Driver: San Francisco

 PC
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 461 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 273 out of 461
  2. Mixed: 131 out of 461
  3. Negative: 57 out of 461
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  1. JohnR
    Oct 8, 2011
    10
    Excellent production values and an enormous fun factor. The city, music, cars and story create a 'Starsky and Hutch' style. Humor in various dialogues is genuinely funny. Driving/shifting mechanics are perfect. The handling, feel, response, and sound of each vehicle feels very right. This is a brilliant driving game!
  2. kartana
    Sep 30, 2011
    10
    I didn't think this game would be so much fun. The shifting means non stop action, all the time.
    You'll need a 360 controller to get the most out of it though.
  3. Afenix
    Oct 8, 2011
    10
    This is truly a great game. The story, game mechanics, graphics, multiplayer, sound - everything is superb. The singleplayer, which set me back for about 15 hours, is packed with lost of action. You have a variety of events all available for you to choose, which you want to complete, because you have to complete some to progress the story. I personally completed all the events, cause IThis is truly a great game. The story, game mechanics, graphics, multiplayer, sound - everything is superb. The singleplayer, which set me back for about 15 hours, is packed with lost of action. You have a variety of events all available for you to choose, which you want to complete, because you have to complete some to progress the story. I personally completed all the events, cause I enjoyed the gameplay very much! :)
    The graphics are top-notch. Of course you see some lazy-cheezy designed work, but only if you stop to look at it. It's not a problem since you'll be driving at huge speeds all the time :D
    The mechanics are just mind-boggling! I mean load a portion of a city in half a second, and then suddenly SHIFT and load the whole other part of the city in half a second as well? Whoah, LOVE IT!
    Music is made specifically to resemble the 70s era, and there's a variety of songs for everyone to choose from, since you can always change the song.
    The cutscenes are a mix of CGI / In-game material. How did they were able to implement such a technology, I don't know, that's why the cut scenes always look great.

    Great game, go buy it, play it now! Bravo Ubisoft!    … Expand
  4. shortcat
    Oct 1, 2011
    10
    Best game about reckless driving in the city, and only one with licensed cars. Missions are pretty varied and shift feature adds several new tricks. Story and dialogues are surprisingly interesting for the series.
  5. Retongo
    Oct 17, 2011
    10
    This game realy cool.
    Graphics-9
    Physics-9
    Gameplay-10
    Total-9.5!!! I almost do it. The story is fresh and original (like in movie or serial)! Ubisoft make almost perfect game1 =D
  6. joe3atta
    Oct 30, 2011
    10
    this is simply the best driving game ever, it was a little bit hard to drive only on the first 15 minutes but it's easy to master and enjoy hours of fun driving as the game is very long with different cameras, and a lot of cars, missions, chases. Also great graphics.
    shifting is a brilliant idea to avoid walking with the character or shooting because it is just like the first driver game    this is simply the best driving game ever, it was a little bit hard to drive only on the first 15 minutes but it's easy to master and enjoy hours of fun driving as the game is very long with different cameras, and a lot of cars, missions, chases. Also great graphics.
    shifting is a brilliant idea to avoid walking with the character or shooting because it is just like the first driver game it's all about driving only and this is the beauty of it.    … Expand
  7. Fisch_Pez
    Oct 2, 2018
    10
    I have been playing it for 3 weeks. The game is great !, it will start to get better the more you play on the story and other city side missions. With all kind of missions stunts available I'm having a lot of fun, the handling of the driving of the cars is like a simulator quite realistic to me also as you advanced in the game you will get to drive a lot of new cars suv 's, trucks andI have been playing it for 3 weeks. The game is great !, it will start to get better the more you play on the story and other city side missions. With all kind of missions stunts available I'm having a lot of fun, the handling of the driving of the cars is like a simulator quite realistic to me also as you advanced in the game you will get to drive a lot of new cars suv 's, trucks and sports as well as racing machines and some off road vehicles.

    Also graphics are on top notch to be handled by DX9 every single part of the city, road, cars, crash, civilians, effects are all well detailed ...

    This game is like having 3 in one; NF most wanted, something of Dirt 2, and something of mafia 2.

