Driver: Parallel Lines for Windows

Overview: A Two-Era Crime Racer Reborn on PC

Driver: Parallel Lines is the fourth entry in the Driver franchise, released for PC as a port of the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions. Unlike earlier installments that spanned multiple cities, this title confines the action to New York City — but divides it across two very different time periods. You begin in 1978 as getaway driver T.K., a top player in the criminal underworld who is framed for murder and imprisoned for 28 years. When he walks free in 2006, his sole goal is to settle the score with those who betrayed him.

Story and Time Shift

The narrative follows T.K. through two distinct eras of the same city. The 1978 sections show him at his criminal peak before the betrayal; the 2006 segments explore his life after decades behind bars and his quest for revenge. The game presents both eras during the initial playthrough, and after completing the main storyline you gain the ability to toggle between 1978 and 2006 at will, letting you revisit missions and streets with a different historical backdrop.

Open City Driving and Gameplay Focus

Driver: Parallel Lines emphasizes driving above all, returning to the series’ core. It offers a fully open-world New York to explore, with gameplay and mission structures that will feel familiar to players of contemporary open-world crime titles. The two eras don’t just alter NPCs and signage — they change the city’s entire atmosphere, and even affect T.K.’s wardrobe and the vehicles you’ll encounter.

Vehicles, Customization, and Collectibles

• A large roster of drivable machines is included, with over 80 cars and motorcycles to find and use.
• Customization options let you modify performance and appearance, from high-end sports models to everyday delivery vans.
• Many vehicles are collectible, encouraging exploration of both Pittsburgh-like back alleys and major avenues (as represented in each era).

Weapons and Combat Options

While driving remains central, the game still supports on-foot combat and the use of firearms. You can access a varied selection of short- and long-range weapons, preserving the series’ allowance for armed encounters alongside high-speed chases.

Presentation and Comparison to Other Open-World Titles

Driver: Parallel Lines invites natural comparisons to series like Grand Theft Auto because of its open-world crime gameplay. Despite that, it has its own personality — a slightly eccentric charm and graphics that were above average for its time — making it enjoyable for fans who appreciate period detail and a focus on vehicular action.