ToCA Race Driver 2: Ultimate Racing Simulator

Look under the hood of this Race Driver, and you?ll see a brand-new engine capable of churning out major gameplay power.

Don?t be thrown off by the elongated name or the series? disappointing past. Codemasters has totally revamped its Race Driver game, turning it into an exceptional competitor on the racing circuit.

The Value of the European Currency
ToCA, for all of you nonhardcore speedsters who don?t (gasp!) follow the European racing circuit, stands for Touring Car Association. Sure, the name doesn?t mean much in the states, but as the governing body over one of the largest racing championships in Europe, ToCA?s presence will make you scream with glee. ToCA offers a whole spectrum of realistic racing competitions that include vintage classic events and even super truck (or in American lingo, big rig) competitions. Yup, it?s all authentic?even the amateur stock car racing takes place on real tracks like Texas Speedway and Pikes Peak. All total, the game features over 30 circuits and a whopping 35 fully licensed vehicles, which is unlike most racers, where you?re limited to the type of autos you can drive.

Playing through the career mode, however, is the only way to fully experience (and unlock) the different styles of racing. Thankfully, Race Driver 2?s story line isn?t the laughable tearjerker that shamed the original. You now guide an unnamed driver who?s looking for superstardom status. To get there, you take part in different championships all over the world, where you must place in top positions but not necessarily place first every time. The pace is definitely fast. As soon as you start getting used to one vehicle, the next race is completely different as you have to adjust to different controls of a brand-new car. The controls, though, are much improved over the first Race Driver game. While each auto has distinct handling features, steering through a road course is manageable, although the computer opponents coupled with off-road terrain can make it really challenging at times.

Start Your Engines
Graphically, Race Driver 2 shines with sparkling detail. The environments look gorgeous, while reflective bodywork on the vehicles is impressive. It?s also fun to drive in realistically damaged cars (which also affect the car?s performance). The cut-scenes that tell the story are actually enjoyable enough to watch, too.

The last part of the game?s name perfectly sums up the experience. Race Driver 2 touches on just about every type of authentic racing style imaginable, and for speed buffs, that?s quite a feat. Just make sure that you?re prepared for the simulation factor because this racer doesn?t come close to driving in the arcade lane.

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