Superb, addictive and realistic to the core.
Boy am I glad I made the switch!!! For 1, this game has the most realistic damage and crash model I've ever seen in a game before.
I've been playing GP4 and the EA Formula series for a long time now, but never has a racing sim come this close to reality.
Although for keyboard and joypad players, the controls are pretty jerky, with a little tweaking, GTR2 is reasonably playable with a joypad.
Personally I've always favoured a wheel, for that I can say... GREAT JOB....
With my new G25 coming I still play with the oldschool Logitech Wingman Formula Force.... Still with that wheel the forces are pretty much "the real deal".... I can't wait to try it with the new driving aid ;)
As far as graphics, I'll just shut up... AMAZING really, the car detail really got to me, as well as pit-crews and the whole overall engine working it's way through the simulation. There's nothing more pleasurable then screaming along the track with 31 cars on your tail, recording the whole thing and reviewing it with amazement.
What also got to me was the Pit mechanics, for the first time ever I've seen the possibility to ask for a damage report :O..... asking for permission and requesting your position have been seen before, but OMG what a thrill. Nothing like hearing some-one say to you how you're holding up in the race.
Last night I started a run on the 24 of Spa.... 1 word only seems to fit :
DROOL
To bad I haven't come around to test the AI extensively yet, but so far I can't complain. The fact you really have to work you ass off to overtake says it all.... Nothing like a true fight for position!!!
Car physics and drive-ability are really nicely done.... I really had to get used to the fact it wasn't a formula car.... When set up right, a formula car always sticks to the road like flies on flypaper.... Touring Car mechanics.... driving is a whole other world, which IMO only makes it more challenging to drive. Let alone to be a good driver :D
Conclusion:
Every race simmer should absolutely have this one in his/her collection. If you don't : "You call yourself a race sim fanatic??"
Graphics, gameplay, playability are right up there with the top.... if THE TOP.
If you really want to enjoy the game to it's full extent, be sure to bring a very powerful system with you....