, who is running for president. He comes to suspect that Slater has been spying on him and wrecks Slater's car during a chase, resulting in Slater being arrested. Castaldi's syndicate moves to Los Angeles, where Castaldi plans to assassinate FBI agent Bill Maddox. Tanner instructs Lech, a police associate, to ensure Maddox turns up; otherwise, his cover may be blown. The assassination fails and the police ambush the gangsters, forcing Tanner to take them to safety. Tanner convinces the suspicious gangsters that Slater told the police about the planned assassination. Lech later tells Tanner that McKenzie recently met with Marcus Vaughn, an FBI agent whom Tanner realizes is working with Castaldi and Hancock. The syndicate then moves to New York, where Castaldi plans a high-profile assassination. Lech tells Tanner that Hancock has bribed several people in the FBI and that McKenzie wants him to pull out of the operation, as he worries for Tanner's cover. Tanner insists on staying undercover and keeps working for Castaldi, intent on uncovering his plan. Tanner eventually learns that Castaldi plans to assassinate the [[President of the United States]], and Tanner is tasked with driving the President's car. However, he ignores all instructions and takes the President to safety. McKenzie then arrives and tells Tanner that Castaldi and all of his associates, including Hancock and Vaughn, have been arrested, then offers Tanner his badge back. However, Tanner suspects that the police and FBI were involved with Castaldi, so he leaves, ignoring McKenzie completely. == Development == Series creator Martin Edmonson was inspired by the very first film he saw at the cinema, 1978 crime thriller ''[[The Driver]]''. The "infamous [[Car-park|car park]] level", which tasks players with performing a series of driving feats such as handbrake turns and slaloming, the difficulty of which frustrated many players, was directly lifted from a scene in the film.<ref name=PCgamertutorial>{{Cite news |last=Peel |first=Jeremy |date=2021-07-12 |title=How a childhood crime movie inspired Driver's notoriously difficult car park tutorial |language=en |work=[[PC Gamer]] |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/how-a-childhood-crime-movie-inspired-drivers-notoriously-difficult-car-park-tutorial/ |access-date=2023-03-18|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713050940/https://www.pcgamer.com/how-a-childhood-crime-movie-inspired-drivers-notoriously-difficult-car-park-tutorial/}}</ref> The destruction of vehicles in-game was inspired by Edmonson watching "real destruction derbies and banger racing" as a child and observing the "twisted metal and the battered cars" afterwards. To achieve the "sound effects of the crunching metal sound" of car crashes during development, the team "went to a wrecker's yard and hired a big [[JCB (heavy equipment manufacturer)|JCB]], and we were picking up cars and dropping them on top of other cars".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cullen |first=Johnny |date=2010-06-15 |title=Interview: Driver: San Francisco's Martin Edmondson |url=https://www.vg247.com/interview-driver-san-franciscos-martin-edmondson |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=[[VG247]] |language=en}}</ref> According to Spanish video game magazine ''Magazine 64'', in 1999, GT Interactive were conducting development tests for a port to the [[Nintendo 64]], although no such release ever materialized.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=30 November 1999 |title=¡Lo que se cuece en la industria! |url=https://archive.org/details/Magazine_64_23 |journal=Magazine 64 |language=Spanish |publisher=MC Ediciones, S.A. |issue=23 |pages=10 |quote=En GT Interactive acarician la idea de traer el Driver de Playstation a la N64. De momento, se dedican a experimentar con los gráficos y la velocidad de animación.}}</ref> In 2009, a remastered version of the game was released on the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]]. Developed and published by [[Gameloft]], the original plot and structure were left intact, but the graphics were enhanced, the music was re-done, and voice acting was re-recorded for the [[cutscene]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameloft.com:80/iphone-games/driver/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128032458/http://www.gameloft.com:80/iphone-games/driver/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-11-28 |title=(Archived) Driver for iPhone & iPod |publisher=[[Gameloft]] |access-date=28 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/driver/id343583887?mt=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629102015/http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/driver/id343583887?mt=8 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-06-29 |title=(Archived) Driver on the AppStore |publisher=[[Gameloft]] |access-date=29 June 2012}}</ref> == Reception == {{Video game reviews | GBC = true | iOS = true | PC = true | PS = true | Mac = true | Allgame_GBC = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=21348&tab=review |title=Driver (GBC) – Review |publisher=[[AllGame]] |first=Christian |last=Huey |access-date=18 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118235827/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=21348&tab=review |archive-date=18 November 2014}}</ref> | Allgame_PC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20810&tab=review |title=Driver (PC) – Review |publisher=AllGame |first=Christopher Michael |last=Baker |access-date=18 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118235627/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20810&tab=review |archive-date=18 November 2014}}</ref> | Allgame_PS = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18022&tab=review |title=Driver (PS) – Review |publisher=AllGame |first=Colin |last=Williamson |access-date=18 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118235736/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18022&tab=review |archive-date=18 November 2014}}</ref> | Allgame_Mac = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22879 |title=Driver (Macintosh) – Overview |publisher=[[AllGame]] |first=Christopher Michael |last=Baker |access-date=6 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114150439/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22879 |archive-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> | Destruct_iOS = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/iphone-review-round-up-december-158099.phtml |title=iPhone Review Round-up: December |website=[[Destructoid]] |first=Dale |last=North |date=17 December 2009 |access-date=3 September 2014}}</ref> | Edge_PS = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/driver-review |title=Driver Review (PS) |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |author=Edge staff |issue=75 |date=September 1999 |access-date=18 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604061418/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/driver-review |archive-date=4 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | EGM_PS = 8.3/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Driver (PS) |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |year=1999}}</ref> | EuroG_PS = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/driverp_psx |title=Driver Platinum (PSOne) |website=[[Eurogamer]] |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=14 August 2000 |access-date=2 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010107205100/http://www.eurogamer.net/content/driverp_psx |archive-date=7 January 2001 |url-status=live}}</ref> | GameFan_PS = 84%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=966&t=r |title=REVIEW for Driver (PS) |publisher=[[GameFan]] |first=Rick |last=Mears |date=30 September 1999 |access-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000524002818/http://gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=966&t=r |archive-date=24 May 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | GI_PS = 8.25/10<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=3182 |title=Driver (PS) |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |last1=McNamara |first1=Andy |last2=Fitzloff |first2=Jay |last3=Reiner |first3=Andrew |date=25 October 1999 |access-date=2 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000520232655/http://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=3182 |archive-date=20 May 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | GamePro_PC = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/3137.shtml |title=Driver Review for PC on GamePro.com |magazine=[[GamePro]] |last=Olafson |first=Peter |date=16 November 1999 |access-date=2 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050124222453/http://gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/3137.shtml |archive-date=24 January 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | GamePro_PS = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/2285.shtml |title=Driver Review for PlayStation on GamePro.com |magazine=GamePro |author=The Rookie |date=7 October 1999 |access-date=2 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050212133714/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/2285.shtml |archive-date=12 February 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | GameRev_PS = A<ref name="RevolutionPS">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/driver |title=Driver Review (PS) |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |first=Ben |last=Silverman |date=July 1999 |access-date=27 August 2013}}</ref> | GSpot_GBC= 7.4/10<ref name="GSpotGBC">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/driver-review/1900-2577296/ |title=Driver Review (GBC) |website=GameSpot |first=Frank |last=Provo |date=25 May 2000 |access-date=2 September 2014}}</ref> | GSpot_PC= 8.5/10<ref name="GSpotPC">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/driver-review/1900-2540083/ |title=Driver Review (PC) |website=GameSpot |first=Erik |last=Wolpaw |date=29 October 1999 |access-date=2 September 2014}}</ref> | GSpot_PS= 7.7/10<ref name="GSpotPS">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/driver-review/1900-2545944/ |title=Driver Review (PS) |website=GameSpot |first=Ryan |last=MacDonald |date=9 July 1999 |access-date=2 September 2014}}</ref> | GSpy_PC = 73%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/legacy/reviews/driver_a.shtm |title=Driver (PC) |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |first=Bruce |last=Ladewig |date=17 October 1999 |access-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050125213636/http://archive.gamespy.com/legacy/reviews/driver_a.shtm |archive-date=25 January 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | IGN_GBC = 8/10<ref name="IGNGBC">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/16/driver |title=Driver (GBC) |website=IGN |first=Craig |last=Harris |date=16 May 2000 |access-date=27 August 2013}}</ref> | IGN_PC = 8.9/10<ref name="IGNPC">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/09/driver-5 |title=Driver (PC) |website=IGN |first=Mike |last=Morrissey |date=8 October 1999 |access-date=27 August 2013}}</ref> | IGN_PS = 9.7/10<ref name="IGNPS">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/09/driver-6/ |title=Driver (PS) |website=IGN |first=Douglass C. |last=Perry |date=8 July 1999 |access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref> |MacAddict_Mac = Positive<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macintoshrepository.org/3864-driver-you-are-the-wheelman |title=Driver - You Are The Wheelman |website=MacAddict |first=Frank |last=O'Connor |date=March 2001 |access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref> | NGen_PS = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NG" /> | OPM_PS = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Driver |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |year=1999}}</ref> | PCGUS_PC = 78%<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/archives/review_2000-08-15ac.html |title=Driver |journal=[[PC Gamer]] |first=Stephen |last=Poole |date=August 2000 |access-date=2 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050316154043/http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/archives/review_2000-08-15ac.html |archive-date=16 March 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | GR_GBC = 76%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/914355-driver-you-are-the-wheelman/index.html |title=Driver: You are the Wheelman for Game Boy Color |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref> | GR_iOS = 81%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/987856-driver/index.html |title=Driver for iOS (iPhone/iPad) |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref> | GR_PC = 79%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/197162-driver/index.html |title=Driver for PC |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref> | GR_PS = 88%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197163-driver/index.html |title=Driver for PlayStation |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref> | MC_iOS = 83/100<ref name="MCiOS" /> | MC_PS = 87/100<ref name="MCPS" /> | award1Pub = [[Game Critics Awards]] | award1 = Best Racing Game (1999) }} ''Driver'' was a commercial hit, with sales above 1 million units by early August 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.fr/stories/news/0,1610,2008093,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010724131529/http://www.gamespot.fr/stories/news/0,1610,2008093,00.html|archive-date=24 July 2001|title=Gamekult - Jeux vidéo PC et consoles: Tout l'univers des joueurs}}</ref> In the German market, ''Driver''{{'}}s PlayStation version received a "Gold" award from the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland (VUD) by the end of July,<ref name=vudjul99>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000623230432/http://www.vud.de/infopres/PM-120899.htm | url=http://www.vud.de:80/infopres/PM-120899.htm | title=VUD – Sales-Awards Juli '99 | date=12 August 1999 | publisher=Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland | archive-date=23 June 2000 | language=de | location=[[Paderborn]] | url-status=dead | access-date=29 July 2019 }}</ref> indicating sales of at least 100,000 units across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.<ref name=gameprogold>{{cite magazine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718145345/https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/vud-gold-awards-2003,1290773.html | url=https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/vud-gold-awards-2003,1290773.html | title=VUD-Gold-Awards 2003 | author=Horn, Andre | date=14 January 2004 | magazine=[[GamePro]] Germany | archive-date=18 July 2018 | language=de | url-status=live }}</ref> The committee raised it to "Platinum" status (200,000 sales) by the end of September.<ref name=vudsep99>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000526144145/http://www.vud.de/infopres/PM-011199.htm | url=http://www.vud.de:80/infopres/PM-011199.htm | title=VUD – Sales-Awards September '99 | date=2 November 1999 | location=[[Paderborn]] | publisher=Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland | language=de | archive-date=26 May 2000 | url-status=dead | access-date=29 July 2019 }}</ref> In the United States, ''Driver''{{'}}s [[jewel case]] version for computers sold 390,000 copies and earned $3.8 million by August 2006, after its release in October 2000. It was the country's 42nd-best-selling computer game between January 2000 and August 2006.