Gameplay is where
V-Rally 2: Need for Speed really shines, and the only two racing games that provide more depth or challenge are
Wipeout 3 and
Gran Turismo. 84 tracks “out-of-the-box” is impressive, but a built-in Track Editor also adds the option to create as many custom tracks as your little memory card will hold.
There are four main modes in VR2, and each will appeal to different race fans. Arcade Mode plays like it sounds, with four cars competing for first place through a series of asphalt, gravel, and snow tracks. Each track is set in a different country, with a unique look and feel, and conditions ranging from sun to snow. Initially, only Level 1 is available, but taking first place in that stage earns the right to move up to Level 2 and Expert. You also earn new cars to augment VR2’s 16 default models. They’re all cool cars, too; mostly exotic European models, with a few muscle cars thrown in.
Trophy Mode shares a similar set-up (three stages), but requires that you finish with the lowest time at the end of a stage. One stage may include 10-15 races, so even though you don’t have to finish first every time, it’s important to stay ahead of the pack. One nice feature is the option to exit, save a race, and return later where you left off playing.
Championship Mode consists of racing several stages in each country and coming out on top after multiple countries. This mode is fun, but sometimes frustrating, because it’s the only event where damage to your car affects performance. The visible damage each car sustains is hilarious in Arcade and V-Rally, but when you start pulling to the left and slowing down in Championship Mode, it’s not so cool. Luckily, you do get a chance to repair.
The final mode is Time Trial, and it’s the only “solo” race where you’re up against the clock and get to race every track available. Time Trial is a good way to practice up on the hard tracks.
