Do Laguna Seca and the Pike's Peak Hillclimb!
Written: Jan 11 '00 (Updated Jan 11 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Unsurpassed realism, 400+ cars to choose from
Cons: Spotty usability and navigation
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| epinionated's Full Review: Gran Turismo 2 for PlayStation 1 |
The rally events are the big surprise in GT 2 in my opinion. What seems like an afterthought from the marketing perspective (I didn't hear a lot about the rally capability) absolutely makes this game. Of course, the allure of the German manufacturers had a little to do with my elation as well - get yourself a RUF (a.k.a. Porsche 911 Turbo on steroids for a measly $300K), Mercedes, Audi (a highly-modded S4 will do wonders), BMW, and even a Lister.
Hits
Again, the rally events are astoundingly well-done. Physics models are not 100% accurate, but they feel pretty darn good anyway. Try the counter-steer braking technique into some hairpin 180s - As you approach the corner begin braking with the wheels turned slightly opposite to the direction of the turn. Then, with the brake still firmly planted, quickly turn the car towards the corner and you'll find that you'll be pointed in the proper direction for a fast exit speed faster than if you rely on straight-line braking. If you ever get a chance to see a rally in really dreadful conditions on TV, you'll see the pros (McCrae, Saintz, Makkinnen, etc.) using this technique with much success - a skill unmatched in any other form of motorsport.
The kicker - when I first looked through the tracks (I still haven't been on 1/4 of them yet) my jaw hit the floor when I saw Pike's Peak - that legendary mountain conquered by the likes of Rod Millen and countless others. This was truly a pleasant surprise (BTW, the counter-steer braking technique works well here too!).
Then there's Laguna Seca - wow! Learn the track before you ever go to the Skip Barber driver's school there. I think it would be great if GT 3 focused on more real-world tracks such as these. Granted, the tracks they have designed here are phenomenal - but it would be nice as someone who intends on attending more real driver schools, to have a track simulator to practice on before driving the real thing.
Tips
- A good car to start with is a used Skyline GTR - look for a 91 for about $9K (I like the Audi S4 for Rallys)
- Do the free tracks like Rome short circuit and Grindelwald to start getting some cash
- Win a couple of races and start upgrading - do for the cheap power upgrades first like racing exhaust, computer chips, and intercoolers for turbo models
- Play "beat you to the corner" to earn places initially rather than driving the perfect line around the course (just make sure you have plenty of torque to make up for lost exit speed)
- As you get more comfortable with your car try to look ahead as far down the track as you can (this will help with getting your car in the proper position on the track to set up for corners)
- Remember - slow in, fast out to navigate corners
- Smoothness counts (go slow to go fast)
Misses
- Poor usability with:
navigation between screens, racing the same race repeatedly (to earn money quickly) takes about 6 steps and requires waiting up to 30 seconds for CD to reload race, annoying and automatic instant replay feature
- Awkward save (either immediately after race, or on home screen)
- No used German, British, or American cars are available (only Asian manufacturers)
Overall - buy it, enjoy it!!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
epinionated
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Location: Salem, VA
Reviews written: 49
Trusted by: 85 members
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