Gran Turismo 2

Overall: A-
Violence: A-
Sexual Content: A
Language: A
Drugs/Alcohol: A

Platform reviewed: Playstation
Publisher: Sony
ESRB rating: E

I've always entertained thoughts of rally racing. Sometimes, I can even feel the road under my tires and see the mud fly as I negotiate hairpin turns in a controlled skid. My co-driver and I bounce around as our car is pushed to the limit. Confident the closest driver is far behind me, I look in the rearview mirror and see... my pillow? Rats! Why do I always have to wake up before the good part?

If you've ever dreamed of racing, and like me, realize that dreaming is about as close as you'll get, you owe it to yourself to take Sony's Gran Turismo 2 for a test drive. The game comes with two CD's, one for playing in Arcade mode (against the computer or a friend), the other for Simulation mode (one-player only). Selecting the former option should have you up and racing in less time than it takes to buckle your seatbelt (car and track selection are limited). Whereas, choosing the latter will require a significant time investment and plenty of patience. But, it's also where the game shines...

Of course, it would be irresponsible to drive without a license, so potential drivers have to prove their knowledge of basic driving skills (trust me, this isn't as easy as it sounds). Earning your B class license makes you eligible to enter a limited number of races. But don't expect to be driving the sportsmobile of your dreams... at least not yet. First you'll have to win a few races, invest some money into your vehicle, and hope to win some more. Then you'll try to pass the A class requirements, expanding the range of races for which you can qualify, modifying and exchanging cars along the way. You can work your way through all five license categories, until you have obtained the driving skills and knowledge necessary to earn the coveted I-A class designation -- which means you are a superstar, worthy to enter any race.

Full customization of over 500 cars makes GT2 a driver's fantasy come true. Engine upgrades directly enhance vehicle performance; you can even hear the difference. You're responsible for everything... from taking care of that transmission, to choosing the best tires for the track surface. Perhaps you like everything about your car, except for the rims. No problem, buy different ones. Did your car get a little dirty after the last event? Take it to the carwash... pamper it a little. After all, it is your dream car. Just don't crash it.

Gran Turismo 2 isn't just another "vegetate in front of the screen" racing game whose controls can be mastered in two minutes. I learned more about the physics of driving from this simulation, than in my 20-plus years of practical experience. What is the proper way to enter and exit a turn at high speed? Do you know why? How about weight balance and its relationship to understeering or oversteering? Game developers have found a way to transfer these physics to a few buttons on your controller. So, try it out... and if at first you don't succeed... be glad you're not in a real race.

The game's strength can also be its weakness. When you consider all the vehicle-handling-realism built into the controls, along with a multitude of possible scenarios, those players looking for a quick racing fix may end up losing interest. But, for the die-hard racer willing to log a few hours of work... Gran Turismo 2 sets the standard.

Jim Fleming

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