FlatOut 2
- December 21, 2006
- Jordan Freeman Group
- 9h median play time
Get on Steam"FlatOut 2" is a high-speed racing game with destructible environments and vehicles, featuring over 5000 destructible objects on each track. The game offers enhanced physics, a career mode, and a variety of racing environments, vehicles, and mini-games. With LAN multiplayer mode, players can experience intense races and mayhem with friends.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- music724 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in this game is widely praised for its energetic and nostalgic rock and metal soundtrack, featuring notable artists like Rob Zombie, Fall Out Boy, and Audioslave. Many players feel that the soundtrack enhances the racing experience, although some mention that the limited number of tracks can lead to repetition. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in racing games, significantly contributing to the game's appeal and players' fond memories.
“The soundtrack is a banger, featuring artists like Rob Zombie, Fall Out Boy, and Audioslave.”
“The soundtrack maintains the high-energy vibe of the first game, featuring a mix of rock and alternative tracks that complement the intense on-screen action.”
“This game has an amazing soundtrack! It features a mix of rock, metal, and punk tracks from artists like Alkaline Trio, Fall Out Boy, and Audioslave, perfectly complementing the high-energy gameplay.”
“The soundtrack is terrible - turned it off.”
“The soundtrack is too small so the songs are played repetitively.”
“The only downfall that I have found in this game does not even involve the gameplay, it is the music.”
- graphics296 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of Flatout 2, despite being released in 2006, are generally praised for holding up well over time, with many players noting the detailed car models, destructible environments, and impressive physics that enhance the racing experience. While some graphical issues and a lack of modern settings are mentioned, the overall aesthetic is considered gritty and immersive, making it a nostalgic favorite for many. Overall, the visuals are seen as surprisingly good for their age, contributing to the game's enduring appeal.
“The detailed car models, destructible environments, and dynamic lighting all contribute to a gritty, immersive aesthetic.”
“For a 2006 game, Flatout 2’s visuals hold up surprisingly well.”
“The graphics are surprisingly good for a game of its age, and the physics adds a satisfying level of chaos to the races.”
“The graphics are dated, story is non-existent, characters are cheesy.”
“There is no resolution setting in the game; you can change your keybinds and the volume, but there's no real graphic settings.”
“In addition, limited graphic options even though I was not expecting much from a 2006 game, but you feel that the developers just released a rushed PC version and forgot about it.”
- gameplay231 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of FlatOut 2 is widely praised for its chaotic and addictive racing mechanics, featuring a unique blend of destruction and arcade-style racing that keeps players engaged. While the physics and vehicle handling are noted as solid and enjoyable, some players mention a tendency for the gameplay to become repetitive over time. Overall, the game successfully combines a variety of racing modes, impressive destructibility, and a fitting soundtrack, making it a standout title in the arcade racing genre.
“The high-energy tracks perfectly complement the chaotic gameplay, making every race feel like a punk-rock concert on wheels.”
“Flatout 2 is an adrenaline-fueled racing game that provides an exhilarating and satisfying gameplay experience.”
“The addictive nature of the gameplay, combined with the variety of modes, ensures that Flatout 2 remains engaging even after many hours of play.”
“The gameplay is pure frustration; it's so bad that I thought there was something wrong with my Xbox 360 controller.”
“There is absolutely no reward for driving well; luck plays a big role in every race, and the 'catch-up mechanics' that the game uses are severely overdone.”
“Gameplay is boring and repetitive.”
- story65 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The story aspect of Flatout 2 is largely criticized for its minimal presence, with many reviewers noting that the game focuses primarily on racing rather than narrative depth. While some players appreciate the freedom to create their own story through gameplay, others express disappointment over the lack of a structured plot or character development. Overall, the consensus is that the game prioritizes action and destruction over storytelling, resulting in a gameplay experience that feels more like a series of races than a cohesive narrative.
“The game also has an interesting plot that tells the story of your character and his attempts to rise to the top of the racing hierarchy.”
“Overall, Flatout 2 is a great racing game that offers great gameplay, an interesting storyline, and excellent graphics.”
“Unique AI adds flavor to the story, and destruction feels meaty and satisfying.”
“Flatout 2 isn’t about high-stakes heists or emotional storytelling.”
“Graphics are dated, story is non-existent, characters are cheesy.”
“This game has no story, you start, you want to be the best, done.”
- humor63 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its hilarious ragdoll physics, absurd mini-games, and chaotic racing events that lead to comical crashes and mishaps. Many reviews emphasize that the game is particularly enjoyable when played with friends, as the laughter generated from the antics and unexpected moments enhances the overall experience. While not the main focus, the humor adds a significant layer of fun, making it a standout feature of the gameplay.
“Absolutely hilarious, one of the funniest parts of the game.”
“The janky animations when your dude flies out of the window are just so silly and stupid, that it made me laugh many times.”
“These hilarious events involve launching your driver through the windshield in various scenarios like high jump, bowling, and darts.”
- replayability37 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptionally high replayability, with players consistently noting its ability to keep them engaged for hours through a variety of game modes, unpredictable AI, and competitive multiplayer elements. Even with the loss of online features, the diverse environments and events available ensure that players can continually find new experiences, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking long-term entertainment. Overall, the game's replay value is a standout feature, often described as infinite or abundant.
