TOCA Race Driver 2, also known as DTM Race Driver 2 in Germany and V8 Supercars 2 in Australia, was released on the 13th of April 2004. This is TOCA Race Driver 2 20 years on.
V8 Supercars at Adelaide
The sound design is painfully naughties-themed, but that can be turned down or off completely. Unless that is your preferred era of music, of course!
The graphics are surprisingly competitive with similar games of the time, such as the original Forza Motorsport, which was released just one year later. However, do not expect Gran Turismo‘s level of detail.
Image Credit: IGN.com
The car list is also extraordinary, and the handling was a huge improvement from the first title. It is important to remember that TRD2 is 20 years old and had a shoestring budget compared to other competitors at the time.
Whilst unavailable to buy digitally, plenty of disk versions for multiple platforms are available. The most popular is for the PlayStation 2. There are also versions for the PSP and PC. There was even a mobile port in 2005!
The handling physics are a big step up from its predecessor. Codemasters changed the cars to steer from the front wheels as opposed to from the middle of the car. A classic mechanic of late 90s arcade racing titles. Whilst a little vague, the handling is usable on a period-correct steering wheel and pedal set. Good luck trying to get modern sim racing hardware working, though!
Street Racing Series
The handling model is designed to be accessible, whilst still difficult enough to reward dedicated players. You will not be penalized too harshly if you happen to trim the grass as you cut a corner too closely, but you cannot just hold down the accelerator the whole time either.
Cars such as the notoriously difficult-to-handle Formula Ford, are especially hard to drive on anything but a steering wheel, even a gamepad is a real challenge. Strangely enough, the American muscle cars are some of the best handling cars in the game. I would recommend starting with the Ford GT or the Ford Mustang.
Retired Ford GT & Damaged Evo
If you are familiar with other entries in the TOCA series, this damage model will be familiar to you. Whilst it can be seen as recycled content, the damage model is better than some modern-day racing games, especially when it comes to visual representation.
The ability for bumpers to fall off, glass to smash and wheels to come loose all add to the damage model. Much like the handling on dirt, it is largely taken from the first game and the early Colin McRae Rally titles.
The main character (besides you, the driver) is called Scott, your angry and constantly stressed Scottish racing manager. From inappropriate comments to downright bizarre phrases – Scott certainly would not survive a day on the modern internet, but he is still a legend within the virtual racing community. ‘If God had wanted him to wave, he’d have made him a member of the Royal Family’ is a personal favourite of mine.
The video linked above is the first half of the game’s cutscenes. Within those, you meet the documentary woman who follows you with a camera and annoys Scott to no end, Scott himself and your persistent agent. Another character Scott does not get on with unless she is talking about money. A handful of drivers also interact with you positively and negatively depending on how you drive. Those interactions are extremely cringe-worthy and are worth skipping over though.
Overall, the cutscenes certainly have not aged well. But they are what the TOCA Race Driver series is known for. And, if you look past the aged language, they can be quite funny. The voice acting is fairly good, but the animation does leave much to be desired.