<ref name=edgesales>{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017165955/http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |title=The Top 100 PC Games of the 21st Century| author=''Edge'' Staff | date=25 August 2006 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |archive-date=17 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{As of|2000}}, it has sold over {{nowrap|4 million}} units worldwide and grossed $150 million in revenue.<ref>{{cite web|first=Joseph|last=Gelmis|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92543266/newsday-nassau-edition/|title=Ah, Gift-Wrapped Boxes of Computer Games Afoot|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|page=150|date=December 13, 2000|accessdate=January 14, 2022|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Upon its initial release, ''Driver'' was met with very positive feedback and critical acclaim. The PlayStation and iOS versions received "favorable" reviews according to video game [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCiOS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/driver/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Driver for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="MCPS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/driver/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |title=Driver for PlayStation Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref> Jeff Lundrigan reviewed the PlayStation version of the game for ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'', rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "a movie buff's dream – but ''Driver'' is still great even if you aren't big on movies".<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|last=Lundrigan|first=Jeff|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|volume=2|issue=1|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=September 1999|page=86}}</ref> [[IGN]]'s Douglass C. Perry said of the original PlayStation game: "In the history of driving games for PlayStation, there is nothing that comes close to the comprehensive, deep, and thoroughly pleasurable experience that's embedded deep in the heart of ''Driver'' [...] It fulfills driving enthusiasts' deepest desires to drive as fast as possible through major US cities and to slam into just about anything without any repercussions. In that sense, ''Driver'' is a dream come true". He went on to call it "one of the best driving games on any system".<ref name="IGNPS" /> [[Game Revolution]]'s Ben Silverman was equally impressed, saying: "''Driver'' excels where other games have failed by striking a perfect balance between action and realism. Car handling is a wonderful mixture of true physics and arcade functionality—not as nitpicky and [[Simulation video game|sim]] oriented as ''[[Gran Turismo (1997 video game)|Gran Turismo]]'' nor as ridiculously implausible as ''[[San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing|SF Rush]]''. Driving follows the 'easy to learn, hard to master' formula [...] Rarely does a game captivate the stoic and hypercritical Game Revolution office, but ''Driver'' has done just that".<ref name="RevolutionPS" /> [[GameSpot]]'s Ryan MacDonald was not as enthusiastic, saying: "''Driver'' is a game that might be mediocre in its presentation but more than makes up for it in its gameplay and concept".<ref name="GSpotPS" /> IGN's Mike Morrissey praised the quality of the PC [[Porting|port]] and said: "Though the PC version of ''Driver'' is a fairly straight port from the PlayStation title released in July, graphic improvements are apparent, especially at [[Display resolution|resolutions]] of 800x600 and over with the details cranked. Though this requires a fairly fast computer, the effect is worth it. Smooth [[frame rate]]s reveal nice textures for the buildings and surroundings, translucent water in areas of Miami, and of course, [[lens flare]]".<ref name="IGNPC" /> GameSpot's Erik Wolpaw was somewhat disappointed with the port, but this was negated because the original game was so strong: "Like many console-to-PC [[Porting|ports]], ''Driver'' suffers from being translated verbatim and taking little advantage of the more powerful PC platform. However, ''Driver''{{'}}s core game design is so strikingly original and fun that it can be enjoyed without embellishment". They concluded that "it is addictive, intuitive, and fun, which are qualities sometimes overlooked in the industry's myopic pursuit of purely technical innovation. With ''Driver'', Reflections has produced the definitive re-creation of the classic urban car-chase movie and has quite possibly introduced a new genre of driving game".