Grid 2 Review

Five years following Race Driver: Grid, at long last, Grid 2 drove up to the starting line to lead users on another string of fast-paced and damage-filled races. Be it the officially licensed TOCA franchise or the challenging sim experience offered by Dirt Rally, Codemasters has carved out a name for itself as a prominent developer in the racing genre. 2008’s Grid is easily among the most accessible and enjoyable racers on the market. While not deviating too far from the beaten path and definitely feeling like a direct sequel, for better or worse, Grid 2 still does enough to differentiate itself from Codemasters’ predecessor.

Racers do not need to be realistic to be fun. In fact, some of the most entertaining genre titles control about as authentically as Mario Kart. Permitting the handling is responsive and suits the gameplay’s pacing, arcade racers can be an absolute joy. Grid toes the line between arcade and simulation, which is not too surprising considering Codemasters is known for producing entries adhering to both styles.

Gameplay

Similar to its predecessor, Grid 2 is all about putting the pedal to the mettle and drifting around corners at ludicrously high speeds. Due to a complete absence of tuning options, Grid 2 demands users become familiar with the individual cars, which feel relatively different from model to model. Putting aside some minor superficial customization options primarily revolving around vinyl wraps and sponsors, the cars may as well be on loan rather than truly purchased. At the end of the day, the user either grows accustomed to a model’s factory settings or moves on to the next vehicle.

Boasting approximately 60 vehicles, Grid 2’s car list is not going to turn any heads. Graphically, Grid 2 is certainly leaps and bounds above the series’ first entry, although so much should be expected following a five-year interim. While the handling may not expressly strive for realism, the cars themselves are detailed and effectively succeed in capturing the aesthetic of their real-life counterparts. Periodically, the graphical engine’s lighting hits just as the sunset is setting in the distance to create a glow so gorgeous, it almost becomes a distraction.

Although there are specific competitions dedicated to the act, Grid 2’s handling and tracks are principally designed to facilitate drifting at every given opportunity. While 2008’s racer feels quite slippery, in comparison, Grid 2’s cars are stiff and prone to gripping the track. This alteration may be a byproduct of the sequel focusing nearly exclusively on street racing, a creative choice detrimental to the single-player’s longevity.