Gran Turismo 2

Well, if you LOVE cars and get off on racing them, this game will be tons of fun for you. Vastly expanded from the original Gran Turismo, GT2 employs practically any car you can think of---from throwback muscle to tuned-out super cars, if you want to drive it, they've got it waiting for you. And not only do they look just as good as if you were seeing them for real, but they sound and FEEL like real cars. Each car has it's own unique driving style and sound, so you'll never be bored...maybe surprised, but never bored. You can customize your own car from the ground up (GT2 lets you customize your wheels this time...yay!) or if you can hold out long enough, you can buy the "special" models from the car distributors.

However, I do have some issues with this game. First of all, the load times can be a bit irritating and it doesn't help when you have to move to so many different screens to get around in the game. Going from a race to another race or back to your garage seem to take forever after saying no to a dozen replays and the save/do not save question that pops up after all races.

Also, I don't take well to formalities in video games. Like the original, GT2 has those wonderful licenses you must obtain in order to race in different competitions. It's like, am I going to be putting lives in danger by playing this game? Why do I need to be tested on everything from braking distance/time to my S-curve technique? I'm not going to listen to the rules anyway, so why put me through it? When it comes down to it, I am awful at those individual trials. Put me in the thick of the action and I can dominate. I just don't get it.

Finally, I wish that the races weren't so predictable and repetitive. Once you get to the point where you know that you are going to win the race before you even leave the starting line, the game gets a little lackluster. All of the other cars follow the same imaginary line (like the license tests make you follow for "optimal performance") every single time out, so I know where they are going before they get there. Why can't cars spin out for no apparent reason (damnit, I do it!) or give me a little competition? Because let's face it, once you get ahead you stay ahead...that is if you have a reasonably suitable car or you don't spin out stupidly at the final turn, of course.

Ah, but I get over the pain of constant winning quickly. I love this game. I wouldn't complain about it so much if I didn't... I wouldn't still be playing it.

P.S. While doing the long, grueling endurance races I recommend turning the sound off and listening to your own music (or nothing, if you prefer) because as much as this game is hailed for its soundtrack choices, they will drive you mad after you hear the same song fifty times in one race.