Sorry, but this franchise hasn't done anything particularly well since 1999, which was the original Driver: You are the Wheelman on PlayStation. That was nearly 10 years and two console generations ago. And since then open-world crime and driving has been done, redone and overdone while this franchise remained at least a step behind. So word that "Driver 5" will be called "Driver: The Recruit" does not really fill me with giddy anticipation.

Driver 5: The Recruit Trademarked by Ubisoft [VG247]

"Step inside the world of the original wheelman in this revived classic from Ubisoft Reflections," says the publisher. "Driver for the original PlayStation was a huge hit on the original PlayStation and remains a classic. Soon you can relive those gaming memories, or enjoy it for the first time, on PSN for PlayStation 3."

"The original wheelman"? Ouch. Yours might be the original, but does it have Vin Diesel? Is that even a selling point anymore?

Driver skids onto PSN Aug. 14 [CVG]

How a computer game is made [BBC, via VG247]

Ubisoft is bringing the Driver franchise to the PlayStation Portable, courtesy of developers Reflections and PSP wizards Sumo Digital. Set in 1976, the game has nothing to do with the previous 1976 classic Interstate 76, but will pre-date the previous Driver title, Parallel Lines, by a good two years. That means you can expect familiar territory, textures and afros.

The title promises "Hollywood-style car chases" which, as a Los Angeles resident, I assume means heavy traffic and stop-and-go gameplay. While Driver Parallel Lines wasn't warmly received by critics, who dubbed it little more than a GTA clone, the addition of Sumo Digital gives one hope for a decent port. Oops! I mean prequel!

Full release with further details are after the jump. Michael McWhertor

Ubisoft to Launch All-New Driver 76 on the PSP System March 2007


SAN FRANCISCO - JANUARY 22, 2007 - Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced that it will launch the Driver 76 video game for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Driver 76 will feature all-new content with 27 new missions exclusively designed for gaming on the go. Driver 76 is the first all-new edition of the famed Driver series to be released since Ubisoft acquired the franchise in 2006. Developed by Sumo Digital Ltd. and Ubisoft's Reflections studio, Driver 76 will be released in March 2007.

Faithful to the brand spirit, Driver 76 is an action driving game that features Hollywood-style car chases while also letting the player experience the open environment on foot. The game thrusts the player into the heart of the 1970s, through 27 missions divided into six main plots. Players can take side jobs, earning cash that can be used to modify their rides. Driver 76 also offers an extensive multiplayer mode and a host of mini-games ranging from street races to all out carnage in Destruction Derby mode.

Features Include:

* All-New Content Developed Exclusively for the PSP system - Twenty-seven all-new missions created for the PSP system.
* Prequel Storyline to Driver Parallel Lines - The year is 1976, two years before Driver Parallel Lines.
* Multiplayer Games and Downloadable Content - Games include Street Racing, Destruction Derby, Pink Slip Racing and Swap Meet. Also download new paintjobs to use on your collected vehicles in the garage.
* Experience Open Environments in Authentic 1970's New York - All the architecture, music, cars and clothes of the '70s. Spans New York from Jersey to Coney Island.
* Vehicle Modification System - Collect your favorite vehicles and complete side job missions to get the cash to modify your ride.
* High-Speed Hollywood Racing Action - High-speed car races and crashes. Go even faster by customizing your car with special parts.
* Authentic '70s Soundtrack - Immerse yourself in the '70s with classic songs from the decade.

About Ubisoft:
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of 547 million Euros for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

2007 Ubisoft Entertainment. Driver, Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. "PlayStation", "PS" Family logo, and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo may be required (sold separately).

At Atari's recent press even in LA, the company's sales and marketing VP Nique Fajors shat all over Driv3r. The third game in the Driver series, it was shredded by critics back in 2004. Fajors admitted it was:

A half-baked product that was pushed out the door for revenue reasons.

Points added for honesty. Subtracted for class. Weeks earlier Atari's Driver series was sold to Ubisoft. To his credit Fajors also added that he's looking for staff that feel "disgust with losing and disgust with being mediocre." What about disgust with buying a mediocre series? Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Games Industry]

"We are thrilled with this acquisition which will allow us to add a prestigious title to our catalog and to enter into the driving games segment, one of the most important segments in the gaming industry. With more than 14 million units sold throughout the world, Driver is one of the most successful brands in the history of video games. We look forward to leveraging the unique knowledge of the Ubisoft studios to ensure that Driver will be one of the leading brands of the next generation of consoles," said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft.

Now that the sorta generic franchise is in Ubisoft's hands I only expect great things. Am I the only one that thinks Ubi's games are some of the best on the market nowadays? Do they even make bad games anymore? Oh wait, they're still pumping out Raymans, I forgot. Brian Crecente

Ubi Takes the Wheel, Acquires Driver [1Up]

Director and gamer Roger Avary has signed to write and direct the upcoming film adaptation of Driver, the driving-action title from Atari. The Silent Hill scribe says the movie will be produced by Constantin Films and Universal's genre brand Rogue Pictures. No word on when filming will commence. Avary's had bad luck with films falling through. He's worked on a number of promising projects that have panned out, never coming to fruition. Sincerely hope this ain't one of them.

Full Story Here [Firing Squad]