Overview of Driver San Francisco
Released on September 1, 2011, Driver San Francisco stands as the fifth major entry in the renowned Driver franchise. This title blends the adrenaline of arcade racing with high-octane action and crime thriller elements. Available on PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii, the game invites players to explore a meticulously modeled open world while engaging in a narrative that serves as a direct sequel to Driver 3.
A Supernatural Pursuit in the Golden City
The story centers on John Tanner, a talented undercover police detective. The plot kicks into high gear when Tanner pursues the notorious mobster Charles Jericho, who has escaped custody and is wreaking havoc in San Francisco. After being severely injured during the confrontation, Tanner falls into a coma. While unconscious, he drifts through a dream state where he discovers he possesses a supernatural ability to inhabit the bodies of others to continue his pursuit.
Gameplay Mechanics and the Shift Ability
The defining feature of Driver San Francisco is the "Shift" ability. Unlike previous entries in the series where the protagonist could walk around, Tanner remains confined to his vehicle at all times. Shift allows him to instantly transfer his consciousness into other vehicles within seconds. As the game progresses, this power evolves; players can view the city from a high vantage point, jump into any type of car, and even transform their vehicle instantly.
The game is set in a thoroughly detailed version of San Francisco, complete with famous landmarks. The single-player campaign is praised for its fluidity, running at a steady 60 frames per second. Players have access to over 120 licensed cars and more than 100 side quests. Completing these tasks earns "Willpower points," a currency used to purchase vehicle upgrades and unlock new challenges within the open world.
Multiplayer and Additional Features
Breaking new ground for the series, Driver San Francisco introduces both local and online multiplayer. The game features 11 distinct game modes, including traditional races and unique variations like "Trailblazer," where opponents must follow a specific car to earn points. Another mode, "Tag," acts as a cat-and-mouse game where chasers can use the Shift ability to switch vehicles mid-pursuit to capture the target.
Additionally, the game reintroduces the Film Director mode. This feature allows players to replay their adventures using various camera angles, creating walkthrough videos that resemble a cinematic movie experience. This title appeals primarily to fans of arcade racing and open-world games who enjoy fast-paced vehicular combat and diverse multiplayer options.
