Gran Turismo is a game that totally reformed the way that racing games were made. Their realism and depth astonished even the most hard-to-please gamers such as myself. With so many cars, tracks and options to toy with, it’s hard to compete with games like this. Then a few years ago, during the launch of the Gameboy Advance, a game called GT Advance was released that tried to bring that type of depth and realism onto a system that can fit in your pocket. The gameplay was there, but it still had its shortcomings; although there was nothing a sequel wouldn’t cover. This year, its much-awaited sequel GT Advance 2 is here. But does it tweak the previous gameplay, which was already exceptional? Is it a better game to play and will it last longer? Start your engines!
I just want to state right off the bat that I really don’t like games like Gran Turismo or Sega GT. I don’t like having so much realism in a game. In my opinion, such a high level of accuracy will ultimately hurt a game. I don’t find cars all that interesting and the audience that Gran Turismo is alienating are gamers that just want a racing game to be fun. I want unrealistic mechanics as long as it gets me going. I want the game to have more of an arcade feel with some realistic aspects here and there. This is how the Sega Sport 2K titles succeeded. It found a common ground between Arcade and sim gaming. So this way the game has some professionalism behind it, but it’s also a good time. I hoped to find this quality with GT Advance 2.
From the main menu, you can tell that this game means business. In the options screen you will find a “Load Game” feature. This is a blessing considering that last year’s version did not feature this. In the first installment, I couldn’t get past the fact that it used a password save system. To save all options in a password is quite laborious and in turn, formed a huge password. It came off as a production shortcut since cartridges have the ability to save files. It saves everyone a lot of time instead of writing down those impossible passwords.
The World Rally Mode is where most of the fun is at. This is the circuit mode in which you have to place in at least 3rd position to advance to the next race. If you place 1st, you will most likely acquire a new car. Here’s how a typical race will run:
Each race is broken apart in three stretches. At first, I didn’t like this idea, but I kept playing through and I ended up loving it. The total race may only be able 4-6 miles long leaving a single stretch around 1.5 miles. When I first started playing, I thought the end of the first stretch was the end of the race and I was upset that I only placed 9th. I then realized that your position carries over to the next stretch of the race.
What I really love about this game is that it is fully responsive to weather conditions such as snow and rain, which affect how wet or dry the terrain will be. I have to say that it makes playing the game more eventful as you can set special tires for better traction in the snow as well as the type of gravel you are racing over. You will also race during different times of day like dawn, dusk, noon, day, or simply at night. The production and thought of adding fully responsive weather/night effects really adds value to this title.
There are 14 World Rally races total, and all are fully playable in “Single Race”, “Time Trials” and “Practice” modes. These races tour all around the world and oddly enough do not stop in the good ol’ USA. What’s up with that?
What makes a game stand above the rest? Well, a smart developer knows that in order to keep the gamer happy, you should offer extra modes in which adds replay value. In GT Advance 2 you will be able to get your license! Now don’t worry, there’s no driving instructor nagging about your inability to maneuver a parallel park. You don’t need a license to start playing World Rally mode, but it’s a really cool side feature. You can first acquire your Class B license. If you succeed in doing that, you will proceed to Class A, and then to Class S. Your task is do all of the twists and turns in a given stretch under a certain time limit and without leaving the track. If you touch the grass outside the track at all, the stretch is over. It really is fun to do and Class S is extremely challenging to defeat.
What really impressed me with GT Advance 2 is that unlike other racing games on the GBA, there are actual hills for you to race over. I know that virtually every kart or racing game has only turns and no inclines. Nicktoons Racing, Shrek Kart and Hot Wheels: Burnin’ Rubber do not support this feature, or I should say privilege. It really is great to race over bumps and hills while worrying about a hard right turn to finish in first place. There is just so much that this game includes on this tiny little cartridge. The work and effort put into this engine is incredible.
There were some beautiful spots in this game where you will say “Wow”. Textures were pretty well drawn as well as the car models. The game just flowed really well. When in motion, everything looks beautiful. It’s hard to ignore the graininess of some of the gravel. Just watching this game in progress because it looks amazing.
I simply loved the playability in this game. There was an ample amount of cars and tracks available along with a license mode to master. It really sets the standard for handheld racing games. Its fun factor greatly surprised me. I am not a fan of this genre at all, but one race of GT Advance 2 and you’ll be hooked just as I am. When you pull off your first hard left turn, you’ll be convinced to pick up a copy of this game.
Now with 14 World Rally tracks to beat, you may be done a little early with this title, but never have I ever been more determined to unlock more cars. I didn’t place first in a few of the later races and I have been trying hard to raise my placement. Also, the license mode will keep you playing even after the circuit mode is finished. Link-mode is a great feature as well, unfortunately your friend will need a copy of the game as well, but this game would only gain more replay value when a friend links up to eat your dust.
This is one of a handful of “Must Buy” Gameboy Advance games. Certainly if you are a racing game fan, you will love it. If you are just looking for a game that will bring you hours of entertaining gameplay, this game is a must buy for you as well. I can’t recommend this game enough. The GBA does not have too many great games, but add this one to the list. If you own a GBA and do not purchase this game after reading this review, it’s your loss.