Audi TT-R ABT. Image Credit: Codemasters
AC
AC 289 CRS
Unlock: Win all races in the Convertible World Tour in Freemode at Normal or Hard
AC Mamba
Unlock: Win all races in the Convertible World Tour in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Aston Martin
Aston Martin DB5
Unlock: Win all races in the Vintage Classic Challenge in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante
Available from the beginning
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Unlock: Complete Level 4-1 in Career Mode
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
Unlock: Complete the Level 8-3 in Career Mode
Audi
Audi TT-R ABT
Unlock: Complete Levels 2-3 in Career Mode
Brailing
Brailing Championship Stockcar
Unlock: Complete Level 2-4 in Career Mode
Ford
Ford 9000
Unlock: Complete Level 6-2 in Career Mode
Ford Falcon AU V8 Supercar
Unlock: Win all races in the V8 Supercars in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Ford Falcon BA V8 Supercar
Unlock: Win all races in the V8 Supercars in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Ford GT
Available from the beginning
Ford GT90
Unlock: Complete Level 3-1 in Career Mode
Ford Hot Rod Coupe
Unlock: Complete Level 7-3 in Career Mode
Ford Mustang 1968
Available from the beginning
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
Unlock: Complete Level 3-1 in Career Mode
Ford SVT F-150 Lightning
Unlock: Complete Level 1-3 in Career Mode
Formula Ford
Unlock: Complete Level 1-1 in Career Mode
Global GT Lights
Global GT Lights Race Car
Unlock: Complete Level 2-5 in Career Mode
Holden
Holden Commodore VX V8 Supercar
Unlock: Win all races in the V8 Supercars in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Holden Commodore VY V8 Supercar
Unlock: Complete Level 5-4 in Career Mode
Jaguar E-Type Series II
Unlock: Complete the Level 2-1 in Career Mode
Jaguar XJ220
Unlock: Complete the Level 7-1 in Career Mode
Jaguar XKR Convertible
Unlock: Win all races in the Convertible World Tour in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Jaguar XKR Race Car
Unlock: Complete the Level 4-2 in Career Mode
Koenig
Koenig C62
Unlock: Win all races in the World GT Series in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Koenig Competition 2002
Unlock: Complete the Level 3-5 in Career Mode
Land Rover
Land Rover Bowler Wildcat
Unlock: Complete the Level 2-3 in Career Mode
Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz CLK-DTM AMG
Unlock: Win all races in the DTM in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi 3000 GT
Unlock: Win all races in the Pacific American in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII
Unlock: Complete the Level 3-3 in Career Mode
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII
Unlock: Complete the Level 2-2 in Career Mode
Nissan
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
Unlock: Complete the Level 1-2 in Career Mode
Opel Astra V8 Coupe
Unlock: Win all races in the DTM in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Seat
SEAT León Supercopa
Unlock: Complete the Level 1-2 in Career Mode
Solo
Solo Single Seater 1000 Race Car
Unlock: Complete the Level 6-2 in Career Mode
Subaru
Subaru Impreza WRX
Unlock: Complete the Level 2-3 in Career Mode
Subaru Impreza WRX
Unlock: Win all races in the Hella Euro Rally in Freemode at Normal or Hard
VRV
VRV Masters Grand Prix Car
Unlock: Complete the Level 9-1 in Career Mode
Ford 9000 Truck Racing
TOCA Race Driver 2, being 20 years old, is not sold digitally, so your best bet is finding a physical copy. That most likely means scanning eBay or your local used games shop to try your luck.
The plus side is that a lot of people often have old consoles in the attic or down in the basement. If you happen to have one lying around, you can play the original Xbox version or the PlayStation 2 version with a disk. And maybe, the PC CD-ROM (remember those?) is still stuck in a drawer you have not checked in a while. Otherwise, you can pick the game up for two or three Euros/Pounds/Dollars.
Audi TT-R ABT
Whilst the graphics could be considered a selling point of this classic racer, the handling model is not anything to write home about. Especially compared to similar titles available at the time. But, you do not play the TRD series for ultra-realism and graphical superiority. You play them to relive those happy memories and experience some classic arcade racing in a relaxed but meaningful environment.
Overall, TOCA Race Driver 2 is a fantastic second entry to the series, however, the handling does let it down from a sim racing point of view. The graphics are great for the period and the expansive and inclusive car list is a huge tick on the proverbial sheet.
Let us know your experiences with TOCA Race Driver 2 on X @OverTake_gg or down in the comments below!
V8 Supercars at Adelaide
Overview
Often overshadowed by its much more popular successor, TOCA Race Driver 3, TRD2 has a lot to offer that often goes underappreciated. The driving physics are great fun from an arcade point of view, and the menus are well laid out with clear and concise labels.The sound design is painfully naughties-themed, but that can be turned down or off completely. Unless that is your preferred era of music, of course!