    I highly recommend it. I know Ubi soft has bad reputation to have screwed some games but this one, is not one of them.    … Expand
  8. Henners
    Apr 21, 2012
    10
    OK I actually signed up to write this! Just thought I should mention I love old car chase movies which probably affects my score somewhat! Anyway, this beats all the other Drivers into a **** hat. The driving model is superb - really fun and exhilarating to drive, realistic enough to be challenging but not too realistic to be annoying. The plot is pretty far fetched but so much moreOK I actually signed up to write this! Just thought I should mention I love old car chase movies which probably affects my score somewhat! Anyway, this beats all the other Drivers into a **** hat. The driving model is superb - really fun and exhilarating to drive, realistic enough to be challenging but not too realistic to be annoying. The plot is pretty far fetched but so much more interesting than pretty much every other game of it's type, probably even GTA which can get a bit staid. The jumping mechanic is really cleverly done and adds so much to the game and removes annoying bits in such games as if you smash your car up you just jump into another one but it doesn't feel like cheating at all. The plot really grabs you and it's all served up in a 70's style cop setting which is very well done. The icing on the cake is the bunch of old car chases from films complete with cars and driver models (ie starsky and hutch, bullitt etc. etc.). 10/10 game, one of the best/most engrossing I've ever played. Highly recommended.… Expand
  9. folkingtales
    May 25, 2012
    10
    This is what an open-city driving game should be! Driver San Francisco is an extremely polished and well built driving game that will deliver loads of fun for driving games fans and most others gamers alike.

    (9/10) GRAPHICS: Highly detailed car models and damage effects. Impressive draw-distance and lighting effects, beautiful city. The only downsides of graphics are a bit lacking people    This is what an open-city driving game should be! Driver San Francisco is an extremely polished and well built driving game that will deliver loads of fun for driving games fans and most others gamers alike.

    (9/10) GRAPHICS: Highly detailed car models and damage effects. Impressive draw-distance and lighting effects, beautiful city. The only downsides of graphics are a bit lacking people models walking the streets and somewhat noticeable bland buildings at times (they are meant to be seen at high speeds and not observed at stand-still though).

    (9/10) SOUNDS: All cars sound different, crashes and other effects are amazing. Music choice is very good. Voice-acting is well done for the most part, but could be better.

    (10/10) GAMEPLAY: This is where the game shines. Driver absolutely delivers in how the cars handle and the physics of the vehicles. Each car is different and unique in how it drives. The physics are impressive, cars feel like they have weight to them and burnouts and crashes are satisfying. Cop chases are very fun, especially considering that you can pick to either be a cop or an escapee. There is also racing (street racing) and other COOL driving challenges (lots and lots of em). The only downside is that the crashes and damage could be a bit more extreme (hopefully they will do it in the next game), for example no matter how fast you do a head on collision in a brand new car you will always drive away (with like 10% health in some cases), when in reality a car should be a heap of bent metal. Also in free-drive mode cops always have Corvette and Charger cop cars available (along with the regulars) so you basically have no chance at getting away if you picked a classic to ride. Although I must point out that there are many movie and other challenges that involve you riding a classic (old school charger, camaro ss, mustang fastback, etc... dukes of hazzard anyone or smokie and the bandit?? YES! these movie challenges are here) while escaping from old-school cops.

    (9/10) REPLAYABILITY: If you love driving, then you will love this game and play it when you want to do some crazy driving.

    CONCLUSION: I recommend you get this game if you love driving games. Driver is not like Need for Speed and Burnout, in this game the cars handle realistically somewhat and places Driver in whole other category of driving games. This game is a mix of arcade gameplay with semi-simulator driving physics and controls. So if you can handle your virtual cars from spinning while doing awesome drifts and burnouts then this game is for you!!!

