GRID 2

“GRID 2” is a continuation of “Race Driver: GRID”, a racing game produced by Codemasters and published in 2008. In 2009 the game received BAFTA Award for the best sports games. The second part introduces a handful of improvements and ideas appreciated by both critics and gamers.

You play as a driver who gradually gains reputation and big money. The game offers routes located on three continents: Europe, North America and Asia. These include Chicago, Miami, Paris, the coast of California, or famous Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Challenges are divided into three types: racing tracks, city races and road races. Besides, a new feature has been introduced, i.e. competing with other player from point A to point B.

Available car models are divided into four classes of powerful cars that are unlocked as you progress. Players can drive cars such as Ford Mustang Mach 1, BMW E30 M3, Nissan Skyline GTR R34, Chevrolet Camaro SS, McLaren MP4 -12C, BAC Mono, Mercedes SL65 AMG, Shelby Mustang, Pagani Huayra or Koenigsegg Agrea R.

Developers introduced TrueFeel driving model. Unlike its predecessor, “GRID 2” does not offer any assist or difficulty level. Instead, the authors tried their best to combine realism with arcade driving style, making the fun affordable for less experienced players. At the same time, the game offers space for maneuvers to fans of realistic racing simulators. Additionally, various types of surface have an effect on the driveability and adhesion.

Players must watch out for collisions, because damage impacts the driveability. Damage model has been developed with great care – authentic crash test data were used. Car models were divided into about 30 impact sensitive sections. Clipped body parts remain on the track as physical objects.

However, if a serious accident happens, players do not have to replay the whole race. The game offers a feature introduced in the first part, i.e. Flashback. Use it to move the time back by a few seconds in order to improve the turning or avoid collision.

EGO 3.0 engine provides high level graphics. Car models, just as the routes and their surroundings were created in a very detailed manner. However, missing inside camera may upset the fans of photographic realism.

AI of the opponents has been improved. Their behavior dynamically adjusts to your actions. If you are aggressive, they will be as well.

Contrary to popular trends, the multiplayer mode is not combined with the single-player campaign. Nevertheless, it is linked with RaceNet, a community of fans of racing games published by Codemasters. Two players can race on a split-screen or dozens of them via the Internet.

Last updated on 21 November 2014