FlatOut 2

Flatout 2 is, as far as sequels go, very traditional: everything has simply been made bigger and better. The format remains the same - race around tracks filled with destructible objects, battle in Destruction Derby style arenas and hurl your ragdoll driver around in special stages - but where the first game used 1 CD, this one takes up 5: essentially this game expands on everything that could be expanded, from the number of stages and cars to music by `real' artists.

The visuals have been vastly improved, and while the handling remains very arcade-y, it remains in the spirit of Flatout. Almost everything you see can be demolished, much more so than in the first game, with the emphasis being less on good driving than thinking on your feet - AI drivers career around you, flying through the air in showers of wooden fencing and metal. All this goes towards a hilarious driving experience; a game really hasn't made me giggle like this in a long time.

There are annoying niggles: crashes can be extremely irritating, with cars often sticking to yours and refusing to move, and although there are a large amount of stages it does not always seem so - many are hard to tell apart, and so a feeling of repetition can set in.

However, the developers really seem to have thought about what was so enjoyable about the first game, and tried to take it further. The main example of this I noticed is that you are now rewarded for doing things you used to do for fun: nudging an opponent's car into a tree to see him smash out of the windscreen going "aaaarrrrrrrgh" now gets you extra money which you can use to upgrade your own cars. It's also just the little things that just give a polished impression, such as resetting your car into a rolling start (an improvement from the previous game) and a `Contact Timer' in the Derby mode, preventing cowards from avoiding other players.

For me though, the multiplayer is where Flatout 2 really shines. The Derby mode really is hilarious with human opponents, cars and people (going "aaarrrgh") flying all over the place. The special stages are worth a laugh too; all of them requiring you to propel your driver through the air in stages ranging from curling to cards. With a couple of mates taking turns these can be very entertaining, for as many levels are hard stupid mistakes are always made.

Essentially, fans of the original should most definitely apply; but those who have missed out so far shouldn't miss this chance for huge amounts of fun. Due to the large amounts of content, the game will last for ages - and don't miss out on the superb multiplayer.

I have had this game just over a week now.

This morning I got to work and was told that I looked terrible. Why? Because last night, when the wife and kids were in bed, I had a quick go on Flat Out 2 for 30 minutes. After an hour, I decided 1 more go. On my 11th one more go, I finally quit. Somewhat later than intended.

It is very much like Gran Turismo in the way that you win raises to get money to improve your car and then get the money to buy bigger and better cars. However, the game play is more like Destruction Derby Arena's but much better.

I am hooked and my 6 year old and 3 year old boys love it too. It is as hard or easy as you want to make it.

However, out of all my games it is firmly in place number 1 at the moment.

A well recommended buy!

- Amazing game hours of fun!

- Graphics aren't that bad ether!

- every one can play!

- its a family game!

- Never regretted buying it