The graphics are surprisingly competitive with similar games of the time, such as the original Forza Motorsport, which was released just one year later. However, do not expect Gran Turismo‘s level of detail.
Image Credit: IGN.com
The car list is also extraordinary, and the handling was a huge improvement from the first title. It is important to remember that TRD2 is 20 years old and had a shoestring budget compared to other competitors at the time.
Whilst unavailable to buy digitally, plenty of disk versions for multiple platforms are available. The most popular is for the PlayStation 2. There are also versions for the PSP and PC. There was even a mobile port in 2005!
The Handling Model
It should go without saying that TRD2 is not a simulator and was never intended to be one. The TOCA Race Driver series revolutionized the arcade racing scene within a period of Gran Turismo dominance. It did feature relatively intricate damage models, however.The handling physics are a big step up from its predecessor. Codemasters changed the cars to steer from the front wheels as opposed to from the middle of the car. A classic mechanic of late 90s arcade racing titles. Whilst a little vague, the handling is usable on a period-correct steering wheel and pedal set. Good luck trying to get modern sim racing hardware working, though!
Street Racing Series
The handling model is designed to be accessible, whilst still difficult enough to reward dedicated players. You will not be penalized too harshly if you happen to trim the grass as you cut a corner too closely, but you cannot just hold down the accelerator the whole time either.
Cars such as the notoriously difficult-to-handle Formula Ford, are especially hard to drive on anything but a steering wheel, even a gamepad is a real challenge. Strangely enough, the American muscle cars are some of the best handling cars in the game. I would recommend starting with the Ford GT or the Ford Mustang.
The Damage Model
Retired Ford GT & Damaged Evo
If you are familiar with other entries in the TOCA series, this damage model will be familiar to you. Whilst it can be seen as recycled content, the damage model is better than some modern-day racing games, especially when it comes to visual representation.
The ability for bumpers to fall off, glass to smash and wheels to come loose all add to the damage model. Much like the handling on dirt, it is largely taken from the first game and the early Colin McRae Rally titles.
Storyline And Cutscenes
The storyline and cutscenes are what put the TOCA Race Driver series on the map for driving fans. The debut of this style of racing game has not been replicated to the level the TOCA series managed. Some of the phrases still live on in meme formats to this day!The main character (besides you, the driver) is called Scott, your angry and constantly stressed Scottish racing manager. From inappropriate comments to downright bizarre phrases – Scott certainly would not survive a day on the modern internet, but he is still a legend within the virtual racing community. ‘If God had wanted him to wave, he’d have made him a member of the Royal Family’ is a personal favourite of mine.
The video linked above is the first half of the game’s cutscenes. Within those, you meet the documentary woman who follows you with a camera and annoys Scott to no end, Scott himself and your persistent agent. Another character Scott does not get on with unless she is talking about money. A handful of drivers also interact with you positively and negatively depending on how you drive. Those interactions are extremely cringe-worthy and are worth skipping over though.
Overall, the cutscenes certainly have not aged well. But they are what the TOCA Race Driver series is known for. And, if you look past the aged language, they can be quite funny. The voice acting is fairly good, but the animation does leave much to be desired.
