ToCA Race Driver 2: The Ultimate Racing Simulator First Look

Codemasters are definitely on a roll in this year with a couple of first-rate multiplatform racers. Two of the company's leading racing franchises, Colin MrRae Rally 04 and the recently announced racing simulation TOCA Race Driver 2: The Ultimate Racing Simulator, are well on the way and look better with each passing month. Unlike CMR 04, which centers strictly on a specific type of racing, TOCA Race Driver 2 introduces a wide range of features and miscellaneous events that promise to tickle the fancy of any hardcore racer out there.

One of the things, which I believe made the first game stand out, was the elaborate approach taken in conveying an immersive and intriguing plot. Such an aspect is rarely depicted in authentic racing simulations these days. A profound storyline will once again be an integral part of the game as the player progresses through a thrilling racing career. Your start off the game as a brisk young rookie, who's top ambition is to become a Formula One champion. Since you'll be starting from scratch, you're gonna have to pass through numerous championship races and other different events, in order to reach high-ranking status amongst eminent world divers. Winning these races awards several cash prizes, which will in turn help you acquire better wheels for the challenges that lie ahead. Throughout the single-player career mode, players get to face heavy competition of twelve hot racers who also desire to get into the Grand Prix Team.

In addition to offering a decent and engaging storyline, TOCA Race Driver 2 will be distinguishes itself from competing racing games thanks to considerably broader gameplay. The most appealing aspect of the game is that players will be given an opportunity to enjoy 15 different racing styles... all in one game. Yep, so that means, TOCA RD 2 is more than a mere rally sim. The game includes GT Sports Car Racing, Street Racing, Rally, DTM, V8 Supercars, Global GT Lights, Rally Cross, Formula Ford, Open Wheel Grand Prix, Classic Car Racing, Super Truck racing, Stockcar Oval Racing, Ice-Racing, Convertible Racing, and Performance Cars. Sounds like an awful lot for one racing game, doesn't it? The game presents a variety of about 50 licensed and fictional racing tracks that stretch across Germany, Australia, Britain, Italy, Spain, the US, and other parts of the world.

Once you are out on the race track, you're on your own. As before, you must be careful not to cause too much damage to other vehicles. Restarting the race is the main penalty for reckless driving; so, you can't just step on the gas and mow down any opposing racer that gets in your way. There are a few aspects that make things a wee bit easier. For starters, you can restart every race any time you want (regardless if you're driving a championship race, single race or any other). As you'd expect it will also be possible to save your progress after each race. As you can see the game won't be easy, but there will be a few laid-back options to make the ride easier. The AI, however, increases the challenge. The programming team at Codemasters are tweaking the intelligence of CPU-controlled drivers to ensure that gamers have some serious competition out there on the road.

A truly praiseworthy facet of the original was that it introduced an excellent damage model and impressive physics. As you may have already heard by now, TOCA Race Driver 2 features a completely revamped damage engine that gives the whole experience extra panache. According to Codemasters, the so-called Terminal Damage Engine will offer some of the most advanced in-game physics ever seen in a racing game. Players will be witnessing true to life collision sequences and spectacular car-wrecking scenes as they drive across the tracks at high speed. Thanks to top-notch animation and convincing physics, accidents and crashes will make you feel like you're out there on the road. Windows and windshields burst into heaps of shattered glass, while chunks of metal and plastic fly everywhere as you smash into the car in front of you. In the heat of a nasty car crash, wheels can detach from your vehicle and roll away from the road, reacting in a manner true to the laws of physics. Also, head-on collisions may cause car doors to get ripped open and pulled off the vehicle. Basically, every car model (35 altogether) is subjected to these enhanced physics. In turn, almost any object or model in the game is susceptible to the new physics system. This is why players must keep a close eye on any obstacles, from trackside barriers and road banners, to rival racers on the path ahead. One wrong turn can result in total chaos and destruction... In most cases, careless driving brings you back to starting grid.

Generally, the game strives for an overall improvement in visual quality. Particle effects were fine-tuned, instituting authentic-looking smoke, clouds of dust and dirt, paint chips, etc. Even with all these features the game's graphics engine was hailed as maintaining a rock-solid frame-rate (rarely waning under 60 fps). This is obviously another welcomed improvement over the original. By the way, I remember witnessing quite an impressive array of highly detailed and delightfully animated character models (another characteristic not often seen in modern-day racing games). We're hoping we'll see the same thing in the sequel - although this time around, characters are likely to look even better thanks to the revamped engine.

The developers reckon that in addition to the exemplary visuals, TOCA Race Driver 2 is an equally rewarding audio experience. Cars honk their horns before a massive collision ensues. Every event is accompanied by a diversity of sounds to portray a bona fide racing ambiance. One of the most interesting features we were told of was that players will be able to hear if their vehicle has sustained any internal damage, which will definitely enhance the experience even further.

Alongside the comprehensive single-player mode, gamers may also participate in multiplayer races. There's a commendable variety of multiplayer options incorporated into the game, not to mention the Xbox Live Support which was revealed to support up 12 to 16 players in one racing match. Judging from the solid amount of different racing types, unique vehicles, and tracks, there should be ample opportunity for some decent multiplayer racing in both Xbox and PC versions.

That's all the info we have for you at this time, children. We're looking forward to the game and hope that Codemasters meets the announced deadline (this March). All things considered, this one should be on top of your spring shopping list. Due to all its promising traits, TOCA Race Driver 2 is sure to find a distinguished spot amongst an array of high-profile racers already slated for a release in 2004.