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V-Rally 2 Presented by Need For
Speed (PSX) Hands-on Preview

Background

Screens(4)
Electronic Arts has become quite prolific in the field of racing sims for the PSX this year. In the near future, they will release an updated version of Need For Speed: VRally2, which will add to the rapidly growing number of rally racing titles available this season. After taking several cars through their paces, and returning with dented sides, mud-splattered bodies, and shattered windows, I can tell you that players are in for a rough and challenging ride with this game, which is a distinct improvement over its predecessor.

The tracks are vivid and detailed; the cars are even better (you can see the driver inside). You can choose from a number of cars (how many depends on the race), and several more can be unlocked. There are several in-game cameras (the usual suspects); your team member will help you navigate the courses by telling you about what lies ahead (there are also helpful graphics indicating the location, direction, and angle of turns). You can rely on either your analog or digital controller to steer, and you may reassign buttons to your heart's content. Oh, there's night driving, weather, and so on. Be prepared to take your time gaining a good touch for the game and adjusting the steering sensitivity to fit your handling of the car. This is not a pick-up-and-win racer--even in arcade mode.

There are several modes of play. The arcade series calls on you to pass checkpoints in the allotted time span on your way to completing a three-lap race. Your final circuit standing is determined by where you placed in each race. There are three levels, so even here you'll have to work your way up and improve your driving skills to succeed--even though you are at the wheel of an indestructible vehicle. You'll also have to learn how to set up your car to tailor its performance to take advantage of weather and track conditions: there's a good selection of tires, gear ratios, suspension, and brake force. Place high enough in each series and unlock new cars.

The V-Rally Trophy Mode consists of three circuits, which you will have to drive your way through in sequence. Winning here is determined by total time. This is more demanding, although car damage is merely for appearance's sake. More demanding still is Championship Mode, where you must repair damage between races (at a cost in time, which is added to your score). Finally, there's a Time Trial Mode to acquaint yourself with the different tracks. It's a good idea to use it.

Drivers will find it a challenge to gain sufficient control of their cars to compete in any mode. While the courses are a bit more forgiving than were the ones in V Rally, it doesn't take more than a momentary lapse to spin out or flip over. There's an automatic transmission option to help you ease your way through the initial contests.

Perhaps the most welcome new feature of NFS VRally2 is the track editor. It's about as easy to use as possible. You may race point-to-point or design a loop; you can determine how sharp your turns should be, how bumpy the ride will be, and where the race will take place. If you don't have enough patience, the game will generate a track for you. Other players will welcome the news that up to four players may participate.

NFS: VRally2 will be out later this month--then we'll give it the full treatment.




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