Instead of being a port of Parallel Lines, it’s a brand new game set two years in the past, with a new storyline and 27 new missions “exclusively designed for gaming on the go”.

Being developed by Sumo Digital Ltd. and Ubisoft’s Reflections studio, Driver 76 is an action driving game that features “Hollywood-style car chases” while also letting you “experience the open environment on foot”, although the driving sequences are the game’s forte. 

Players can take side jobs, earning cash that can be used to modify their rides, while the only form of downloadable content is said to be different paint jobs. As you’ve expect, there’s an extensive multiplayer mode and a host of mini-games ranging from street races to all out carnage in Destruction Derby mode.

If you haven’t already got all the racing action you need on your PSP, and are a fan of the Driver series, the driver’s seat will soon be yours for the taking.

Maybe with their next game, they can literally take the franchise into the 21st century, and let us see what Driver 2076 might look like. I’m not sure if there’ll be any fusion powered DeLorean cars that trip the light fantastic through time travel, or if there’ll be any hover boards to make the on-foot missions more exciting, but you never know – a version of Driver set 100 years in the future could be quite cool, if done right.

But until then, your ’76 issue license is still valid. Just remember your seatbelt, and enjoy the ride!

Additional details from the Ubisoft Driver 76 press release:

-  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.
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