When we reviewed GTR, we praised it as ‘the very best racing simulation on the market’. To many, it would seem, those words were altogether too true. The game’s uncompromising realism was both awe-inspiring and daunting. Many gamers played the free demo, only to leave it, and the full game, in frustration. It was just so hard to drive well.
Developer SimBin has taken heed, and the sequel is now a friendlier beast to drive. It still boasts the same fire-breathing 700bhp sportscars (track versions of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and the like), but now somehow, it’s possible to drive them, and drive them hard, without necessarily having a disaster at least once a lap.
‘Improved low speed handling’ is how the developer describes it. For normal people, it means you can thread a car through an s-bend at speed without it drawing spaghetti curls on the track with its rear tires as it gleefully disobeys your will.
GTR2 doesn’t for a moment, though, feel any less fast, powerful, or satisfying to drive. It still demands complete concentration, and still rewards with a feeling of accomplishment that is simply not found in any other game.
A revamped 3D engine helps it look even better and run smoother on lower-end systems. A few new cars, like the Maserati and an expanded range of 911s offer more reason for GTR owners to upgrade. And the sampled engine noises are insanely good. First time out of the garage you’ll just sit there revving the car with your speakers at full volume and a silly, mad grin on your face.
GTR2, simply, is an essential game for petrolheads, or fans of truly outstanding computer games.
