FlatOut 2

FlatOut 2 for PC, PS2 and XBX is the second installment in a series of "brutal" racing games developed by Bugbear Entertainment. The original game managed to combine regular racing rivalry with merry destruction of cars taking part in races, and it was very successful at it. Additionally, the predecessing game was impressive in terms of the visuals and the physics engine used - these were the reasons the game gained approval of over 600.000 racing fans, including mainly those who love the legendary Destruction Derby. This was also noticed by the original game's publisher, Empire Interactive, and thus another installment came out.

Mechanics

As could be expected, the creators focused on the aspects the fans of the original title loved the most – thus destruction is in the foreground here. Having bought FlatOut 2, one receives a racing game filled with crashes; only making it to the finish line in one piece is quite a challenge here. The graphics and physics engines were improved. As a result, crashes are even more spectacular than in the first installment. Doors, fenders, wheels and other elements falling off, broken glass, wrecked bumpers and engine fumes are all a common occurrence during races. What is more, hundreds of interactive objects and obstacles were placed on the tracks, as well as different, breakneck shortcuts which both diversify and intensify the mayhem around.

FlatOut 2 for PC, PS2 and XBX offers 16 car models in total. Those are fully modifiable and the player can upgrade them both in terms of the visuals and performance to their liking. Up to 8 drivers take part in one race and this limit applies to the multiplayer mode as well (Internet/LAN). In the singleplayer mode, seven other drivers are controlled by the AI which was also improved. Each of the drivers here has their own, individual driving style, advantages and different attitude towards the opponents.

Ragdoll events were included in the game as well. Those were divided into twelve special kinds of competition, such as "ski jumping" or driving through fiery circles. Furthermore, destruction derbies were included, focusing on pure mayhem.

Last updated on 24 July 2024