<ref name="GSpotPC" /> IGN's Craig Harris praised the Game Boy Color port's top down view and the controls and concluded: "I'm actually quite surprised at how well ''Driver'' turned out for the Game Boy Color. I was expecting a Point-A-to-B game like ''[[Grand Theft Auto (video game)|Grand Theft Auto]]'' and got a whole lot more. The missions have different elements to give the basic formula a bit more variety. It's missing a few details from the PlayStation version, but for what Crawfish had to work with hardware-wise, the development team did a great job".<ref name="IGNGBC" /> GameSpot's Frank Provo was critical of the sound, but aside from that, he said, "''Driver'' is smoothness personified. Driving around is fun and exciting, the levels are varied, and the side games really do improve your skill within the main game. Even without a battery save and a two-player feature, there's really nothing major to complain about".<ref name="GSpotGBC" /> Reviewing the [[Classic Mac OS]] port of the game in March 2001, ''[[MacAddict]]'' editor Frank O'Connor gave the game a positive review, noting that it "plays like a dream" and described it as "hecka fun". Criticism was noted for the Macintosh version being a port of the PlayStation version as opposed to the enhanced Windows version.{{efn|Despite this criticism the Classic Mac OS version is a port of the enhanced Microsoft Windows version of the game.}} O'Connor noted that a "few graphical tweaks and even some rudimentary changes to the interlace would have made Driver an instant and all-time Mac classic".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macintoshrepository.org/3864-driver-you-are-the-wheelman |title=Driver - You Are The Wheelman |website=MacAddict |first=Frank |last=O'Connor |date=March 2001 |access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macaddict.com/issues/0103/rev.driver.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041101114848/http://www.macaddict.com/issues/0103/rev.driver.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-11-01 |title=Driver - You Are The Wheelman |website=MacAddict |first=Frank |last=O'Connor |date=March 2001 |access-date=7 August 2024}}</ref> Despite the general praise, the opening tutorial set in a car park, where the player has to perform various stunts and moves (such as drifting and 180 degree turns) as well as the final mission, were criticised for excessive difficulty.<ref name=PCgamertutorial /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zwiezen |first1=Zack |title=Even F1 Legend Lewis Hamilton Can't Beat Driver's Opening Level |url=https://kotaku.com/f1-lewis-hamilton-driver-ps1-classic-opening-level-1851407195 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412203726/https://kotaku.com/f1-lewis-hamilton-driver-ps1-classic-opening-level-1851407195 |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |date=April 12, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Because of this, the game frequently appears in lists of "hardest PS1 games". At the 1999 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] [[Game Critics Awards]], ''Driver'' won "Best Racing Game", and in 2002 it was ranked No. 12 on [[IGN]]'s list of the "Top 25 PlayStation Games".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/23/top-25-games-of-all-time-complete-list |title=Top 25 Games of All Time: Complete List |website=IGN |author=IGN staff |date=22 January 2002 |access-date=2 September 2014}}</ref> The [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] named ''Driver'' as a finalist for "Console Game of the Year" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Racing Game of the Year|Console Racing Game of the Year]]" during the [[3rd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]].<ref name="AIAS">{{cite web |title=Third Interactive Achievement Awards - Console |url=http://www.interactive.org/iaa/finalists_console.html |website=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001011155228/http://www.interactive.org/iaa/finalists_console.html |archive-date=October 11, 2000}}</ref> {{clear}} == References == {{Reflist}} {{notelist}} == External links == * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070217044226/http://mirror.dendmedia.com/driver/ Archived official website] {{Driver (video game)}} {{Ubisoft Reflections}} [[Category:1999 video games]] [[Category:BAFTA winners (video games)]] [[Category:Classic Mac OS games]] [[Category:Crawfish Interactive games]] [[Category:Driver (video game series)|* 01]] [[Category:Game Boy Color games]] [[Category:GT Interactive games]] [[Category:Infogrames games]] [[Category:IOS games]] [[Category:MacSoft games]] [[Category:Open-world video games]] [[Category:Organized crime video games]] [[Category:PlayStation (console) games]] [[Category:Single-player video games]] [[Category:Ubisoft games]] [[Category:Video games about police officers]] [[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Video games scored by Allister Brimble]] [[Category:Video games set in Los Angeles]] [[Category:Video games set in Miami]] [[Category:Video games set in New York City]] [[Category:Video games set in San Francisco]] [[Category:Windows games]]
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