The digital delights of Sony’s scrumptious PlayStation Network service know no bounds. Aside from letting punters compete in online gaming, stream films, browse the Internet and more, its premier attraction rests in the copious supply of downloadable games ripe for the picking. From PSN exclusives to PSOne Classics, minis and plain old add-on content, Sony’s online space is chock full of goodies battling it out for your hard-earned digital dollars.
Welcome back to another installment of Inside PlayStation Network, where every Monday – Friday we’ll pluck a PSN release—be it new or old—and put it in the spotlight for a thorough dissection. Fancy getting a new PSN game but don’t know what one to plump for? Perhaps this feature will help. Didn’t realize that a game was available in your region until now? We’ve got you covered. Or, perhaps you were musing over what those lucky Japanese folk were tucking into over in the Land of the Rising Sun? You can be sure our coverage will extend to those rare regional exclusives as much as those firmly embedded on the public consciousness.
For our latest entry, we scrutinize the downloadable PSP-exclusive car fest, Driver ‘76
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Developer: Sumo Digital
Region(s) available: North America, Europe
Players: 1
Driver has had the unflattering distinction of riding Grand Theft Auto’s back bumper for much of its lifespan. Despite a promising start with the original PSOne classic and its sequel, the franchise has been overshadowed by Rockstar’s crime juggernaut for almost a decade now, though continues to chug along with a series of so-so offerings. With Driver ’76, an exclusive PSP offering from the minds of Sumo Digital, players are transported back to the swinging 70s in what is ostensibly a prequel to Driver: Parallel Lines.
Driver ’76 shines the spotlight on two of Parallel Lines’ supporting cast, namely wheelman Ray and his fast-talking chum Slink. Players hop into the shoes of the former as he endeavours to impress a notorious Triad boss in hopes of getting his leg over with the Big Man’s daughter. The game plonks you in an open-world New York City, though the core fundamentals remain largely unchanged from previous iterations in the series. As such, expect to dart around all over the place carrying out your perfunctory Driver duties, such as escorting cars, driving to a specific location within the allotted time, ditching cops and ferrying passengers.
Driver ’76 boast a garage of motors to hop into – 50 to be precise – ranging from standard cars, dirt bikes, big rigs and more. Each vehicle possesses its own unique handling profile to get to grips with, though you’ll also be able to hop out of the driver’s seat and go gallivanting around on foot if you wish. Here, you’ll be able to get your mitts on a variety of firearms such as a handgun, Shotgun assault rifle and more, with the game’s lock-on system providing an easy enough time of gunning down local goons. Both weapons and cars can also be upgraded via the dough you earn from various side-missions.
Speaking of side-missions, there’s plenty of them, with tasks including open-road racing, tow-truck and tax-driver and the usual array of wheelman-based missions. The city itself is fairly substantial too, and includes interpretations of iconic Big Apple hotspots such as the Bronx, Harlem, Manhattan and New Jersey.
Check back again same time tomorrow for another glance Inside PlayStation Network.