PlayStation

Need for Speed II

If you can get past the initial graphics shock and strange control issues that I have described above, this game should provide hours of challenging races. I would highly recommend the purchase of an analog control device for this game, whether it be the NeGcon or Mad Catz...the game is a beast in digital mode. The game also supports the new Sony Dual Analog pad, so if you have the spare cash grab one on the import market...the improved control factor is worth it. You are given tons of options and a very good car selection. The game also rocks in the two player split screen mode. All of that along with the diverse track selection, in my opinion make this game a winner. It may not appeal to the hard core arcade racing fans out there, but for the more simulation minded gamers out there that appreciate a touch of arcade action, this title is sure to please.

This game is one of those instances where the original is better than the sequel. The difficult cornering really made the game frustrating to play and left me wanting more. The tracks were all so well-designed that if the control was better, it would have overshadowed the poor graphics and the pitiful-looking cars. This game will disappoint even hardcore Need for Speed fans.

Need For Speed II is the first realistic street racing game on the PlayStation since the original Need For Speed. Unlike Test Drive: Off-Road and Tokyo Highway Battle (which were exaggerated), or NASCAR and Mario Andretti (which were true to life, yet never left the track), Need For Speed II focuses on realistic racing in populated settings…and the chaos that ensues.

The game boasts a respectable frame-rate now (at least in one-player mode), but the graphics are grainy, unattractive and still suffer from considerable draw-in problems. Gameplay is marred by control that gives little indication of how the car should interact with the track. A variety of exotic rides, six huge tracks and some nice hidden extras make NFS II worth checking out - but just barely.

After the excellent 3DO original, Need for Speed 2 is something of a let down. Where 3DO NFS had complex models, great tracks and beautiful scenery, NFS2 can barely muster the energy for some half-decent models, a couple of stunt sections and a poor frame rate in its PC incarnation (with no 3D card support to boost performance). On the PlayStation, where titles like Rage Racer prove that solid-looking scenery, well-designed tracks and subtle handling are perfectly possible, this sequel looks particularly weak.

Adding insult to injury, NFS2 tried to overcompensate for its stiff controls with an "arcade mode" which has the cars sliding all over the road! At least the car showcases still kick ass, featuring cool videos of the cars cruising around town to pulse-pounding beats. NFS2 was apparently trying to appeal to both the car purists and arcade crowd, but fell short on both counts.