I just watched a number of videos of Driver: Parallel Lines and can't help but notice the similarities between it and the GTA series. Both include what looks to be open sandbox gameplay with lots of vehicle stealing, on-foot shootouts, running away from cops, and stripclubs. The game also looks just as good, if not better (the cutscene visuals seem impressive) than the previous GTA titles. Chances are the Wii can't support all that is needed to put something like GTA IV together, but could Driver: PL be the game that scratches the GTA-esque itch (despite being another port - already released for the PS2, Xbox, and PC) that some Wii owners may have but can't afford either a 360 or PS3? Is anyone interested in this title?

 The first two Driver games actually inspired GTA III's gameplay, although that game did take it to another level. Yet Driver 3 (aka Driv3r) did try to directly follow the gameplay, and was considered a mediocre attempt, even for a GTA clone.

 So this game is a huge wait and see. 

The problem is that Parallel lines has been out for 3 days already and yet no reviews have come out for the game. This usually signifies that the publisher was hesitant to have their game reviewed. We already have The Godfather and Scarface on the Wii, both of which have gotten higher reviews then what is expected of The Driver. I'd say that if anyone is looking for a great GTA style game on the Wii, they should check out the Godfather as it offers the best game play experience. We've seen very little from the developer of the Driver when it comes to controls for the game. The early game visuals we were shown look better then the final product which is also annoying as it seems as though we were promised something they didn't take the time to deliver on. Until the reviews come out, I'd say hold off on purchasing the game as there are 2 better GTA style games already on the Wii.

No More Heroes

I agree that The Godfather and Scarface offer essentially the same gameplay as GTA; however, they are different from Driver in being licensed games. Those who are fans will pick it up, but others may be more hesitant because of this (despite the good reviews). No More Heroes could also be a contender for the graphic style may turn some away. Also, I don't think it has been entirely revealed how exactly the game will play. The fact that the Driver has been released for the Wii and no reviews have surfaced yet is a little concerning and I'd still wait and see what people have to say before going out and getting it, but being a non-licensed title with a similar visual style (and in the realm of a similar storyline) Driver could see more popularity than expected.

The Xbox & PS2 versions scored 68.6 and 70.1, respectively according to GameRankings.com. Not stellar reviews, but not awful either. It will be interesting to see how the Wii version does and how well it sells.

I doubt this game is on anyones radar, not even game review sites.

I already have Godfather, which is my Wii GTA. I am sure not paying full price for another port.

Edit: Ubisoft has not done so well with its Wii-makes. If reviews reflect an improvement, I may consider renting it.

What differentiates driver from GTA/Godfather is the really great driving mechanics. After GTA offered all the on foot stuff they threw it (very poorly) into driver. If it weren't for the really crappy controls for the on foot sections, or if the on foot sections were missing entirely, I think Driv3r would have been much better received. Now, enter they wii, as we've seen with other games like this the wiimote can turn ordinary controls into great controls, in which case driver could become an A game (not AAA). And it's worth it just for the level where you hvae to drive a car through twisting, narrow french streets trying to drive a car up the back of a semi trailer...

Lately the large game studios have been forcing game reviewers to sign NDA's that determine when a review gets released for a game. If the game is going to be a huge hit and the game is very good, it's review will come out before the release. If the game is bad, the publisher may require that the review doesn't go out until a week or so after the game hits shelves.

So it looks like this game is going to be another craptastic port.

Even if the game was great, no one is going to buy another Ubisoft full price last gen remake. Of course since it is another full price Ubisoft last gen remake, it won't be great, not by a long shot.

Well... it's been on shelves now since Wednesday... surely someone's played the game by now???! If not... yikes...