Project CARS 2 Reviews: A Mixed Bag of Racing Thrills and Visual Disappointments

After the successful launch of Project CARS in 2015, Slightly Mad Studios returns with a sequel that promises to deliver even more realistic racing experiences. But does Project CARS 2 live up to its lofty expectations? In this review, we'll dive into both the good and bad aspects of this highly anticipated racing simulator.

Firstly, let's talk about the visuals. On paper, Project CARS 2 looks like a real showstopper with its promise of stunning graphics courtesy of Kunos' renowned Simigliano engine. And indeed, there are moments when it truly delivers on that promise. The attention to detail in recreating every nook and cranny of these iconic racing machines is nothing short short of impressive. From the subtle wear-and-tear on the tires to the minute details like windscreen wipers that visibly vibrate as you hurtle around corners at breakneck speeds, it's clear that a lot of love has gone into bringing these cars to life.

However, while some aspects of Project CARS 2 are nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful (especially when viewed from certain angles), there are also plenty of moments where the game falls flat. Flickering shadows and trees can be distracting at times, especially if you're trying to focus on navigating hairpin turns at high speeds. Similarly, low-resolution reflections and track textures can make even some of the more picturesque circuits look rather dated.

But perhaps the biggest disappointment is how much potential Project CARS 2 wastes in terms of overall graphical fidelity. At launch, many players were expecting a game that would rival modern AAA titles like Grand Theft V or Watch Dogs: Legion when it comes to sheer visual polish and finesse. Unfortunately, at times, things don't quite live up to those lofty expectations.

In particular, cars often lack sufficient anti-aliasing which can lead to jagged edges around corners – something especially noticeable during high-speed multiplayer sessions where frame rates tend to dip rather alarmingly. This isn’t helped by the fact that certain objects in the game world seem almost completely devoid of proper lighting effects altogether; it’s a shame, really.

Still, despite these visual missteps (literally), Project CARS 2 still manages to deliver plenty of racing thrills and spills thanks largely down to its excellent handling physics engine. Cars feel incredibly responsive under your control – whether you’re hurtling around tight city streets in an overpowered supercar or pushing a vintage F1 machine beyond its limits on one of several well-crafted circuits.

Overall, while Project CARS 2 doesn’t quite hit the mark graphically speaking as some might have hoped for at launch; with regular updates and improvements to iron out these minor niggles (both in terms of graphics quality AND overall performance), this could easily become another top-notch racing experience that fans will return to again and again.

Project cars 2 reviews