GTR 2

The PC racing simulation category isn't what it oncegoing through the basic tutorials in driving school,
was. While the PC used to be home to a big varietyunlocking a few championships and competing in a
of classic, in-depth racing sim series, thefew of these early series. In all, if you go so far as
ever-increasing power of game consoles and theto compete in all 142 challenges found in GTR 2, you'll
promise of more sales have led many would-bebe well on your way to mastering the fundamentals
racing developers to abandon the PC altogether.of driving quickly and have a good idea of how the
Consider SimBin's GTR 2, the sequel to 2005's GTRmany tracks found in the game operate.
FIA Racing, a hearkening back to the good old daysOnce you're done with the tutorials and have built up
of sim racing. It's an expansive and challenging sequela heap of early-game confidence, you'll find a number
to one of the best racing games of last year and, atof game modes and options in GTR 2 just waiting to
its price, it remains one of the best bargains of thebeat you down and bring you back to earth. Open
year for the PC.practice and time trial are two good ways to
Wave the green flag because it's time to go racing inimprove your lap time. The inclusion of a color-coded
GTR 2.racing line feature similar to that found in Forza
From a content standpoint, GTR 2 isn't that muchMotorsport is a nice touch--though the one found in
different from the original. The game still revolvesGTR 2 isn't as dynamic as the feature in Forza. As a
around GT racing--a compelling mixture of multiclassresult, you'll often find points where you can "fudge"
sports cars from makers such as Ferrari, Porsche,the race line in order to gain a few extra tenths. The
TVR, Saleen, and many more, all competing on asame can be said for the turn indicator signs that pop
cosmopolitan lineup of real-life tracks from all overup when turning laps, which also suggest the gear
the world. Additionally, the driving model, which soyou should be in to attack a particular corner. Many
authentically captured the thrilling yet often twitchytimes you can safely ignore the recommended gear
experience of driving a highly tuned sports car in thein favor of what you know works better in a
original GTR, is even more finely tuned in the sequel.particular car.
The lion's share of the game's improvements, then,With multiple car classes available, you'll easily find a
can be seen in the slight planing down of the originalride to suit your speed.
game's often steep learning curve.GTR 2's three main racing modes are race weekend,
The first and most obvious way the GTR developerschampionships, and 24-hour race. A race weekend is
have done this is through the driving school, ana single event, complete with multiple practice and
expansive tutorial that has seemingly been designedqualifying rounds, as well as the actual race itself.
to take you from the ground up--from your firstChampionship mode includes both the 2003 and 2004
moments in the car to competing tightly with theofficial FIA GT seasons, as well as the custom
game's demanding artificially intelligent drivers (or withchampionships you open up by completing challenges
up to 27 other players via the game's excellent onlinein the driving school. New for GTR 2 are the 24-hour
multiplayer racing). Categories covered in drivingraces on tracks such as Spa-Franchorchamps, Monza,
school include the basics, such as acceleration andand China's Zuhai circuit. You can scale down these
braking, up through cornering and overtaking, andgrueling endurance races to a more manageable size
finally, into section-by-section breakdowns of many(say one or three hours) and still experience the
of the tracks featured in the game. Each categorysame gradual day-to-night transition you would in a
includes a text breakdown that covers the theory24-hour race.
behind each racing concept, as well as the specificThere are three difficulty levels to choose
goal you need to accomplish in order to pass thatfrom--novice, semi-pro, and simulation. And, as you
particular challenge. You can also practice themay expect, the difference in handling between
challenge before an "official" attempt against thenovice and simulation is dramatic. At the novice level,
ghost car or watch the ghost car's lap to viewevery option from antilock braking to various aids,
proper braking or turn-in points, which is essential forsuch as stability and braking assists, are available to
some of the trickier challenges. By beating challenges,be toggled on and off at your discretion. The
you unlock a host of restricted-class championshipssemi-pro level turns off most of these aids but
that are graded in difficulty levels; some of the firstleaves traction control and your ABS system intact.
championships you open are quite easy and serve asThe simulation level of difficulty grays out all options
an excellent introduction to the kind of intenseand leaves you on the asphalt with only your skill
on-track action that forms the heart of the game.behind the wheel (and whatever deity you pray to)
Those new to the series are well served by simplyto count on.