Grid 2 is a racing game with a mission. It's more streamlined and focused than Grid 1 and DiRT - and all for the better.
The game grabs you instantly. The menu system and introduction are intuitive and immersive experiences. There's a lesson here for other developers on how to do interface design.
While you're free to choose between challenges and races at each level of the game, there's an overall mission structure that strings you along and motivates you to do better all the time.
Graphics are impressive and the attention to detail is amazing. On the Xbox version there are no frame rate problems during collisions, as mentioned in the official review - all smooth. On the Côte d'Azur track I've been stopping and enjoying the scenery more than once, and then restarted the track.
The handling is arcade style, but with depth. Mastering the drifting system is rewarding and the cars have real weight and personality. Flashbacks and easy restarts avoid frustration, but never dilutes motivation.
Audio is good as well with 5.1 surround positioning so good that you don't have to rely on the on-screen arrows to know exactly where and how close your opponents are behind you.
All in all it's the best Codemasters racing game so far, and any negative reviews must be based on people expecting something else than a superbly crafted arcade-ish racer with lots of depth - and fun!