    TOTAL SCORE 9/10

    (if you suck at "driving" go get Ridge Racer Unbounded which is also fun but a whole other game completely)    … Expand
  10. JampoL
    Aug 8, 2012
    10
    I don't usually give out ratings but after finishing this game tonight, I must say I enjoyed the whole time I was playing it. I give it a 10 for the FUN factor. All the cons are outweighed by the humor of this game, story and plot is good. Graphics is an 8 for me but it does not matter, lots of cars available although it feels a lil bit of a kid's game, there's nothing wrong enjoying yourI don't usually give out ratings but after finishing this game tonight, I must say I enjoyed the whole time I was playing it. I give it a 10 for the FUN factor. All the cons are outweighed by the humor of this game, story and plot is good. Graphics is an 8 for me but it does not matter, lots of cars available although it feels a lil bit of a kid's game, there's nothing wrong enjoying your self while smashing everything on your path and just killing time riding trucks and making them jump on San Francisco's crazy highways. 10/10 for the crazy humor, I was laughing out loud the whole time I was playing this. A must play!… Expand
  11. scorpiFan
    Feb 25, 2013
    10
    This game is simply amazing!
    I am 28 and have been playing PC games, including many driving games since I was 12. The handling of the cars is perfect extremely easy to steer (I play with the keyboard). The storyline and fun factor of this game is through the roof. The feeling of playing this game is comparable to the fun had when the original GTA came out, mixed with the awesome story    This game is simply amazing!
    I am 28 and have been playing PC games, including many driving games since I was 12. The handling of the cars is perfect extremely easy to steer (I play with the keyboard). The storyline and fun factor of this game is through the roof. The feeling of playing this game is comparable to the fun had when the original GTA came out, mixed with the awesome story driving missions in Interstate 76. I would pay double for this game. Enjoy    … Expand
  12. AdpoGamer
    Sep 1, 2013
    10
    I love this game so much, it's very fun and has a lot of humor.
    using the keyboard is terrible because it's hard to turn just a little to the right or the left.
    but if you're using the controller it's much better.
    there are a few problems with the resolution that causes the game to crash, so configuring has to be done before starting the game.
    the story is awesome and i love it.
    10/10
  13. arblox360
    Aug 4, 2013
    10
    I love this game, it is in that heavenly area between arcade racers and racing simulators, a bit closer to arcade though. i love simulators but do not have the skill to show for it, and this game compliments you by allowing you to pull off drifts with ease, unlike a sim, but makes sure you have control over the car, unlike a arcade racer, an arcade racer will be stupidly easier to driveI love this game, it is in that heavenly area between arcade racers and racing simulators, a bit closer to arcade though. i love simulators but do not have the skill to show for it, and this game compliments you by allowing you to pull off drifts with ease, unlike a sim, but makes sure you have control over the car, unlike a arcade racer, an arcade racer will be stupidly easier to drive compared to this game. if you hear racing/ driving game, you think of mariokart, this game is not for you, if you think of power-ups when you hear racing game, from speedups to nitro boosts, from turtle shells to guns, from banana peels to oil slicks, odds are this game is not for you. it is very forgiving but has a lot of rubber banding which is especially visible in cop chases,it can and will range from fun to rage inducing if you live in the world of arcade racers, and you can play it like a sim, but do not think you will win easily, the best way of winning
    is to have has your fair share if racing sims and arcade racers, you have to drift in tight corners and normally, like sims, brake and turn in larger ones. and the mechanic of shifting into any car you want is the most fun i have had yet,it makes the game fun and even challenging in events. and most events actually encourage you to shift into a different car and smash into the target. if only the deluxe had no DRM...    … Expand
  14. SpawnCap
    Jul 10, 2014
    10
    This is one of the best open world driving/racing games I have ever played, and I have played all of them. The shift ability is awesome. Control of the vehicles is perfect with a controller (trying to play a driving game with keyboard and mouse is just stupid), works great on my system i5 2500, hd 6670. This game shows what can be done on current systems and should be looked at byThis is one of the best open world driving/racing games I have ever played, and I have played all of them. The shift ability is awesome. Control of the vehicles is perfect with a controller (trying to play a driving game with keyboard and mouse is just stupid), works great on my system i5 2500, hd 6670. This game shows what can be done on current systems and should be looked at by those making games today. If this type of open world and driving was incorporated into Watch Dogs it would have been game of the year contender. If you like any open world driving/racing games you have to get this. It is a 2011 game but it still holds up today.… Expand
  15. LeMonBLOCK
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    My favorite in the series. and honestly my favorite racing game. the concept of shifting gives you so much creative freedom it's insanely fun. great soundtrack, dialogue, story, cars. I can't think of anything I dislike about this game. But I do gotta say it's more of an action-adventure type of game than it is a racing game but that's not really a bad thing.
  16. Luka1998010
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    One of the best driving/racing games i have EVER played.

    The handling is the first thing that made me just drive around the open world for hours.

    The, there are the cars. Wish there were more add as DLC but still great never the less.

    Lots of activities, great story, cop chases...
  17. LFGamer2004
    Jun 29, 2019
    10
    Because it had 52 Negatives Reviews Hell!!

    IT IS GAME IS AWESOME! AMAZING! That is Better than DRIVER Renegade. BTW, Lets admit that looks the true masterpiece of them DRIVER Games! But not as DRIVER, And DRIVER 2 Both DRIV3R, DRIVER Parallel Lines are Another Masterpieces for the PC, PS2 And Xbox! anyway... DRIVER SF Is a great game for The PC Who played it i recomend download    Because it had 52 Negatives Reviews Hell!!

