by Wyatt "JOEDOG" Elloitt
The smartest racing game ever to hit the Playstation is back. Gran Turismo hit the Playstation by storm in 1998. and now its back to do it all over again with a follow up fittingly titled Gran Turismo 2. Sony has pushed the envelope further with this 2 CD set pact with over 500 licensed cars, and 20 tracks.
Generally a sequel will have major improvements in graphics and control. Gran Turismo 2 has not tampered with the graphics much and has left the play control the same. Instead we have more of an add on, additional cars and tracks to the original game. However you look at it GT2 is definitely worth your pocket change.
Graphically, GT2 can't be beat. Due to its last minute completion GT2 suffers from pop-up and the occasional break up, but no other PSX racer can display detail in these fine automobiles like GT can. Notice how the wheels and rims are completely separated, watch how these virtual cars make use of the shocks and suspension. GT2 has added a ton of cars to its already impressive line up, most notably is the classic muscle cars and brand new Rally cars and tracks.
GT2 has added a new pop music score to its presentation. Listen to some great tunes including a great Rob Zombie tune that seems to find its way in about every other Playstation game these days. Gran Turismo and the dual analog controller complement each other. One of the few games to truly command this innovative piece of technology.
Much like the original Gran Turismo, GT2 is not just a racing game. Its a driving simulator. Buy cars from a used car lot, wash them, upgrade them and race them. Its the RPG of racing games. Once you play GT2 you won't want to turn it off. It absorbs you.
Gran Turismo 2 may not cause a revolution in gaming as its predecessor, but it will continue its reign as the best driving sim of all time.
PUBLISHER: SONY
GRAPHICS: 9 SOUND & MUSIC: 8 CONTROL: 9
SECRETS: 9 ORIGINALITY: 8 FUN & REPLAY: 10
OVERALL: 9