Car List Pt.1
Audi TT-R ABT. Image Credit: Codemasters
AC
AC 289 CRS
Unlock: Win all races in the Convertible World Tour in Freemode at Normal or Hard
AC Mamba
Unlock: Win all races in the Convertible World Tour in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Aston Martin
Aston Martin DB5
Unlock: Win all races in the Vintage Classic Challenge in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante
Available from the beginning
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Unlock: Complete Level 4-1 in Career Mode
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
Unlock: Complete the Level 8-3 in Career Mode
Audi
Audi TT-R ABT
Unlock: Complete Levels 2-3 in Career Mode
Brailing
Brailing Championship Stockcar
Unlock: Complete Level 2-4 in Career Mode
Ford
Ford 9000
Unlock: Complete Level 6-2 in Career Mode
Ford Falcon AU V8 Supercar
Unlock: Win all races in the V8 Supercars in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Ford Falcon BA V8 Supercar
Unlock: Win all races in the V8 Supercars in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Ford GT
Available from the beginning
Ford GT90
Unlock: Complete Level 3-1 in Career Mode
Ford Hot Rod Coupe
Unlock: Complete Level 7-3 in Career Mode
Ford Mustang 1968
Available from the beginning
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
Unlock: Complete Level 3-1 in Career Mode
Ford SVT F-150 Lightning
Unlock: Complete Level 1-3 in Career Mode
Formula Ford
Unlock: Complete Level 1-1 in Career Mode
Global GT Lights
Global GT Lights Race Car
Unlock: Complete Level 2-5 in Career Mode
Holden
Holden Commodore VX V8 Supercar
Unlock: Win all races in the V8 Supercars in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Holden Commodore VY V8 Supercar
Unlock: Complete Level 5-4 in Career Mode
Car List Pt.2
JaguarJaguar E-Type Series II
Unlock: Complete the Level 2-1 in Career Mode
Jaguar XJ220
Unlock: Complete the Level 7-1 in Career Mode
Jaguar XKR Convertible
Unlock: Win all races in the Convertible World Tour in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Jaguar XKR Race Car
Unlock: Complete the Level 4-2 in Career Mode
Koenig
Koenig C62
Unlock: Win all races in the World GT Series in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Koenig Competition 2002
Unlock: Complete the Level 3-5 in Career Mode
Land Rover
Land Rover Bowler Wildcat
Unlock: Complete the Level 2-3 in Career Mode
Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz CLK-DTM AMG
Unlock: Win all races in the DTM in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi 3000 GT
Unlock: Win all races in the Pacific American in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII
Unlock: Complete the Level 3-3 in Career Mode
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII
Unlock: Complete the Level 2-2 in Career Mode
Nissan
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
Unlock: Complete the Level 1-2 in Career Mode
Car List Pt.3
OpelOpel Astra V8 Coupe
Unlock: Win all races in the DTM in Freemode at Normal or Hard
Seat
SEAT León Supercopa
Unlock: Complete the Level 1-2 in Career Mode
Solo
Solo Single Seater 1000 Race Car
Unlock: Complete the Level 6-2 in Career Mode
Subaru
Subaru Impreza WRX
Unlock: Complete the Level 2-3 in Career Mode
Subaru Impreza WRX
Unlock: Win all races in the Hella Euro Rally in Freemode at Normal or Hard
VRV
VRV Masters Grand Prix Car
Unlock: Complete the Level 9-1 in Career Mode
How To Play TRD2 In 2024
Ford 9000 Truck Racing
TOCA Race Driver 2, being 20 years old, is not sold digitally, so your best bet is finding a physical copy. That most likely means scanning eBay or your local used games shop to try your luck.
The plus side is that a lot of people often have old consoles in the attic or down in the basement. If you happen to have one lying around, you can play the original Xbox version or the PlayStation 2 version with a disk. And maybe, the PC CD-ROM (remember those?) is still stuck in a drawer you have not checked in a while. Otherwise, you can pick the game up for two or three Euros/Pounds/Dollars.
Conclusion
TRD2 is a fantastic title to kick back and play with no added stress. If you have memories of this title from years past, you will be surprised by the graphical quality (For a game from 2004). Games never look as good as you remember, but TRD2 has aged like fine wine in my opinion.Audi TT-R ABT
Whilst the graphics could be considered a selling point of this classic racer, the handling model is not anything to write home about. Especially compared to similar titles available at the time. But, you do not play the TRD series for ultra-realism and graphical superiority. You play them to relive those happy memories and experience some classic arcade racing in a relaxed but meaningful environment.
Overall, TOCA Race Driver 2 is a fantastic second entry to the series, however, the handling does let it down from a sim racing point of view. The graphics are great for the period and the expansive and inclusive car list is a huge tick on the proverbial sheet.
Let us know your experiences with TOCA Race Driver 2 on X @OverTake_gg or down in the comments below!