Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT 2 is almost the exact same game as its predecessor. Not only is this lazy, but the first game wasn't very good. Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT suffered from ugly visuals, terrible handling, and a boring, repetitive conquest mode. Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT 2 features all of the same problems despite coming out a year later.

The story should be avoided because it's nonsensical and unfolds through simulated message board posts that somehow manage to make even less sense than real life message board posts. There are plenty of disappointing ways to tell a story, but it's especially disappointing to read text messages instead of watching a cut scene. Even static character portraits with voice-acted lines would have been more engrossing.

Since this is a racing game, the story, terrible as it is, can be ignored in favor of drift racing action. Beat the available races to unlock more challenging races. Unfortunately, the racing mechanics, like the graphics and story, fall flat. In the off chance you're able to keep up with the story, you'll find that it's a carbon copy of the typical racer's story. You begin your career as an unknown. Win races to become better known. Win new races to become even better known. Eventually become the most well-known racer in the world. It's boring and it's been done before.

Regardless of the quality of the story or the progression mechanic, Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT 2 will ultimately be judged on one characteristic: gameplay. Unfortunately, Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT 2 disappoints in this area as well. The cars handle poorly while driving normally and absolutely horribly while drifting. For a game with the word ‘drift' in the title, you'd never know it was supposed to be fun. Try to turn while driving normally and hit a wall. Start to drift and your car is impossible to control. As you can imagine, this makes drift races extremely frustrating and difficult to complete.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT 2 is a disappointment on all fronts. Controls are unresponsive, cars handle poorly regardless of weather conditions or vehicle options, the story is complete nonsense, and for $20 there is a large selection of Greatest Hits titles that can deliver a solid racing experience on the PS2.

May 25, 2007 | 0 comments
Justin Last