Anticipation is at an all-time high pending the Driveclub release date. Initial screenshots of actual gameplay reveal Evolution Studios is setting the benchmark in next-generation racing sims.

Evolution Studios took its time in development, even to the point when the Driveclub project was inches away from being cancelled. Design Director Simon Barlow defends the year-long struggle his development team went through.

"We've never been late before, we've never had to delay a game before, we've always delivered. And really, that was the reason why we delayed it because we've got this reputation to uphold... It probably would have sold pretty well, people would have had a good time, but I don't think it would have quite been the experience we'd promised. It wasn't what we wanted to do."

The decision to delay the Driveclub release date paid off. Hardware capabilities that were mere possibilities over a year ago are available at present, and the team has more freedom to implement the systems they want into the game. There's less room for compromise, and they didn't need to (videogamer.com).

The development that released World Rally Championship didn't disappoint, based on Driveclub's initial screenshots. Racing simulations can afford to be photorealistic; elements are rendered differently compared to interactive or first-person shooter games.

Titles which involve rendered people and facial expressions require acute detail. On the other hand, it's all about the need for speed in racing games. Evolution Studios intends to maximize this advantage by postponing the Driveclub release date.

The game runs at 30fps, which is satisfactory, but makes up for this standard with a resolution of 1080p. The screenshot detail is impressive, and the smallest elements contribute to the experience; speeding through on a deserted stretch of road with cars luxurious, exotic, or standard fare, with a scenic backdrop and the glint of light sheening over the cars' glossy finish (gamesradar.com).