Driver is an action-driving game developed by Reflections Interactive and published by GT Interactive for the PlayStation, released in 1999. It is famous for its cinematic presentation, realistic driving physics, and its revolutionary “open-world-style” city driving missions.
What is Driver?
Driver puts players in the role of undercover cop John Tanner, who must infiltrate criminal organizations by completing driving-based missions across large cities. Unlike traditional racing games, Driver focuses on mission objectives, traffic navigation, and police-style driving challenges.
It became one of the most influential driving games of the PS1 era.
Gameplay Overview
Mission-Based Driving
Instead of standard races, players complete objectives such as tailing suspects, escaping police, or delivering getaway vehicles under time pressure.
Open City Environments
The game features large cities inspired by real-world locations, including:
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- New York (in later entries)
Driving Mechanics
Driving is designed to feel weighty and realistic for its time. Cars handle with inertia, making turns and braking more skill-based than arcade racers.
Free Roam Mode
Players can explore cities freely in “Take a Ride” mode, practicing driving and discovering routes without mission constraints.
Story Overview
The story follows John Tanner, a former racing champion turned undercover cop. He is tasked with infiltrating criminal gangs by proving his driving skills and completing dangerous missions across multiple cities.
As the story progresses, Tanner becomes more deeply involved in criminal activity while maintaining his undercover identity.
Game Modes
- Story Missions – structured driving challenges
- Take a Ride – free roam exploration
- Training Mode – driving practice challenges
Graphics and Sound
Driver (PS1) uses 3D city environments with a cinematic camera style inspired by 1970s car chase films. The presentation includes replay-style cutscenes that emphasize realism and tension.
The soundtrack and sound design focus heavily on engine noise, tire screeches, and atmospheric city sounds rather than music during gameplay.
Why Driver Is Still Popular
- Revolutionary mission-based driving gameplay
- Large open city environments for its time
- Cinematic car chase presentation
- Realistic driving physics on PS1
- Influenced future open-world driving games
- Nostalgic 90s crime-thriller atmosphere
Tips for New Players
- Learn city layouts to improve mission success
- Brake early before sharp turns
- Use alleyways to escape police efficiently
- Practice in Take a Ride mode
- Control speed instead of always accelerating
Legacy
Driver is considered a groundbreaking title that helped shape modern open-world driving games. Its cinematic style and mission-based structure influenced many later franchises and set a new standard for driving realism in games.