Need for Speed II Shenanigans

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** GAME INFO **
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Name: Need for Speed II
Developer: EA Seattle (PC), EA Canada (PS1)
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platforms: PC, PS1
Release: April 18th, 1997 (PC) / March 31st, 1997 (PS1)
Genre: Racing
Mode(s): Single-player, multiplayer
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About This Game
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While it's trite to say, "If you've ever wanted to get behind the wheel of a (insert expensive car name here), then you'll be itching to play Need For Speed II," it's also true. The game does feature eight supercars: the Ferrari F50, Lotus GT1, Jaguar XJ220, Ford GT90, Lotus Esprit V8, McLarren F1, Italdesign Cala, and the Isdera Commendatore 112I. But while each resembles its real-life counterpart in appearance, the simplified play control doesn't come close to capturing the feel of driving the actual car. The tracks do provide a thrill however, and if you've ever wanted to barrel downhill through a small Greek village, your fantasies will be fulfilled. With five other tracks to race through (Canada, Norway, Australia, Northern Europe, and Nepal), the variety of exotic locales will keep you entertained long after you're sick of the supercars (no matter which of the fifteen available colors you paint them).

Like most driving games before it, Need For Speed II sticks to the basics: You select a manual or automatic transmission; your goal is to cross the finish line in the shortest amount of time possible; and there are buttons to accelerate and brake. The game also features power slides, burnouts, a rear view, replays, a two-player split-screen mode (accomplished with minimal slowdown), tournament mode, four varied camera angles, and the ability to drive in reverse - but most of these were available in the original Need For Speed or have been touched upon in other next generation driving games. A unique feature of note, but hardly a selling point, is the extensive information on the cars featured in the game. It's neat to look at but doesn't add much. There is also an undisclosed number of hidden cars and tracks, that is if you beat the game under a certain amount of time.
(From 1997 Gamespot Review)

#nfs #needforspeed #classic