Gran Turismo 2

Gran Turismo 2: A Racing Sim for the Ages

Gran Turismo 2, developed by Polyphony Digital and released in 1999 for the PlayStation, is a racing simulation game that significantly expanded on its predecessor. It features a massive roster of 650 cars and 27 tracks. The game is divided into two main modes: Arcade Mode, for quick races, and Simulation Mode, which is the core of the experience.

Gameplay and Career Mode

In Simulation Mode, you start with a limited amount of money and must buy a used car to begin your racing career. You must take a series of driver’s license tests to unlock new racing classes.

The game is structured around various tournaments with different difficulty levels and restrictions (e.g., horsepower limits, drivetrain types, etc.).

• Qualifying Laps: Before each race, you have the option to complete a qualifying lap. The faster your time, the higher your starting position on the grid. If you skip this, you’ll start at the back of the pack.
• Car Tuning: To win races and progress, you’ll need to upgrade your car’s performance. The game has a deep tuning system that lets you customize everything from the engine to the suspension, brakes, and tires. You can also buy new parts and even perform a full Racing Modification on certain cars to transform them into high-performance race machines.
• Prize Money and Points: Your finishing position in each race determines the amount of prize money you receive. In a tournament, points are awarded to the top six finishers, and the driver with the highest total score at the end wins.

Multiplayer and Other Features

Gran Turismo 2 supports a two-player split-screen mode for local multiplayer.

A key aspect of the game is its dedication to realism. While the game does not feature “power-ups” as described, it does offer a variety of tuning options like turbochargers, which increase a car’s power, and different types of tires and suspension parts. The HUD displays your position, lap count, and race time.