GRID Autosport is Codemasters' attempt to reclaim the racing game crown, after the divisive GRID 2. While it's closer to hitting the apexes, it's still well short of pole position.
For: PS3, 360
From: Codemasters
Three and a half (out of five)
GRID was the spiritual successor to the well received and superbly made V8 Supercars series on PlayStation 2 in the early 002s.
At the launch of the PS3, Codemasters realised that there was money to be made in arcade racing games and so GRID was born.
After complaints about the handling model, Codemasters has attempted to retake the racing crown by moving back to a simulation style handling model in GRID Autosport.
The career mode is the same old story.
You're a young, up-and-coming racing driver and you work your way through various categories to become the very best.
Autosport lets you choose your discipline.
Those that prefer arcade handling will enjoy the drifting, whereas those who prefer simulation will enjoy the endurance racing events.
There are so many series to enter, across five disciplines, plus an extensive online mode, so you're going to be getting your money's worth, longevity wise.
Once you've mastered one discipline, you're encouraged to move on to the others, and you'll be there for hours finishing them off.
You'll note I haven't mentioned the new handling yet.
Unfortunately, it's not all good news.
It's definitely better than the horrendous GRID 2.
But it's still a very long way from the glory days of the V8 Supercars games.
Strangely, the same developers make the superb Formula 1 games, but didn't translate that handling across to this game.
That remains a mystery to me.
The cars still feel like they turn from the middle, which means the cars drive around corners on angles, and it just looks wrong.
Cars often feel weightless as well.
One thing for sure though; you're in for some battles with the AI drivers, who range from aggressive to psychotic.
Be sure to look in your mirrors as you brake, as they are prone to making dive-bomb attempts from a mile behind.
While it's a little frustrating, it is far superior to the pushover AI that is featured in games like Gran Turismo.
Another way it is superior to games such as Gran Turismo is in the audio department; the sound that erupts when an AI car dive-bombs into the side of you, or as you slide sideward around a corner is a joy to behold.
GRID Autosport feels like a jack of all trades, master of none.
It's not simulation enough to be considered a proper racing simulator, but it's not arcadey enough to be considered that, either.
If you're burnt out on Gran Turismo and Forza and are after some cheap thrills, GRID might be your go to.
Oh, how I miss those glorious V8 Supercars game days.
- Simon Bishop
