Gran Turismo 2 - one of my favourite drving games of all time

 

Gran Turismo 2 for PlayStation remains one of the most ambitious racing simulators of its era, offering over 600 cars, deep customization, and realistic driving mechanics that still feel rewarding today.

🏁 Release and Sales

• Release dates: Japan – December 11, 1999; North America – December 16, 1999; Europe – January 28, 2000.

• Sales: Gran Turismo 2 sold millions worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling PlayStation titles. The original Gran Turismo sold over 10.85 million copies, and GT2 continued that success, cementing the franchise as a PlayStation powerhouse.

🎨 Graphics and Presentation

• For the PlayStation hardware, Gran Turismo 2 pushed boundaries with detailed car models and immersive track environments.

• While some critics noted grainy textures compared to the first game, the sheer scale of content and improved lighting effects made it visually impressive for 1999.

• Dirt tracks and varied environments added new visual flair.

🎮 Game Mechanics and Driving Simulation

• GT2 introduced two main modes: Arcade (pick-up-and-play racing) and Simulation (career progression with licenses, car purchases, and championships).

• The driving physics were praised for realism, with cars handling differently based on weight, drivetrain, and tuning.

• The game featured over 600 cars from 33 manufacturers, including European brands absent in the first game.

• Tracks: 20 road circuits and 6 dirt tracks, offering variety and challenge.

🔧 Upgrades and Car Setup

• GT2 allowed players to upgrade engines, suspension, brakes, tires, and aerodynamics, creating a highly customizable driving experience.

• Players could fine-tune gear ratios, downforce, and other parameters, making it a true car enthusiast’s simulator.

• This depth of customization was groundbreaking for console racing games at the time.

🎵 Music and Sound

• The soundtrack mixed rock and electronic tracks, energizing races and menus.

• Engine sounds varied across vehicles, adding immersion, though some reviewers noted limitations in audio fidelity compared to later titles.

🚗 Why It Still Holds Up

• Massive car roster: Few racing games even today offer such variety.

• Deep tuning system: The ability to transform a modest hatchback into a racing beast remains satisfying.

• Authentic driving feel: Despite dated graphics, the physics still deliver a rewarding challenge.

• Historical significance: GT2 set the standard for console racing simulators, influencing countless successors.

🔙 Why Return After So Many Years

Gran Turismo 2 is more than nostalgia—it’s a snapshot of racing history. Its blend of realism, customization, and sheer content volume makes it a timeless classic. Returning to GT2 offers:

• A reminder of how far racing games have evolved.

• A chance to relive the thrill of building your dream garage from scratch.

• An appreciation for the foundations of modern driving simulators.

In short, Gran Turismo 2 remains a landmark in racing game history—worth revisiting for its depth, challenge, and enduring charm.