Grid 2 Review: Stuck in Neutral

Game Reviewed: Grid 2

Release Date: May 28th, 2013

Developer: Codemasters

Publisher: Codemasters

Platform: [Reviewed: PlayStation 3], XBOX 360, PC

Genre: Racing

Rated: E for Everyone

Welcome back to Grid. It has been nearly 5 years, simply put, about 5 years too many… Codemasters just last year showcased Dirt Showdown. Now they’ve finally decided to take us back to the streets where the rubber burns faster than ever.

To clear one of the biggest questions that may evolve around the title as it gains consumer interest, Grid is not an open world title. However, that doesn’t mean that the exploration you’re preparing to partake in is a tasteless experience. It’s quite the opposite.

The game is story driven and builds based on the fans you obtain. At times you’ll have a one-on-one faceoff, numerous racing events like elimination, time attacks and more. Patrick Callahan is well invested in you helping him create a new line of racing called the WSR (World Series of Racing).

From the moment you start the game, you’re thrown in a race in Chicago in hopes to gain recognition from the New Union.  The handling system works quite well, but to some gamers it may feel a bit clunky to begin with. Grid 2 places a great detail of authenticity on its driving performance for the driver. Maps have plenty of opportunities for drifting and more.

If you find yourself making too many mistakes, crashing horrifically, or simply in an uncomfortable position, you once again (from the original Grid) have the ability to use “flashback.” Flashback will allow you rewind a bit and redeem yourself head over the competition.

Grid 2 does its very best to give you the most authentic feel when switching between each vehicle that you unlock along the way. Based on difficulty, cars can take anywhere from visual damage (only affecting the look) or full damage, causing a catastrophe if you’re a loose cannon and unable to control the cars you operate. Even too much damage visually can affect the handling of vehicles during competition.

A downfall,  with all of the cars you can own, none have full customization. Instead, you can only change the vinyl and add a few sponsors to the cars for a chance of earning more fans. Additional cars are won during racers and special promos by sponsors.

Up close and personal, Grid 2 looks visually stunning. You’ll race from Abu Dhabi, Europe and all throughout the United States. The more you’re noticed, the more you’ll explore.

Multiplayer changes the entire experience as you play for cash instead on fans. In addition, all the single player vehicles are not unlocked for multiplayer, forcing you spend what you earn to have a better shot at winning an online affair.

Grid 2 is a much better installment to Codemasters lineup, but not quite enough to claim significance over the racing genre. It’s definitely worth the experience, but between the lack of open world and its arcade feel, it won’t settle on the tracks for too long.

The Scores

Gameplay: 3.75/5

Visuals: 4/5

Audio: 4/5

Controls: 4/5

Value: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5