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TOCA 2
Score: 93%
ESRB: Everyone
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Codemasters
Media: CD/1
Players: 1 - 2 (2 - 4 with Link Cable)
Genre: Racing

Graphics & Sound:
I thought the graphics in this one were excellent. There was plenty of detail, the animations were smooth, and the backgrounds even looked good. I was impressed with the speed of the game. I admit, it wasn't super fast, but considering the graphics, it was impressive. There is plenty of detail in the cars themselves - even light reflections were included. The tracks and background environment looked pretty good too. I do have to say that the damage 'explosions' were pretty bad. Whenever you hit something (a tree, other car, or wall), little triangles and blocks of color fly off of your car. Not the best looking thing in the world, but the damaged cars look neat after the color fairies fly off of it. The nice sound effects and okay soundtrack add to the realism and enjoyment of this British racing game.

Gameplay:
Okay boys and girls, it's a racing game. And a good one at that. You know how racing games go - steer, accelerate, break, shift, slam into a wall, cross the finish line. Well, that's pretty much how this one is. Need more options than that? Don't worry your pretty little head; this game has seven different modes of play. Everything from time races to championship circuits to practice tracks to multiplayer action is there for your ultimate enjoyment. Yeah, but you want plenty of cars and tracks, right? How do eighteen different tracks and sixteen customizable cars sound? I agree a few more cars and tracks couldn't hurt, but it boasts quality over quantity. You are also given 8 different teams to choose from. This game just has it all. And it runs great!

Smooth transitions, realistic car handling, and good graphics combined with multiple point of view angles make this one a great racer. Let's not forget about the realistic real-time damage to and the upgradability (and reparability) of the cars. Aside from that, the game just runs great. Plenty of options and good realism makes this one a definite winner.


Difficulty:
Anyone can enjoy this game. From the novice to the expert speedster - it's up to you. Is the game too hard for your cute little mind? Lower the difficulty and realism levels. Maybe your tough little brain thinks it's a cakewalk. Well then, turn up the difficult and realism levels and give it a real shot.

The game is very easy to learn and has an addictiveness to it once you learn just how it works. Start the game off with a practice track, then jump right into a championship run.


Game Mechanics:
Yep, you guessed it, great mechanics. The game runs smooth and the controls are great. TOCA 2 supports analog controls as well as the link combat cable for four-player action. With the Dual Shock added, you get to feel the race as well as you can see it. Want more realism - hook a steering wheel to it and have a blast.

Solid mechanics, good graphics, and realistic driving makes this one a must have for the racing fan. Sure, it needs more cars and tracks, and we could do without the damage fairies, but nothings perfect.


-Storm, GameVortex Communications
AKA Jeremy Kelso

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