    IT IS GAME IS AWESOME! AMAZING!
    That is Better than DRIVER Renegade.
    BTW, Lets admit that looks the true masterpiece
    of them DRIVER Games! But not as DRIVER, And DRIVER 2
    Both DRIV3R, DRIVER Parallel Lines are Another Masterpieces for
    the PC, PS2 And Xbox!
    anyway... DRIVER SF Is a great game for The PC
    Who played it i recomend download or buy the
    game and play more once time.
    Great Physics, Great experiece, Great History,
    Great Racing game, and Etc..

    THUMBS UP FOR THE MY REVIEW!    … Expand
  18. swinogrodzki
    Nov 5, 2021
    10
    Now this is the Driver game I wanted to play! That's so brilliant! And note that I'm first playing it in 2021. Man, it's one of the best arcade driving experiences I had since FH3, NFS and The Crew.
  19. r03vg
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Незаслуженно забытая игра. Одна из лучших частей серии с уникальным геймплеем и интересными ситуациями.
  20. aliR
    Mar 8, 2022
    10
    Best driving game that I ever played. It has the best driving physics that I never saw in any other games. It has a good story and I never remove it from my new PC!
  21. Miamivc178
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    Игра просто бомба вот это возвращение после продолжительных неудач. Разнообразные гемплей и лицензированных тачек. Физика машин ближе настоящему и сюжет тоже отличный
  22. Kojanaha110
    Dec 8, 2020
    10
    For 2011, this game is a cool thing as a burning story and cars turns. I finally passed it completely and it's a big story of all this environment.
  23. SikeNow
    Dec 10, 2020
    10
    This game is a total masterpiece. The story is fantastic in my opinion. The shift mechanic is the best thing about the entire game. The amount of possibilities that this game mechanic creates is endless. Story is engaging and characters are really great, they feel like a real person. It's a huge boomer that Ubisoft won't let you play the game right now. I really love it and it is myThis game is a total masterpiece. The story is fantastic in my opinion. The shift mechanic is the best thing about the entire game. The amount of possibilities that this game mechanic creates is endless. Story is engaging and characters are really great, they feel like a real person. It's a huge boomer that Ubisoft won't let you play the game right now. I really love it and it is my favourite game of all time. If you can, seriously play it, even if you didn't play any other driver game (like me!)… Expand
  24. VistaGamer228v1
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In my opinion, this is one of the best games I have played and one of the best PC games in general. There is a wonderful plot, a wonderful study of the smallest details and quite good graphics.… Expand
  25. Username1998
    Jan 23, 2022
    10
    Vert hood Game with hood graphics and good plot. Ehem i plaques 1yr ago i have big nostalgia from ps3
  26. Emad_Jawarneh
    Feb 6, 2022
    10
    After 11 years ....
    still the best racing game I've played
    strong story mode and characters smooth driving and shifting mechanics
  27. creeeper_YTO
    Feb 16, 2022
    10
    Очень хорошая игра, может быть, это не то же самое чувство, что и драйвер PS1, но она заслуживает того, чтобы ее попробовать.
  28. The_D4RknesS
    Jul 3, 2022
    10
    Many think it's bad because of how the gameplay and story turned out, but I think this is the best one, especially for walking around the map and destroying cars
  29. AyanDPaul
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    One of the best written games ever made! Even though I was a 2000s kid, I never really played it. Until now. And lemme tell ya. This games captures the 2000s traffic and the general vibe around them very well. And the damage model is ok too! If anyone is left out. You need to try this right now.
  30. Journeyman
    Sep 28, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Was I surprised when they introduced "shifting" ability early on. Great, innovative idea. First thing I though about is whether I would be able to shift into a truck (from opposite direction) while chasing a suspect. xD And it worked! That was refreshing. Plenty of diverse challenges and dares. After some remapping, controls and general mechanics are intuitive and well though out. It got out much better than I expected.
    Car models are solid, graphics a bit dated and rough but ok, music and sound are brilliant.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best PC Game of 2011
57
#57 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
48
#48 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Dec 4, 2011
    60
    Family-friendly smash-ups and a goofy concept. There's something refreshing in this game's profanity-free self-confidence. [Christmas 2011, p.64]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Nov 15, 2011
    80
    We were worried that the new Driver would be just "good one" but expectations were exceeded by far. Great story, driving physics and a top soundtrack made new Driver a game to remember. [Nov 2011]
  3. PC Gamer
    Nov 9, 2011
    80
    Hardly the drive of your life, but easily one of the most memorable--and a great one-time gimmick done well. [Holiday 2011, p.78]
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