Destruction Derby 2

"Extreme punishment for cars! A good improvement from the first game."

Destruction Derby wasn't really a top-draw, and didn't really attract as many fans as it wished to. But here is the second version of the game, and it looks like it is slowly developing a nice fan-base. But is it an improvement from the first game? Find out in my review of Destruction Derby 2.

Graphics
I can see a tad-bit of improvement in the graphics, but not much better. There is still the cars which don't look ultra-special, as well as the crowd as well. It's hard to notice an improvement in the crowd. As it's a Destruction Derby game though, the graphics don't really matter. There is new scenery as the game has quite a lot of new tracks. For example, there will be a Casino in the background while playing (in the city race), as well as the normal scenery such as Trees, Grass and some desert-type soil. It all looks pretty okay, but as i said; it doesn't really matter. You will be so addicted to playing, you won't even pay any attention to the graphical features.

Sound/Audio
The commentary is much improved, and the new guy who does the announcing seems much more Destruction Derby-type. He's way hyper, and will shout at things like ''WHOA! Total destruction!''. A good improvement from the first game. There is still the occasional smash and bump sounds, which gives Destruction Derby that extra good-touch. As in the first game, you can choose between many different types of music to listen to while playing. In Destruction Derby 2 there is 18 tracks to choose from, which is pretty cool. The music isn't really that nice, though. A good improvement in the audio from the first game, especially in the commentary.

Gameplay
As with Destruction Derby, #2 is no different. The Gameplay is the big positive for a Destruction Derby game. It's also much improved aswell, which is also way cool. There is a new (and better) arena for the Destruction Derby mode, where you all drive into the middle over this big ramp-type thing, and cause total mayhem. There is also 7 race tracks to choose from. What i find is a big improvement also, is that how they have added in new stuff like Flames, Debris and Flying Car Wreckage. Especially the Flames, they are all cool new features. As in the first game, there is still the normal game modes. Wreckin' Racing, Stock Car Ring and the best one, Destruction Derby is all still included. The Gameplay is much improved, and i'm ultra-happy about that.

The controls are pretty much the same, with all the ''normal'' Driving buttons still included. No awkward, confusing buttons to press. There is only about 3 buttons that you need for Destruction Derby games, which is a big plus.

There is much more fun in the second game, i'm not sure why, there just is. The Destruction Derby mode is improved, and it's much better than the first one. Although this time, all of the cars will attack and go for you only, so you will probably die very early all the time. It's very hard to survive. On another note, you can also stop at Pit-Stops while racing, just in case your Car has been totally destroyed. As i said, the Gameplay is much improved, and if you're a Destruction Derby fan, you will be happy.

Replayability
Pretty much the same as the first one. You will probably never get bored, even if you unlock everything and complete the Championship modes. You will stay continue to play the Destruction Derby mode, and maybe even play it for about 20 times. You will be so addicted to trying to survive, that you just won't stop. Even the adults will like the game, and enjoy the Destruction Derby mode as much as you. Excellent Replayability-wise, and a good feature for a Destruction Derby game.

Buy or Rent?
Well, i'd buy it if i was you. I wouldn't recommend buying the first game, seeing as it did have problems, but you will like the second game, and it will be a beautiful addition to your collection. Buckle up, get ready, and enjoy some nice Destruction Derby mayhem.

----------

Overall, Destruction Derby 2 is much improved from the first game, and one you should definitely pick up. Fan of the first game or not, you will like the second version, and be hooked on it. Even though it's quite hard to notice some big improvements, the game is much better than the first. This is totally Extreme punishment for cars.
Overall: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/07/03