The 1995 IndyCar season ended, but PC racers will be able to drive all winter with Papyrus' IndyCar Racing II. Sporting all new high-resolution graphics, upgraded opponent AI and a modified car model, it would appear that there's enough here to justify the upgrade. But is it really that much better? It is if you're an IndyCar expert, as the improved driver AI alone will make it worth it. Unless you have a Pentium or are a hard-core racer, it becomes a much tougher question to answer.
IndyCar II includes 15 tracks, all of which were available in the original and the expansion pack (minus Indianapolis û the problems between CART and the Speedway mean you won't see the Brickyard in this game). Some of the on-line community have been claiming that Mid-Ohio isn't accurate in its representation here, and Long Beach lacks runoff area at the end of Shoreline Drive, but for the most part the tracks are excellent reproductions. Unfortunately, curbing is still not present.
The individual tracks have enough personality to provide the gamer with plenty of variety. For sheer speed, nothing touches Michigan (hit 240 MPH down the straights and try not to brake entering the turns). For a challenge, try Laguna Seca and its incredible corkscrew. For a weird experience, try Cleveland with its wide and flat turns (how many different lines can you use in one race? ). If you hate passing, try out Detroit with its narrow track and concrete barriers.
The most obvious new feature in IndyCar II are the amazing high-resolution graphics, which are considerably faster than those found in NASCAR Racing. As usual, only the fastest machines need bother with this mode (frame rate is considerably more important than graphic detail in this game), but those who can do it will get an even better racing experience. The higher resolution allows you to see further down the track, especially on ovals. On a road course, it's easier to identify your braking points.
The opponent AI has received a tweaking as well. The most obvious change is that the computer drivers will really avoid you if you're driving like an idiot. They back off of your car entering turns, waiting for you to screw up, and when you inevitably do, they pass on exit. It's quite impressive to watch, and you can actually learn some passing techniques by watching the computer cars. Computer cars also have all of the effects of fuel load and cold tires after a pit stop that you do.
The first IndyCar Racing wasn't an easy game by anyone's estimation. If anything, IndyCar II is even more difficult, with the cars feeling even looser through most turns. If you are used to driving flat out at Michigan, you'll be lifting immediately in IndyCar II. The car model has changed, but it's hard to say if it's for the better. The low-speed handling of your car is extremely suspect - it is impossible at low speed to imitate the side-to-side motion that IndyCar drivers use to warm up their tires on pace laps.
When designing a simulation, getting in as much realism while working within the limitations of the PC is a real balancing act. For the most part, IndyCar II has enough realism for 99% of all gamers, and that's the hard part. On that level it's a success. The easier part is making the game playable for the novice. IndyCar II falls short in this area. It lacks playability for anyone not willing to devote their entire life to it, which most players will have to do if they want to complete a single lap without spinning out.
More driver aids would be the easy fix to this problem. Auto-braking is present. There are three levels of damage, from none to arcade to realistic. The default setups are much improved. What IndyCar II really needs is a driving-line magnet that holds the car to the track like the one found in World Circuit. While many people held their noses at that feature, it allowed any gamer to complete an entire race on even the most demanding track. For those who think that such aids cheapen the simulation, one only needs to be reminded that the inclusion of "Instant Action" in Falcon 3.0, or an arcade mode in Apache hasn't diminished their stature as "serious simulations."
All of these criticisms could be leveled at the original IndyCar as well as the sequel. Both titles deserve every bit of acclaim that they have received, but you can't help but feel that they're putting so much realism in the games that it's costing them playability and entertainment. IndyCar Racing II becomes a simulation that you end up respecting more than enjoying, or admiring rather than playing.
