IHRA Drag Racing 2

"A Drag Sim that Actually requires skill...."

Ok, I have heard a lot of people give this game a hard time because they feel its too hard, well in case they are not aware drag racing is not as simple as most people think it is, if your not into actually having to test out your car then this game is not for you

Gameplay: Score 8/10
The gameplay in this game is mostly experimental...Once you build what you think is a good car, you have to test it, this is what angers a lot of people, they are used to playing games like NFSU where you just press the gas, change the gears, and go...They know nothing about line-lock, transmission brake or any other drag racing devices... That is why I feel this game is more than worth $10 if you're a fan of drag racing... Simply because its a simulation and to get a 4 sec. dragster, you have to earn a 4 sec. dragster, there are no cheat codes, and this one game my dad can pick up and be good at, because he has a mind for engines... One area that I feel could have been improved is Season, it would be much more fun if you had to buy your parts rather than just racing for points... Also, they could have included more venues...

Sound: Score 5/10
This is one of the game's major downfalls... I wish Bethesda would have made each engine have a realistic sound when you add certain parts, in this game you will not hear the whine of a turbocharger or supercharger... Plus the choices of engine sounds are limited, which really hurts the sound score...The BGM is really annoying so that was one of my first things to turn off...

Control: 9/10
Ok these controls are great... I customized them to better fir my driving style and since every button is customizable there should be a style for every gamer... As far as controlling the car, it can be tricky but any car would be with 3000hp, once again the realism is there...

Graphics: 7/10
Graphics could have been more polished but they are average... One think I like about IHRA is that Bethesda didn't worry about having a game that was all shine but no fun, so graphics were kinda put on the back burner...

Fun Factor: 8/10
I find this game to be very fun, maybe its the fact that I grew up on a drag strip... If you love drag racing you will find the game enjoyable... If you are one of those people who complain that drag racing is simply driving straight and no skill is involved(yeah right) then this game is probably not for you...

IHRA Drag Racing 2 is the Ultimate PS2 drag racing game... You can build anything from a 1932 Ford to a 1968 Camaro to a 3000hp Top-Fuel Dragster... The game has room for improvement, but I feel for $10 its a great deal... I would highly recommend picking this sleeper title up...

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/28/04