Driveclub

Fast, beautiful, and accessible, but a more modest, conventional arcade racer than its sprawling, open-world peers.

Driveclub is a solid, basic racing game with lots of tracks, lots of cars, and very little in the way of personality.

What we're left with is a flimsy framework - a sort of clothes horse for content - rather than a truly great racing game. DriveClub is patently intended to attract a global, interconnected audience of fiercely competitive racers but, to quote the increasingly obscure 1989 Kevin Costner film Field of Dreams: if you build it, they will come. And, unfortunately, Evolution hasn't quite built it.

DriveClub isn't a huge leap forward but has smart ideas in its multiplayer

Many small tweaks, amazing weather and phenomenal photo mode have turned Driveclub into PS4's best racer. At times breathtaking and always involving, it'll keep you coming back for more.

DriveClub doesn't revolutionize online play, but offers solid driving and just enough features to keep it engaging

So the ride won't just be exciting, it should be long, too. But right now, those prepared to embrace Driveclub for what it is will find a very accessible, carefully crafted, refreshing speed-over-sim driving experience that often provides fabulous fun.

It's then fitting that Driveclub will be offered in a free form for PlayStation Plus users. The offering gives players about a fifth of the full game's total cars and tracks, but is otherwise unlocked for exploration both offline and on. Players can see for themselves if Driveclub has enough to offer over other new and upcoming racing alternatives out there.

DriveClub's balanced physics and impressive presentation make for an all-around excellent racer, even if there's still a lot of room for Evolution Studios to expand and improve upon. However, the overly aggressive AI and archaic progression system may deter non-racing fans, while the ongoing online issues remain infuriating. If you can look beyond the tire smoke prompted by the release's poor launch, there is a really enjoyable game here. Still, the uncertain among you may be better off riding shotgun in the elusive PlayStation Plus version before buckling up in the full title's driver's seat.

The lack of customization, contradictory driving elements and tiny car list make Driveclub a pass for all but the most die-hard racing fans.