TrackMania 2: Canyon Review

TrackMania 2: Canyon is a time-trial-based simcade racing game that focuses on wild map design and skill-based driving. It somehow combines the lunacy of Forza Horizon 3’s excellent Hot Wheels DLC with the learning curve of a dedicated simulator like Project CARS 2.

Gameplay

The skill ceiling of TrackMania 2 is very high. Driving physics are arcade-like, yet still manage to provide a skill curve typical of a hardcore sim racer. This is achieved by having a map editor that functions around the drift system. Drifting feels like a more refined version of what was present in Burnout Paradise. There’s more control over momentum and direction here, but fundamentally it operates much the same. The community then designs tracks that have crazy jumps, technical chicanes and sweeping right handers galore. It’s impressive how the physics engine is flexible enough to feel satisfying on such a wide variety of course types. TrackMania 2 feels good when played on a controller, wheel or even keyboard. It’s very rare to find a keyboard-friendly racing game, so this is a pleasant change.

Criticisms

Critics often complain about the lack of tutorials or guides present, but I disagree. TrackMania 2: Canyon, like most racing games, is very simple to get your head around. The controls are extremely natural feeling, with throttle, brake and drifting being second nature to those familiar with the genre. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out going as fast as possible through each course is a good thing. A tutorial could have featured quite easily, but I doubt it would have gotten much value given how likely people are to jump into the deep end these days. This isn’t some complex 4X strategy game. It’s a game where you press RT and go fast.

The controversial decision to remove local split screen is a major negative for TrackMania 2. Having launched with full split screen support, it was later removed for no stated purpose. The game mode itself is in the game still, but the option to play it was removed from the menus. I suspect the reasoning behind this choice was either to get players to buy a second copy for their friend or to pick up the newer TrackMania Turbo. Either way, it’s very much an anti-consumer design choice.