Gran Turismo 2

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Gran Turismo 2
GranTurismo2.jpg
Gran Turismo 2 US box cover
Developer(s) Polyphony Digital
Publisher(s) Sony Computer Entertainment
Designer(s) Kazunori Yamauchi
Series Gran Turismo
Engine Custom
Aspect ratio 4:3
Native resolution 240p (LDTV)
Platform(s) PlayStation
Release date(s) JP December 11, 1999[1][2]
NA December 23, 1999[1]
EU January 28, 2000[1]
Genre(s) Racing
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer
Rating(s) ESRB: Everyone
PEGI: 3+
Media 2 CD-ROMs
Input methods Dual Analog, DualShock

Gran Turismo 2 (commonly abbreviated to GT2) is a driving simulator / racing game for the Sony PlayStation. Gran Turismo 2 was developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment in 1999. The games serves as a sequel to Gran Turismo. It was well-received publicly and critically, shipping 1.71 million copies in Japan, 20,000 in Southeast Asia, 3.96 million in North America, and 3.68 million in Europe for a total of 9.37 million copies as of April 30, 2008,[1][2] and eventually becoming a Sony Greatest Hits game. The title received an average of 93% in Metacritic's aggregate. Gran Turismo 2 was also the first PS1 game to be emulated on the Dreamcast via Bleemcast. The game was also one of the top 5 best selling games in the Book of World Records Series.[citation needed]

Contents

[edit] Gameplay

Gran Turismo 2 is fundamentally based on the racing game genre. The player must maneuver an automobile to compete against artificially intelligent drivers on various race tracks. The game uses two different modes: arcade and simulation. In the arcade mode, the player can freely choose the courses and vehicles they wish to use. However, the simulation mode requires the player to earn driver's licenses, pay for vehicles, and earn trophies in order to unlock new courses. Gran Turismo 2 features nearly 650 automobiles and 27 racing tracks.

Unlike its predecessor, the player can race events separately, instead of a tournament with multiple races. The player is no longer able to "qualify" for each race entered.

[edit] Development

After the unexpected success of Gran Turismo, lead developer Kazunori Yamauchi planned to make Gran Turismo 2 "an even better product".[3] SCEA's marketing director (Ami Blaire) had high hopes, stating "the overwhelming and continuing popularity of Gran Turismo clearly positions Gran Turismo 2 to be one of the hottest titles available for the holidays and beyond".[4] Jack Tretton (sales vice president of SCEA) had similar enthusiasm, expecting Gran Turismo 2 to "fly off the shelves faster than the original, continuing the momentum of this incredible franchise".[5]

Upon the game's release, players shortly found various errors and glitches. SCEA did not ignore the outcry, and offered a replacement if any problems occurred.[6]

[edit] Reception

Gran Turismo was well-received critically, achieving many positive reviews. GameSpot rated it 8.5 out of 10, recommending it to any gamer, car enthusiast or not.[7] While IGN rated the game a 9.8/10.

[edit] Cars

At the time of its release GT2 featured one of the largest list of then new and historic cars available in a single computer games with nearly 650 from a wide range range of manufacturers from Acura to Venturi. In comparison the original Gran Turismo and GT3 A-Spec had less than 200 each. Certain notable manufacturers, such as Ferrari and Porsche, were not featured since the required licenses could not be obtained. However in the case of Porsche a company which modifies them, Ruf, is offered as an alternative.

[edit] Music

The opening song for the North American and PAL versions is "My Favourite Game" by The Cardigans. The PAL version has the Faithless Remix of the song. In some introductions of the North American releases the song was cut for some reason (so it plays differently after one minute watching the introduction). The opening song for the Japanese version is "Moon Over The Castle" (Gran Turismo series theme).

The game further increased the number of tracks on-disc by separating the two gametypes, arcade and simulation, onto two discs. This allowed for more space to place audio. The PAL version has a different soundtrack.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] External links