D-1 Grand Prix

Reviewed by Norman Canseco
September 1, 2006

Developer: Yuke's Publisher: Yuke's Consoles Available: PS2 Number of Players: 1-2 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone 10+) Website: Click Here Review Rating: 7 out of 10

Screenshot from D1 Grand Prix. Images courtesy of Yuke's.

Racing fans: get ready for a new type of racing simulator for the PS2! D-1 Grand Prix presented by Yuke's, a company known in Japan for its great racing games, debuts in the US . D-1 is the racing simulator that gets you into the real thing. There are many modes of game play and a large selection of cars, but this is sure to be a treat for fans of the drifting community.

The game has 6 types of game play. There is quick race, time attack, battle, survival, X-treme and D1 Series (career mode). All the modes are based on the art of drifting. D1 series, time attack, quick race, survival and X-treme modes are all one player challenges. In battle mode two players can race each on any course. Most of the races consist of 2 drivers concentrating on the art of drifting. Gamers can control their car at high speeds through a corner while maintaining a good angle all the way. Points are gained by style, speed, and ability to stay as close to the opponent without collision. As for selection of cars, there are over 30 authentic vehicles including actual cars used in the D1 grand prix.

All cars are tuned and modified specifically for sport, which means a much lighter weight and a high end torque output. Because of the realistic physics, the learning curve is very steep. In order to experience career mode and the very meat of the game, players must first complete an extensive training mode without any shortcuts.

Graphics are sharp and very animated. There is not too much in the background, but cars are very well detailed and experience damage in the form of bumpers flying off at the point of impact. Vehicle customization includes car color, over 55 different varieties in rims, and rear spoilers. Cars have realistic sounding engines and squealing tires.

One of the disappointments in this game is the repetitive music and very limited soundtrack. During track events the game Yukes included commentators who will critique your performance with short simple comments but the sound straight out of “Iron Chef “. This commentary adds a nuisance to the game play.

Graphics and sound quality are perfect. But the game's mechanics does not make allowances for the casual player. In fact the game is very unforgiving and that would discourage racing fans who want the easy way to play. Racing simulator fans will enjoy the realism and the challenge but will grow tired of the lack of variety in car detailing and dry commentary. If this game were a mere twenty dollars I would invest in it. At full price it is truly hard to justify its replay value.

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