Multiplayer
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The multiplayer component in GRID is pretty straight forward. Much like the Race Day mode for solo players, the online mode allows for selection of location, race type, track, and the desired car. What makes the online experience unique is the game's voting system. When all players (12 max.) have joined the lobby via the Quick Match, Ranked Match, or Unranked Match options, a countdown will commence allowing the players to vote on the desired geographical region, followed by another countdown allowing for more votes to be cast for the desired race type and, by extension, the type of track. Once the decision has been made final, players are given yet another countdown to choose one of the available cars for that event.
When hosting a race, players are given the option to choose between short, medium, and long events. The result of this choice is the number of races that will occur before the next round of voting begins. The number of laps for each race is also at the mercy of the host racer. As expected, the difficulty ramps up a bit during online play as the Flashback feature is unavailable. Also, players who total their car during a multiplayer race will not be able to continue and enter spectator mode for the duration of the race. Yes, this does seem a bit harsh since you'll almost always encounter one opponent who'd rather turn the race into a demolition derby than compete to win. But that's the brakes.
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While the graphics during online play appear to be inferior to those of the single player game, they're not too shabby. Car models and set pieces still look great. However, right out of the box, your opponents during online races appear flighty and can often be seen racing in the air with wheels hovering above the asphalt. The physics during online play are also out of sorts as crashes can cause cars to be launched to heights that must be over one hundred feet above the track. These issues were dealt with after applying the first of two patches that are currently available for the game. Access and information about these patches can be obtained at FileFront.com and many other gaming sites.
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EddieTurner - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
Yeah, I was not nearly as impressed with GTP. Too bland in my opinion. Anyway, it ran as smooth as a baby's butt without a single hiccup. Very nice at 1680x1250.V3ctorPT - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
I bought this game on Steam, and it's great... I love this game, it's perfect... And as far as I saw, it doesn't have any bugs... i think that the only bug it ever had was something about locking (sometimes) in multiplayer, but since update 1.1 it's rock on!! I already finished it this weekend, its a fun and long game I strongly recomend it to anyone who loves racing games and wants something that lasts more than the NFS series... at least I was never bored playing GRID... good game Codemasters... do another one please... I'm addicted ;)AnnihilatorX - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
There seems to be a lot of problems with X-Fi soundcards and Nvidia drivers locking up in official forum.I have the Auzentech Prelude and the old 8800 GTS and I am getting black screen lockups (sound not looping though so I am thinking it's more about Nvidia drivers) between every 5-10 mins of play though. It is not a BSOD and it does not register on windows error reports so I can't judge what's wrong.
V3ctorPT - Sunday, August 17, 2008 - link
I played the game with a HD2900XT, 7800GTX and a HD4870 and no problems whatsoever... all in Vista, and in XP too. About the sound, i use the mobo's sound... no Creative for a long time (drivers problems sucks)sinisterDei - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
Just a note, I have an 8800GT and a Creative X-Fi running Windows XP and I have no problems to report. I've played about 2/3 of the way through the singleplayer career and haven't run into any problems.Souka - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
As a FYI.. Creative released updated drivers for X-Fi on July 30th...both Vista and XP.My $.02
Egglick - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - link
Excellent review Eddie. I was already interested in this game, but I think I'll go ahead and pick it up now.One quick question: Were you playing the Steam version, or a retail copy?? I think it's worth mentioning if retail copies use irritating protections such as Starforce. It would make the Steam variant more appealing in my eyes.
BZDTemp - Friday, August 8, 2008 - link
Do make sure and try a demo first.I had GRID way up on my most wanted list but there is something off with regards to the driving sensation!
drebo - Saturday, August 9, 2008 - link
Yeah, it pretty much sucks. For a game that advocates realism, the driving is pretty terrible.For example, I know that my (real) car begins turning far sooner than 2 seconds after I tell it to start turning, and even my 2006 Chevy Malibu is capable of taking a turn at 70mph without my back tires slipping out from under me.
Sure, the crashes are fun the first time, but when barely clipping a wall at 40mph send you flying...you can only handle that so many times.
Least fun racing game I've ever played.
FlukeRogi - Sunday, August 10, 2008 - link
Advocates realism? Codemasters have never said it's realistic, or a sim (unlike the F1 game they're working on which they have said will be a sim).It's an arcade racer, and as far as arcade racers go, it's spot in in every department - fast, fun, and just generally in your face!