Grid is an Arcade/Tarmac Racing simulator developed and published by Codemasters for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and Nintendo DS. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates this game: "E" (For Everyone)Gameplay (5 out of 5)
With over 40 cars to choose from, a virtual buffet of competition types, tracks in the USA, Europe, and Japan, and both local and online Multiplayer compatibility, this game is a blast to play! I'm not usually captivated by racing sims, but Grid was a welcome exception for me, and I suspect I'm not alone in that.
Each car has a unique feel to it and different driving styles clearly compliment different vehicles (my usual wreckless, haphazard tendencies were a perfect fit for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Concept, while the Dodge Viper lends itself to a bit more finess). On the Playstation 3 the graphics combined with the dual-shock wireless controller and "trigger-like" gas and brake buttons and the realistic mechanical reactions of the car make for an invigorating driving experience rivalled only barely by the real thing. And if you make a mistake? No worries! The game has a unique "flashback" option allowing you to rewind the race by as much as about five seconds in a cool, slow-motion Matrix-esque fashion. Of course, you can only do this a limited number of times in a race, but it's still pretty awesome.
I would have to say one of my favorite things about this game was the car choices, however. With all my favorite muscle-cars to choose from, from the Chevy Camaro to the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, I couldn't be happier; or so I thought. Then I saw the Corvette C6-R. Think of your favorite car, chances are it's here! While the game only has 40 cars to choose from, the designers did a great job choosing which ones, leaving you more than satisfied with your options in nearly every scenario.
Content (5 out of 5)
This game is one of the rare few to receive such a "squeaky-clean" rating from the ESRB: "E" for Everyone, with no additional comments, notices, or warnings. Crashes are never fatal, there is no foul language, no violence (other than cars occasionally bumping into each other on the track, resulting in realistic dents and even lost exterior panels and shattered glass, but no blood or sign of driver injury), no sexual content, no amoral themes (unless the prize money from the races comes too close to gambling for you - although it isn't depicted in this light at all in the game), and, frankly, no complaints from me! (A high honor, I assure you)Message (3 out of 5)
With a minimalist, simplistic storyline and no overtly good or bad themes, this game conveys neither a good message nor a particularly bad one. This game is about racing, plain and simple.
Recommendation
If you enjoy racing games, even a little, I highly recommend this game. Grid is a perfect case-in-point for how a video-game can still be fun and entertaining without all the garbage that usually goes with it. Besides, you'll be too busy racing to notice how "appropriate" it is, anyway!
