Better than karaoke

By Daniel Florido

V8 Supercars 2 allows you to smash 'n crash

The V8 Super Cars have always caught my eye. The dynamic looking Fords and Holdens, lethal tracks, baffling exhaust flames and sexy pit girls all really hit the spot.

All this richness of the racing culture has once again been captured and burnt to a trillion 65 cent DVDs, intent for mass distribution and just in time for Christmas too.

Lads and Lasses, I'd like to introduce the most profitable sequel since Rocky 2, V8 supercars 2.

SFX: *Applause* (clapping, cheering, whistling, underwear throwing).

For those new to the game, V8 Supercars is a plot-based racing game. The enticing plot puts you in the shoe's of and up and coming race car driver.

In order for you to reach the holy grail of Super Car Racing you will have to mix it up with the world's finest and do it behind the wheel of a variety of fast and furious machines.

I found the hype surrounding this game to be hotter then a super car exhaust pipe after some serious circle work, so it would be a tough task to live up to indeed. However, disappointment was an emotion I never experienced. It is the simple mixture of solid game play, a lovingly developed graphics and physics engine and a large bucket of hot and spicy vehicles to chew on, that will have this game sitting high up on the Christmas list.

The supercars are well modelled and as dynamic looking as seen on TV, saturated in all sorts of logos they are the ultra dynamic mobile adverts of which the capitalist whores must be so proud. The tracks are full of grainy detail and gleam in the bright sunlight, the scenery is peacefully made up of lush green trees and grassy fields. It's the perfect setting for all your gear box thrashing, tyre burning, engine screaming, windscreen shattering needs.

A choice of three transmission types are available: 1) Automatic. That's for pussies...your not a pussy are you? 2) Manual. It's really easy to use and a shite load of fun - one can also achieve some serious gear box damaging "rollbacks" when speed is built up in reverse, then jammed in to first. And 3) Manual with Clutch. It's also fun but takes a bit of getting used to and is best left for die-hards.

"Chill out dude"

Burnouts are so much fun - which is one area where the superiority of the physics engine shines. Full throttle in first gear will have the rear tyres spinning, causing the back end of the vehicle to slightly angle as it slowly glides down the road.

Switch to second gear and the tyres grip the road, the vehicle instantly straightens up, snapping into position. Now Repeat, always repeat.

Career mode is the main feature of the game and is surprisingly very enticing. You and your team battle your way through various racing leagues, and a win in one racing league will unlock new competitions and vehicles for use in multiplayer Along the way you attract attention from sexy media people with great assets too.

Your team mentor is a charming Scottish "straight up" old dude, who likes one or two wise cracks here and there, but is bitterly disappointed when you return to the garage with a twisted pile of metal rather then a wheel barrow full of prize money and hog jowls.

An impressive 55 racing leagues to seek and destroy will keep your caressing hands off your nipples for a little while. I've got a bit of a sweet tooth for variety so I'm happy with this mixed bag of lollies. Unlocking the new cars, the new tracks and the clever little animated pieces in between each championship, is what keeps the game tasting sweet.

Supercars 2 (or Race Driver 2, or Toca 2 as it's also known) boasts a wide range of vehicles: street cars, American stockcars, Rally cars, Land Rovers and Super Trucks just to name a few. Each vehicle is constructed with accurate detail, while differing in speed, transmission, durability and weight, all of which translates to very different handling on the tracks

This will have you adjusting your driving style all day long, which keeps things fresh. The lighter sportier cars such as the GT Lights, make for some interesting replays. The GT Lights are so light and that one can achieve some impressive aerial moves from the slightest of humps.

If you ask me, it's also important to drive like a lunatic every now and then. Do so and you will be rewarded my friend$, as the game boasts some highly damageable features. Check this out:

Racing through the Bathurst track never dulls

All panels can be dented, individual lights can be smashed, engines start to make weird noises after a few too many dings, gear boxes will start to skip and slip gears, acceleration and power can be dramatically decreased after too many bingles, wheels can fall off, spoilers are easily sent flying (which when lost can really effect the car's handling ability) and windscreens can be shattered or completely ripped off.

Sounds pretty good doesn't it?

Yep, sure does.... But - I have two words for you: NO F**KIN SMOKE!! What the shizer? No smoke and no fire? I feel shocked and betrayed because the last time I checked a 4780 degree donut summoned the thickest and greyest of smoke.

And slamming your vehicle nose first into a pack of lightweight and flimsy vehicles @ 300km/h should really do the trick when it comes to bursting into flames.

Sadly though, it's like trying to get blood from a stone.

The AI is quite good, other cars on the track will slow down and eventually go around you if you're busy doing circle work in the middle of a race. Objects such as witches hats and pieces of car can be knocked about the track and still be there the next lap around but skid marks disappear which is disappointing - perhaps a testament of the PS2's waning graphical prowess?

Online play is fast becoming the Holy Grail of entertainment - forget karaoke. Supercars 2 allows up to 8 cars on the track at the one time when online, undoubtedly resulting in absolute kao$. I find it hard to see that scenario ever getting boring. No doubt some pretty intense competitive streaks between "MAD666" and "BAD666" will be blooming this summer. Bring on the trash talk too via the use of headsets.

There's some other PS2 exclusive stuff that the Xbox version of V8 Supercar 2 doesn't get either - such as the ability to save replays, a new circuit (Catalunya) and the tough-as-nails “Pro-Sim” mode for those who like a challenge.

The sound is interesting to say the least. It actually varies due to your chosen camera selection. For instance, one view point is situated right on the lower front bumper of the car and the sound is the best at this view point as it is closest to the motor.

The Third person view point where the whole car is visible generates a weird lawn-mower like sound. There is no musical sound-track when it comes to race time, just engine, skid, crash and crowd sound effects. That's the way I like it actually. I'd rather play my own music in the background and personalise the experience.

So in conclusion - charging a V8 Supercar down the straight at Bathurst is quite an exciting experience indeed, but to maybe put a cherry on top this year, throw in some extra broadband adoption gear - and I'll see you online at the Bathurst race track, user name "BAD666". Mess with me and I will not hesitate to put you in the wall.

Game: V8 Supercars 2
System: PS2
Players: 1-4 (1-8 online)
Online: Yes
Developer: Codemasters
Distributor: Atari

Rating: 90%

(Ratings Key/Explanation)

V8 Supercars 2 is on the shelves now.