Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights (PS2)

Overall, this is quite a satisfying game to play. The amount of cars available is much larger than the first Juiced, and there is a lot more in the way of customisation options.

The decal editor is very similar in style to the one from Forza Motorsport, and can seem overwhelming or even restrictive to those people who aren't used to it.

It is, however, one of the most customisable types of decal editor available, if you've got the knowledge of how to use it.

The main thing that ticked me off about the PS2 version is that it doesn't have some of the things the next-gen console versions do.

Namely, you can't customise the interior of your cars with racing seats and steering wheels, you can't see your body kit being added to the car in the shop and Paris isn't available as a city.

If you're looking for any of these things, then go for either the PS3 or XBox 360 version.

The gameplay is tolerable once you get the hang of it. It may seem oversensitive at first, but it's not unbearable...

...until you get to the drift events.

It feels like you're constantly driving on black ice. The drift sections change the car's dynamics drastically, as some of the Need for Speed games do in their drift modes. Only, with this game, it's 10 times worse.

The drift events where you have to stay in front of the pack make this flaw glaringly obvious as it's nigh impossible to drive in a straight line in drift mode, therefore making leading the pack totally impossible except for the very skilled. Cars labelled as ideal for drifting (ie. RWD models) are even worse to try and control in drift modes. In the hands of a skilled player, however, RWD cars can be lethal in drifts.

As a result, I got stuck with the game because I need to complete drift events to continue. I've since lost interest in the game apart from to play about with the customisation part.

In the end, I'd only recommend this game to skilled veterans of games such as Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport and the drift events of the Need for Speed series, or if you're a hardcore petrolhead with the patience to master the game.

This is so much better than its predecessor. The old game wasn't too bad don't get me wrong, but the competition from NFS was just far too much and it just couldn't hold its own. This still doesn't quite match up to the likes of NFS Most Wanted and Carbon but it makes a damn good effort.

The only real query I have is with the range of modding available. One of its selling points is that is has the deepest modding any racing game has ever experienced. No. I don't think so. It has perks agreed, but actual body mods on the cars seem a little weak and not very well thought through. The cars all have their own, but you only get 3 sets per car. Which is just too little. You can do the bumpers, skirts, wheels, spoiler.... And that's it. However, playing around with the decals is great fun. There is a lot more modding options here than in other games.

Car control is very good here. Each and every car has its own slight distinct feel. And your choice of MR, FF, 4WD etc. will defiantly determine the outcome to the type of race you are competing in. The mechanical modding is a little better as you get to choose the manufacturer of the different parts to your car i.e. induction system, tyres, NOS etc.

Overall the game is good for a laugh and the tunes are 100% choice. I really do recommend this game for any street-racing fan. Have fun!

Thank you very much for a very good service,would use again no problem.Brand new,great game,I cant get off it.Love it.