Toca Race Driver 2

[Damon]

From what I've heard there was a falling out between codies and Sony and that's why this has happened. As you say, the PS2 is far and away the most popular console so there's got to be a reason why it's Xbox exclusive.

[James Kimbley]

Guys, I have just emailed my contact at Codies to see if he can give me a reason why the game is a xbox exclusive, I will tell you what he says when I find out.

[James Kimbley]

Got a reply guys

"Really, there's no specific reason, we just wanted, when developing to concentrate on the 2 similar platforms to make the best game we can. we'll be launching the official PC demo this afternoon at 2PM, BTW."

[racer69]

I was walking past a games store at the local plaza so wandered in and asked. The guy said definatly out on PS2, but 6-8 months later than PC/X-BOX.

[Hobson]

Hmmmmm, I would think that Codies wouldn't stay off the PS2 for too long, the money they could get from that platform is too tempting.

[Damon]

Originally posted by racer69
I was walking past a games store at the local plaza so wandered in and asked. The guy said definatly out on PS2, but 6-8 months later than PC/X-BOX.

I got told that from a similar source when the first Gran Turismo came out on the playstation. I'm still waiting for the PC version.

[Damon]

Blimey! I've just spotted this game is released on friday . I thought we had months to wait! Well I know what I'll be buying on friday .

[forzaf1]

I have heard that developing a game for the PC and converting it to the PS2 is fine but the other way around is very very difficult and that is the reason why they won't do it for the PS2.

There is a massive demand for the game on the PS2 so I think they need to do it as there will be big dent in there profits if they stick just to the xbox and PC.

Alex

[alesi95]

errmmm....has anyone notice that there is no Btcc, so hows this Toca?

[Damon]

Is there not? That's odd because they're using the Toca brand for every release around the world this time, rather than localising it.

[Damon]

I've picked this today, gonna have a go after the quali session and will tell all then.

[the man]

Originally posted by alesi95
errmmm....has anyone notice that there is no Btcc, so hows this Toca?

I heard that they had the licence for the name Toca to 2006, and that it was a well known name round the world so they used it.

[Hobson]

Originally posted by Damon
I've picked this today, gonna have a go after the quali session and will tell all then.

So whats it like then?

[Damon]

Pretty good but not superb. I get the feeling they've spread themselves a little thin going for such a large game, every car feels pretty much the same, the only real difference seemingly being the power. I haven't tried it on live yet but i'd imagine it'll be quite entertaining with terminal damage. It's certainly more 'simy' than PGR2 but the handling is far less subtle in a lot of areas. I'll how it goes, it may grow on me.

[James Kimbley]

Just ordered my copy of Amazon should get it tuesday time I am guessing. Damon what a go at a bit of paint swapping on live once I have got it?

[Damon]

absolutely! Having had a go I can safely say Live is where the fun's at in this game. It's great because mistakes are punished in this one, where as you can get away with things in PGR2.

[James Kimbley]

Damon, Would you say overall the game is better than the original. I liked the orignal but found the cars handled to arcadey. I like simulations. Also in this game in single player are the races limited to a certain number of laps like 3 or 5, or can you this time run a 100% race length. Eg. you race the same amount of laps as you would if competing in real life?

Suppose overall the single player mode does not matter much as the game supports live.

[Damon]

The handling is very similar to the original and, as I say, disappointingly similar across all the various car classes, which is a shame. But it is still fun.

In the actual career mode, yes you are limited to a few laps per race, but to be honest it's a means to an end as it's only by doing this that you unlock all the cars/tracks etc. Away from 'career' in 'simulation mode' you can set up the races pretty well as you please with regard number of laps/competitors etc.

[James Kimbley]

Do the cars have working rear view mirrors? Or do you have to press back on the controls?

[the man]

Can any cars go on any tracks, like a formula ford go around bathurst etc. or is it like on the first one where only certain cars can go on caertain tracks.

[Damon]

No working mirrors unfortunately and pressing back on the right stick is actually an alternative brake in this game! Rear vew is actually the 'A' button.

Cars do seem to be limited to tracks, but what is pretty good is that you do the whole championship depending on what car you choose, which is quite cool.

[Knowlesy]

A mate brought this round to my house yesterday and I quite liked it. Nice graphics, tons of competition, nice playability, respectable handling and plenty of championships.

I get it on Friday....can't wait, although I'm 55% through it before I've even bought it! Oops.....

[Damon]

Bloody hell! you must have put in a few hours yesturday. It is enjoyable though isn't it, I just wish the handling had a bit more variation.

[Knowlesy]

Yeah, put in a few hours!Hehehe... You're right about the handling, but it could be worse couldn't it?

The problem I have with racing games is I pick them up straightaway and steam through them. If you understand how cars basically behave with your input then you get used to how the cars handle straight off and win every race almost. I actually have more difficulty with less realistic games like PGR2!

[Damon]

The single player certainly seems very easy, I was having way to much fun playing it on live to get to far through it though!