“This game will keep you entertained for many hours and for its price, it offers a lot of content and replay value.”
“Competing against friends in races or demolition derbies adds a competitive edge that enhances the replayability.”
“To be honest, this game has aged like wine; it has a lot of replay value, and we even have a way to play multiplayer after the Gamespy shutdown back in 2014.”
“I've lost my save file countless times for this game, but the replayability factor is very strong with this game, and the first one.”
“Other than that, your main source of replayability is doing events outside of career more.”
“It has a decent variety of game modes that add to replayability, despite the fact that multiplayer no longer works.”
- optimization31 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players report excellent performance with no crashes or significant issues, some note a lack of support for modern resolutions and occasional performance inconsistencies. The game runs smoothly on a variety of systems, even older hardware, but it struggles with controller compatibility and can feel unbalanced in competitive scenarios against AI. Despite these drawbacks, the driving experience remains enjoyable, and the graphics hold up well for an older title.
“Amazing childhood game I grew up on still runs perfectly, zero bugs, extremely well optimized with today's tech, hardly crashes.”
“And also possibly the most optimized game I have ever played, it literally runs on anything.”
“Plus, the way this game is optimized, it runs at 60fps on my potato computer!”
“Isn't really optimized for controllers and steering wheels (you still need your keyboard to operate the menu).”
“Game gives you a variety of tracks in different environments such as deserts, forests, suburbs, etc., and a big variety of cars which you can upgrade. However, sometimes it feels pointless because opponents with the same cars as yours are still driving a bit faster.”
“Surprisingly more rugged in play and performance than its predecessor, but it doesn't stop it from being a fun and enjoyable game.”
- grinding22 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 45 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be quite tedious and time-consuming, often requiring significant repetition to progress. While some appreciate the nostalgic grind typical of older racing games, many feel it detracts from the enjoyment, especially in career mode and certain game modes. However, the game does offer a wealth of content that mitigates some of the grind-related frustrations.
“A bit grindy... sometimes.”
“And for a 2006 PS2 game, this has a lot of content that has no farming for parts you need, which is awesome.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“It's exactly how an old grinding game goes: you race, you redo some races to get better places, upgrade your ride to win better places; it goes on like that forever (or until the end of the game).”
“The online is fine for a few races with friends, but it's so tedious to pick tons of tracks and change cars every time.”
- atmosphere20 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a gritty yet thrilling racing experience, enhanced by detailed tracks, destructible environments, and a fitting rock soundtrack that evokes nostalgia. Players appreciate the variety of locations and the immersive sound design, including voiceovers that heighten the sense of rivalry. Despite some dated graphics, the overall ambiance successfully captures the essence of classic racing games, making it a memorable experience.
“The game world is represented by a variety of racing tracks and locations, filled with details and terrain elements that create the atmosphere of a real race.”
“The atmosphere is done perfectly with a modest selection of race tracks and an awesome rock soundtrack that make you feel like you're actually a demolition derby driver.”
“The voiceovers and commentary add to the atmosphere, providing a sense of rivalry and excitement.”
“The bloom doesn't help to make an upbeat atmosphere; rather, it is obtrusive and blinding. I have no idea how I played FlatOut 2 with the post-processing on back then.”
“Even with a low number of polygons and low-quality textures, it still has a soul and atmosphere to it; different game modes add a ton of fun.”
“Much like the soundtrack in Crazy Taxi, the songs haven't aged well, but they really complement the atmosphere of the game.”
- stability16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 69 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with users reporting various bugs and glitches, particularly in multiplayer modes and during race starts. While some players experience minimal issues and find it runs well on modern hardware, others encounter significant problems that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is enjoyable despite its flaws, but stability remains a concern for many users.
“Runs great on the Steam Deck too once you sort out the controls.”
“Looks and runs great on modern hardware and has support for a game controller, but sadly without force feedback.”
“A small amount or no glitches.”
“The graphics aren't too shabby for what they are worth, but there are times when some glitches occur, such as starting a race and the screen being completely white for some odd reason.”
“This game is very flawed, buggy, and hard to control.”
“Do not buy this game; it is a waste. It has so many glitches and is not that fun.”
- monetization8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is straightforward and user-friendly, featuring no microtransactions or additional DLC, allowing players to enjoy the full experience without any extra costs. While some perceive its release as a cash grab, the absence of in-game purchases is appreciated by users. Overall, the game offers a nostalgic experience without the burden of monetization tactics.
“There isn't much to say about this game; it's a simple early 2000s game type of fun where there are no microtransactions or any additional DLC needed for the full experience.”
“No microtransactions, thank you!”
“This seems to have been put on Steam as a nostalgia gouge, or just a cash grab to try to profit from abandonware.”
“=== Microtransactions / DLC Policy ===”
“Oh, and also no microtransactions and DLCs.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of Flatout 2 is largely absent, as it focuses more on nostalgic racing mechanics than on storytelling or high-stakes drama. Reviewers suggest that while it may evoke feelings of nostalgia for classic racing games, it ultimately falls short compared to its predecessors and other titles in the genre.
- character development3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is perceived as somewhat generic, with limited depth in track and character design. However, the focus remains on the racing mechanics, which are praised for balancing control and chaos effectively.
