GAME MODES

Career
This game mode basically allows you to run a career similar to that in the original Race Driver. It’s fast paced, arcade style, and it held my attention for about 4 hours on the first day. Although I am really more interested in some of the other game modes, the most important thing that I realized at this point is that you need to win races or place well to unlock more cars and tracks. I imagine that it won’t be long before the community will have something in place to unlock the whole show in one shot.

Simulator Mode – Free Race
This mode lets you fire up a race at any track that you have unlocked. Of course you have all kinds of options for AI strength, race length, damage, sim or pro-sim mode, etc. The one thing that I should note is that (unfortunately) this is the only game mode that I have found where you can view a replay of your race.

Simulator Mode – Time Trial
Basically gives you the ability to enter the track alone with your vehicle and test different setups. So far I have barely even touched the setups. The cars all run quite fast as they are and the setup options are, well, more suited for the console user.

Simulator Mode – Multiplayer
This one lets two drivers run at the same time in split window. Perhaps a PC user that actually admits to using this mode can report back to us on it at some point.

Simulator Mode – Network
Allows the creation or join of a race via IP. The option to create a race basically allows one driver to be a “server.” I won’t go into much depth here as you can download the multiplayer demo and see it for yourself.

Simulator Mode – Play Online
Uses the Gamespy client to coordinate the creation and connection to other racers. I’ve never been particularly fond of the Gamespy client so I rarely use it, however, there are individuals in the community who have had success with it.

NITTY GRITTY

Controller
I have used about 5 different steering wheels over the past five or six years: the original Logitech Yellow (a nice durable non-feedback wheel and solid pedal set), the more recent Logitech Red (a relatively inexpensive mediocre force feedback wheel), a NASCAR Pro Force Feedback (a decent wheel but tilted up too high), ACT-Labs ForceRS with performance pedal set (a beautiful force feedback wheel and a great pedal set), and my current mainstay, a Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback (good, economical wheel all around). The setup for the game controller is simple to use, and the MSFF wheel locked in quickly. I should note that I had to steer the wheel rapidly for the steering assignment to take properly. Based on the forum responses from the demo and my own experience, I cannot stress enough the need to adjust your steering deadzone and saturation. Initially I found the wheel to be far too sensitive, but upon decreasing the saturation, I was able to get a lot of movement without the over sensitivity in vehicle reaction.

Sound
The sound in this game is really amazing, from the blow-off valves on the turbo chargers to the incessant squeaking of the suspension components, not to mention tone change based on engine load; really impressive stuff here. The only thing that I’m going to have to speak up on here is Codemaster’s mysterious desire to include that same old CMR2 tire squealing on acceleration. I will however admit that the combination of engine, tire, and suspension noise when braking hard over bumps or a slight lift in the pavement can put a permanent smile on your face – very well done.

Graphics
I am going to stand on my simulator podium so that this can be heard around the community - the graphics are absolutely stunning, better than anything that I have seen to date in a driving game or simulation. The glare of the sun on track, the twinkles of sunlight on the edges of the vehicles, the sunlight glow from the vehicle glass, it’s like a virtual feast for the eyes. The quality of the vehicle models is also quite good. The DTM’s, Ford V8’s, and 4 banger turbos have been Race Driver classics and the models look better than ever. After driving different classes you will find a few models where the detail isn’t quite so apparent, but overall a really fine job. I’d like to go into great detail regarding the tracks, but I can’t even begin to touch on this. The variation in elevations and smooth transitions, track surface and bumps, track and scenery textures, my gosh, it makes the rest of the game look like all the programmers went home early. I’m sorry I can’t explain it better, but I’m afraid you’ll have to grab the demo and just get a gander at this – even if you were to hate the game, please just treat yourself to the graphics. You can visit the Codemasters Race Driver 2 website for additional information regarding tracks, vehicles, and the various racing styles.