V-Rally 2 - Dreamcast

Originally released back in the summer of 1998, V-Rally was a breath of fresh air during a season when game releases were scarce. Fully exploiting all of its assets, V-Rally quickly earned itself a good reputation, and a 128-bit sequel.

V-Rally 2 on Dreamcast is visually a stunner of a game. While this will attract even the most casual of gamers, it is the genuinely decent game play that will attract the most hardcore of you out there. Tracks are beautiful, with a level of detail easily comparable with the best in its league. And the cars? Well. Superbly textured, damage compliant, reflective surfaces, transparencies, and the ability to see yourself actually driving the car, make for a breathtaking experience.

As with any rally title, races take place over “sections” of track, and not circuits, helping to diffuse the inevitable repetitiveness of racing the same lap over and over. You’ll travel from the French Alps, to the great plains of Australia.

The cars handling, it has to be said, is exceptional. It handles like a dream, incorporating the use of the Dreamcasts’ analogue triggers for acceleration, or even gear changes for those of you talented enough to drive on manual transmission.

The real “icing on the cake,” is the track editor, whereby you have the ability to control and create any track you want. Ranging from steep inclines, to hairpin curves, the decision is yours. It’s a great feeling to race your own track, knowing what’s around the next corner, knowing which gear you should be in. It’s a great way to excel yourself, making this a true feat in the racing genre.

V-Rally 2 restores the faith in such a saturated genre. more