GTR 2 has become the benchmark in racing simulation technology. Quite simply there is no racing game you can buy that is more realistic. It makes Forza motorsport feel like a Need for Speed title. So you're going to have to ask yourself...can you hack it?
The game does throw a lifeline in the shape of driving aids and a great in depth driving school. The driving school is a great way to familiarise yourself with the highly detailed tracks in the game. From simply driving in a straight line, to trying to beat your instructor around a racetrack, there are plenty of tutorial lessons to bring you up to speed.
But even when you hit the track ready, driving aids a plenty, this game demands a lot of respect. The extremely detailed physics engine can potentially throw your car into the barriers in a fireball (its pretty cool!). Slightly impatient AI drivers will give you space but more than often come up and shunt you from behind for braking too early. There are a myriad of rules and a mountain of championships to conquer.
However, being as difficult and real as it is the game brings huge rewards. To finish races becomes immensely satisfying. You will often find yourself clenching your controls in hope as you battle through the field. And the only thing you want to be clenching here is a steering wheel. Heaven forbid you play this game with a keyboard or a controller. Half the game is taken away by playing this like a slot car racer. Force feedback is also recommended.
For the petrol head like me, it simply does not get any better. Various cars from different GT classes and highly detailed tracks with unparallel physics bring a smile to anyone who bleeds unleaded. The in car view is highly detailed to each racer. There are plenty of car set up options. Handling characteristics can change drastically as tyres get worn and damage is picked up.
The graphics and sounds are great; though there are bits of low res on some tracks that look a bit outdated. Night racing is a great touch, and there is a full 24hr option for those who are nuts enough. For everyone else, 24hr races can be scaled down to a length desired with accelerated daylight changes.
If there is one thing I feel the game is lacking in is a bigger selection of tracks. Fair enough this game has the actual FIA GT season tracks (2003/2004) and great venues such as Monza and Spa but the rest seem a bit clubman like. Would have been nice to see a few more Grand Prix tracks or even some street circuits since the developers do have an FIA license. There are plenty of mods online though and you will find something if you do the searching. Personally I don't really trust modders fiddling around with a complex engine like this.
Overall this a bargain and a must for any hardcore petrol head. You must own a steering wheel and even for the Schumacher's out there it does take some learning. If your curious its 'wheel-y' worth a try, but if your more a need for speed man forget it.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: wide range of cars and classes, smooth animation, playability Disadvantages: need a good performance PC, online idioits, hard to play with keyboard
Advantages: wide range of cars and classes, smooth animation, playability Disadvantages: need a good performance PC, online idioits, hard to play with keyboard
very helpful by (90%):
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