[Multiplatform] Flatout 2: it's time again to wreak havoc on the streets...

This game is multiplatform (PS2 and Xbox), I will however talk about the PC version which I got some days ago.

When Flatout first appeared it went rather unnoticed next to all the Burnouts and Need for Speeds. But actually Flatout was rather decent, in fact it even was great fun to play. Superb graphics, even better physics, deep but sometimes infuriating handling and a good selection of mini-games and demolition derbies made it a good alternative to the multitude of racers out there.

Now the sequel is upon us, in Europe at least and the game has changed somewhat since its last outing. It now feels in fact more like a Burnout game than the original ever was. It's arcade racing all the way, there's less emphasis on powersliding around corners and the physics of the game have changed dramatically. Cars now seem to float on the track, every trackside object has practically no weight and you can drive through the biggest of obstacles without slowing your car down. No more getting stuck in tires on the side of the road, or having the control of the car worsened because of too much vehicle damage. Now it's all out racing but with less depth in the driving. The game is still a lot of fun, and the crashes are the most spectacular seen to this date, but yeah the feeling of control of the original has gone. Why the developers changed the driving (or lack thereof) so drastically is likely because they want Flatout 2 to appeal to more gamers as I don't think the first game was a big hit.

Anyway, I quite enjoy this type of racing, and every other aspect seems to have improved, the graphics are unmatched and the engine is super slick, on my humble 3.5 year old comp the game runs fast at max detail and without major framerate drops. Number of tracks have increased, as have the types of vehicles to drive. There are more varied mini-games, destroy-everyone type events, online play (though atm I'm having trouble participating in a race), more track types to cause havoc in. In short it's a more complete game than the original, but it comes at a cost control-wise.

Beware however, the PC version comes with the Starforce copy protection and I know people have already complained it fucked up their rigs so you have been warned.

So any other fans of the game that are either disappointed or thrilled with this sequel?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I don't like the "Burnout" feel they gave to the sequel. Well, i don't like tunning cars much, maybe that's why. The graphics are awesome, as it was in the first game.
Hopefully, it will be a fun game to play in a LAN with friends. The first game was the best racing game we've ever played (Toca 3 comes second).

I'll be testing the Ps2 version next week.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Got this game the other day and I like it. The mini-games are mad fun and the derby events are pretty nice too. It's not the best driving game ever, since it lacks variety, but it's certainly a lot of fun.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Well I've been playing the online mode and it's insanely fun, glad bugbear decided to include this mode. It improves the game, and the already unpredictable AI is bettered by even wilder human opponents. No two races will ever be the same.

I sure wished you would be able to view the race as a spectator as you were waiting in the lobby for the race to commence, which can take ages...

And you still cannot edit and save the replays... C'mon Driver could do this!!

All in all, a great spectacle for the lovers of carnage & destruction.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

This is pure shit, they took out everything that was Flatout. Where is my rust and dirty tracks. Ok it's not bad, but i rather just play the original game... minigames are still fun though ^^. But it seems the lack of sales made them try to change it to a more easier game.

no homo