FlatOut 2
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2008) |
- 2006-12-21
| FlatOut 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Bugbear Entertainment |
| Publisher(s) | Empire Interactive (Empire, Xplosiv) Konami (PS2) Valve Corporation (Steam) |
| Series | FlatOut |
| Platform(s) | Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Mac OS X |
| Genre(s) | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
FlatOut 2 is a racing video game developed by Bugbear Entertainment and published by Empire Interactive and Vivendi Universal Games. It is the sequel to the 2004-2005 release FlatOut.
This game is themed more on the street racing/import tuner scene than its predecessor. Another notable change is the tire grip; players can now take more control of their car, worrying less about skidding in tight turns. The game has three car classes: derby, race and street.
It was first released in Russia on June 29, 2006, then in Europe on June 30, 2006. The North American version was released August 1, 2006.
On October 3, 2008, A Mac OS X version was released by Virtual Programming. A playable demo is available from Apple's webpage.
Ragdoll physics
The ragdoll physics from the sequel have been greatly updated. During the race, the driver may be thrown out of the car if slammed into a wall at a high speed. In the numerous Stunt minigames the goal is to shoot yourself out of the car and complete objectives like knocking down a set of bowling pins, hitting the designated spots on a dart board, score a field goal or fly through flaming hoops. Players must use 'aerobatics' to control the driver in-flight, but overusing it will increase drag, which will slow the driver down and possibly prevent him/her from reaching the designated target. If the driver falls short of the target, players can use the "nudge". This gives the driver a small upward boost and slightly reduces drag. In the Stone Skipping Stunt minigame, the players must use nudge just as the driver hits the surface of the water to skip the most efficiently and reach the furthest. There are unfortunately many glitches with this mode i.e. getting stuck in objects.
The ragdoll physics have prompted the German software rating organisation USK to rate Flatout 2 18+, and Empire Interactive to publish a German version rated 12+ that replaces the human drivers with crash test dummies in stunt games. That version is also produced for the Japanese market.
Awards
- Won IGN's award for Best PlayStation 2 Racing Game of 2006.
- Won Xplay's award for Best Racing Game of 2006.