Fast and varied with top notch controls as well as good graphics and sound. And damage modeling that isn't too extreme.
User Rating: 9.6 | TOCA Race Driver 2: The Ultimate Racing Simulator PS2
This is a great game for anyone who wants an accessible racing simulation. The driving model is tricky but far easier than Gran Turismo's. For example, you can generally slam down on the brakes and still successfully make tight turns. But that doesn't mean driving is always easy. Cars can be a real chore to keep on the road, and will often spin out. The first third of the game your opposition is really the cars and the tracks, not the other drivers. Note that once you get past this first portion of the game the opposition gets a lot tougher! Collisions are sometimes hard to avoid, but the cars are so controllable, you learn how to minimize damage. You can win races when damaged, but it does affect the speed, acceleration and handling of the cars. Overall this is the best damage modeling I have seen in a racer. Most times I feel like games are better without it. Graphics are detailed though they could be better. They are definitely sufficient, though, and the tracks and weather effects are especially well done. Sound is excellent, with great engine and on track sound effects. Also, the story that ties together the career mode moves along quickly and is colorful. The user interface is very easy to navigate, and your game is automatically saved between races. Switching user profiles is a snap, so the career mode can easily be played by multiple people. The selection of cars and tracks is amazing, with so many different styles of racing, and all types and speeds of cars available. You won't ever get bored! There's also lots of non-career options and ways to customize the experience. You can easily restart a race, which is one of the most overlooked features for a racing sim. Replays are well implemented and can be saved to the memory card! And of course this is a budget priced title and worth every penny! Gord_Mose
