"Need for Speed II", released in 1997 by Electronic Arts, was passed by me while exploring the origins of the series, the legendary games of which were already played in the early and mid-2000s. I wanted to play the first part of 1994, but no matter how hard I tried, I still couldn't run it on the PC that I had. She was too old. So the study of the series began only with the second game of the series.
The game offers good racing and speed (for its time) in exotic cars on a variety of tracks around the world. One of the main advantages of "Need for Speed II" is its variety of cars and tracks. Players are given the opportunity to drive a wide range of cars from the most famous manufacturers, including cars such as Ferrari, Ford and Jaguar. Each vehicle has unique characteristics, which adds variety and allows players to choose a car to their liking.
The tracks in "Need for Speed II" are diverse and well-designed. Players can race along scenic routes, including tropical islands, city streets and snowy mountain roads. The visual component of the levels, although not revolutionary for its time, still creates a pleasant atmosphere and allows you to enjoy the scenery.
The gameplay offers a typical arcade driving style that makes the game accessible and fun. Nothing particularly complicated or abstruse. Just gas, brake and turn in the right direction. Driving is intuitive, which allows you to quickly get used to it. However, the lack of realism in the physics of the behavior of racing cars may disappoint those who are looking for a more authentic experience.
The musical accompaniment and sound effects in the game are worth mentioning. The soundtrack includes dynamic and catchy tracks that maintain a tense racing atmosphere. The soundtrack of the series in general will probably be one of the strengths of these games for another decade. The sounds of the engines and the effects of collisions are also performed at a high level, adding realism to the gameplay.
One of the controversial aspects of "Need for Speed II" is its technical execution. The graphics of the game, although improved compared to the first part of the series, still looks somewhat outdated even by the standards of the time of the game's release. You can see a lot of different squares, which is especially painful for the eye when you gain high speed in a car. Car models and the surroundings of the tracks are not highly detailed, which can be noticeable on large screens.
Game modes include single-player races, tournaments, and timed races, which provides variety and allows players to choose the appropriate racing format. As far as I remember, the network mode had not yet been delivered. But it didn't upset me much either.
"Need for Speed II" is a game that offers an exciting arcade racing experience with a variety of cars and tracks. Despite some technical limitations and an arcade driving style, it still remains a significant part of the history of racing games and could not but please the players of that time. For those who appreciate simplicity and dynamics, "Need for Speed II" can be a pleasant memory of the dawn of racing simulators.
6 out of 10.
