this game is even superior to the first Gran Turismo
Written: Sep 03 '00 (Updated Sep 05 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: more cars, more tracks, more options
Cons: graphics between this game and the first GT are nearly the same
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| zhouse's Full Review: Gran Turismo 2 for PlayStation 1 |
Gran Turismo was a true cutting-edge racing simulation game. I love how the game's creators gave it such in-depth realism for a home video game system. And when I first heard the rumors of a sequel, I really didn't know how the geniuses at Sony could ever improve on their first masterpiece. It is fortunate, however, that I was able to obtain the highly-anticipated Gran Turismo 2 this past Christmas. Unfortunately, my Playstation was at school while my game was with me at my parents' home. What a predicament....
And when I was finally able to play my Gran Turismo 2, I was not disappointed at all. Well, maybe a little....
-MAIN POSITIVE POINTS-
#1: Over 500 racing vehicles to choose from
Unlike Gran Turismo, this game boasts over 500 of the most magnificent race cars to choose from; all from world-class car manufacturers. Here is a rundown of the car manufacterers represented in the game:
Alfa Romeo / Aston Martin / Audi / BMW / Chevrolet / Chrysler / Citroen / Daihatsu / Dodge / Fiat / Ford / Honda / Jaguar / Lancia / Lister / Lotus / Mazda / Mercedes-Benz / Mercury / MG / Mini / Mitsubishi / Missan / Opel / Peugeot / Plymouth / Renault / RUF / Shelby / Subaru / Suzuki / Toyota / TVR / Vector / Venturi / Volkswagen
And each race car in the game was designed to their real-life counterpart's exact specifications, at least as close as the programmers could get it. And just like Gran Turismo, you can fully customize each car in Gran Turismo 2 to its full potential; limited to only it's real-life specifications.
#2: The game has been split into two discs
The two modes in the first GT, arcade mode and simulation mode, have returned in the sequel, but have been set into their own disc. This means more was added to each mode.
The Simulation Mode is where you earn your racing license, compete in races around the world, and earn money to buy and modify your racer to win more races. Plus, in order to qualify for the numerous events in the game, your race car must meet certain guidelines like horsepower and drivetrain. Fortunately, you can adjust you car's modifications accordingly, or you can simply buy another car and modify it to enter the race. This makes the game a challenge.
The Arcade Mode pits you against another player. You can choose certain cars to race against on certain tracks. This mode also allows either a road race, rally race, or a time trial. The rally race is fun, but if you and your friends have some time to kill, try the time trial. You can go against each other in a race that can last for hours.
GT2's soundtrack isn't bad either. After a few hours of gameplay though, they can start to get on a person's nerves.
And of course, you can save your instant replays and play them over and over again in the game's Replay Theatre. A novel feature, but one I hardly use.
-MAIN NEGATIVE POINTS-
#1: Same graphics as Gran Turismo
The graphics in GT were fantasic. Each car and track had terrific realism. And as in the first game, Gran Turismo 2's graphics are as realistic and visually amazing. Unfortunately, no improvement was made to make the game visually superior to the first. I believe that both games possess the same graphics engine.
#2: Difficulty of purchasing car parts and cars
The cost of car modification parts and new race cars seems to have increased from the first game. Unfortunately, the cash prizes received from winning events did not increase. Therefore, buying needed modifications for your cars takes longer than necessary in order to proceed with the game. Some may say that it make the game much more challenging, but it's more of a hassle to me in the long run. Oh well, it's probably just a quirk many can get used to. It took a while, but now I've progressed enough in the game so that the pitiful winning earned doesn't affect my progressing in the game.
Overall, the game is a superior addition to the legacy of home racing games. Buy it so you may have hours of enjoyment with your friends and family. Experience racing without having to actually step into a race car.
Z HOUSE...has...spoken...
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
zhouse
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Member: Manny Z.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 79
Trusted by: 57 members
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