A Brief History of the Driver Series

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 4 views

Introduction

The Driver series, once a pioneer in the world of 3D racing games, has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years. With the release of Driver Parallel Lines, the fourth installment in the series, fans were hoping for a return to form. However, the game's development was marred by the success of Grand Theft Auto (GTA), which led to the incorporation of similar elements into the game. In this article, we will delve into the world of Driver Parallel Lines, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and determining whether it's worth playing.

A Brief History of the Driver Series

The Driver series has a rich history, dating back to the early 2000s. The original Driver game, released in 1999, was a groundbreaking title that offered a wide 3D city to drive in, a feature that was not seen in other games at the time. However, with the release of GTA III in 2001, the Driver series began to lose its momentum. The third installment, Driv3r, was met with criticism from fans and critics alike, leading to a re-evaluation of the series' direction.

Driver Parallel Lines: A Return to Form?

Driver Parallel Lines, released in 2006, marked a return to the series' roots. The game's developers, Ubisoft, decided to focus on the core driving experience, removing features such as swimming and jumping. The result is a game that is more focused on driving and getaways, rather than exploring an open world.

Gameplay and Features

Driver Parallel Lines takes place in a single city, which is divided into two eras: 1978 and 2006. The player follows a single-player storyline, which revolves around a getaway driver who is framed in 1978. After being released from jail in 2006, the protagonist sets out on a quest for revenge. The game's storyline is engaging, but it's not without its flaws.

Driving Experience

The driving experience in Driver Parallel Lines is where the game truly shines. The game's physics engine is well-implemented, making the driving experience feel realistic and immersive. The game's handling is responsive, and the cars feel weighty and responsive. The game's getaways are also a highlight, with the player having to navigate through the city's streets while being pursued by the police.

Weaknesses and Criticisms

While Driver Parallel Lines has its strengths, it's not without its weaknesses. The game's storyline is engaging, but it's not as deep as other games in the series. The game's multiplayer options are also lacking, with no online multiplayer mode available. Additionally, the game's graphics and sound design are not as polished as other games in the series.

Conclusion

Driver Parallel Lines is a nostalgic yet flawed racing experience. While it offers a fun driving experience, it falls short in other areas. The game's storyline is engaging, but it's not as deep as other games in the series. The game's multiplayer options are also lacking, and the graphics and sound design are not as polished as other games in the series. However, if you're a fan of the Driver series or are looking for a fun driving experience, Driver Parallel Lines is worth checking out.

System Requirements

To play Driver Parallel Lines, you'll need a PC that meets the following system requirements:

Operating System: Windows XP or Windows Vista
Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 3200+
Memory: 512 MB RAM
Graphics: 256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or ATI Radeon X1600
Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Where to Buy

Driver Parallel Lines is available for purchase on the UBI Store, Ubisoft's online store. The game is priced at $9.95, making it an affordable option for fans of the series.

Conclusion

Q: What is Driver Parallel Lines?

A: Driver Parallel Lines is a racing game developed by Ubisoft, released in 2006. It is the fourth installment in the Driver series and offers a unique driving experience with a focus on getaways and driving scenarios.

Q: What are the game's system requirements?

A: To play Driver Parallel Lines, you'll need a PC that meets the following system requirements:

Operating System: Windows XP or Windows Vista
Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 3200+
Memory: 512 MB RAM
Graphics: 256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or ATI Radeon X1600
Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Q: What are the game's features?

A: Driver Parallel Lines features a single-player storyline with a focus on getaways and driving scenarios. The game takes place in a single city, divided into two eras: 1978 and 2006. The game also features a variety of cars and a physics engine that makes the driving experience feel realistic and immersive.

Q: Is the game's storyline engaging?

A: Yes, the game's storyline is engaging, but it's not as deep as other games in the series. The game follows a single-player storyline, where the player takes on the role of a getaway driver who is framed in 1978 and sets out on a quest for revenge in 2006.

Q: Are there any multiplayer options?

A: Unfortunately, no. Driver Parallel Lines does not offer any multiplayer options, including online multiplayer.

Q: What are the game's graphics and sound design like?

A: The game's graphics and sound design are not as polished as other games in the series. However, the game's physics engine and sound effects make the driving experience feel realistic and immersive.

Q: Is the game worth playing?

A: If you're a fan of the Driver series or are looking for a fun driving experience, Driver Parallel Lines is worth checking out. However, if you're looking for a game with a deep storyline or multiplayer options, you may want to consider other options.

Q: Where can I buy the game?

A: Driver Parallel Lines is available for purchase on the UBI Store, Ubisoft's online store. The game is priced at $9.95, making it an affordable option for fans of the series.

Q: Are there any patches or updates available for the game?

A: Yes, there are patches and updates available for the game. You can check the game's official website or the UBI Store for more information.

Q: Can I play the game on other platforms?

A: No, Driver Parallel Lines is only available for PC. However, you can also play the game on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles.

Q: Is the game's difficulty level suitable for all players?

A: The game's difficulty level is suitable for players of all skill levels. However, the game's driving mechanics and physics engine may be challenging for players who are new to racing games.

Q: Can I customize my car in the game?

A: Yes, you can customize your car in the game. The game features a variety of customization options, including paint jobs, decals, and performance upgrades.

Q: Are there any cheat codes available for the game?

A: Yes, there are cheat codes available for the game. You can find cheat codes online or in the game's manual.