‘Grid 2’ steers arcade-simulation course with ease
By CHRIS CAMPBELL
“Grid 2”
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Genre: Racing
Publisher: Codemasters
ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone
Grade: 4 stars (out of 5)
Racing-game developers often must decide which type to build, the always-accessible arcade style or a more strident and true simulation version. Attempts to bridge the divide normally fail, but “Grid 2” succeeds by picking the best of both worlds and not overreaching.
Not a 50-50 split of style, the game veers more toward arcade-based on the controls alone. Cars hug the road expertly, allowing novice gamers to catch on quickly, while the ability to customize each car keeps hard-core racers intrigued.
The single-player campaign mode runs through beautiful cities around the globe. From Dubai to Paris to Miami, the lens flares with stunning vistas to immerse you in the environment. Match types are numerous as well, from straightforward street races to timed events and kitschy modes like drafting challenges. The variation of match types means you will rarely find yourself bored with the options in “Grid 2,” and you’ll enjoy trying to find the perfect car with the right set of modifications to meet a particular venue and style of race.
Unlocking and finding the best car for your needs doesn’t come easy. A trove of cars awaits you as you progress, from simple little Volkswagens to flame-bursting, open-wheeled racers that pop and speed along tight turns and down fast straightaways. You are treated to a symphony of car noises (if that is your thing), since the urban courses rev with the nearly nonstop screech of tires and engines roaring off tunnel walls and towering skyscrapers.
The game has a flashback mode (where you can rewind and replay sequences to improve the outcome), but you must learn drifting and proper racing lines on your own, and that requires adapting quickly.
Online, the matchmaker does a superb job of collecting data on players’ racing styles and gathers similar gamers into fun and competitive matches.
Fun cars to drive, stunning cities to race through and excellent online support make “Grid 2” a release worth pulling into your gaming garage.
