Project CARS 2

With its refined new handling and piles of race options, Project CARS 2 is about as good as real racing gets right now.

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Project CARS 2 is a racing simulation game featuring over 180 licensed cars and 60 locations. It offers various motorsports disciplines, dynamic weather and time of day systems, and a competitive online multiplayer mode. The game also includes a career mode with a wide range of customization options for a personalized racing experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,691 reviews

graphics607 positive mentions

stability133 negative mentions

graphics
1,016 mentions
60 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics in Project Cars 2 are widely praised for their beauty and realism, with many reviewers noting the stunning detail in car models, tracks, and dynamic weather effects. While the visuals are considered top-notch, some users mention occasional graphical glitches and performance issues, particularly in VR. Overall, the game is recognized for its impressive graphical fidelity, making it one of the best-looking racing sims available, though some players feel it doesn't quite match the polish of competitors like Forza.
- “The graphics are beautiful even for an 'older' game, the night cycles are mesmerizing, the god rays shining in your eyes as you come over the crest blinding your entire view.”
- “The level of detail put into the graphics, models, sounds, effects, music, and user interface all tie together to give this immensely immersive experience that really sucks you into the world of motorsports.”
- “The graphics are stunning and like none other but I'm sure you already know this.”
- “Once thing I will note though, that due to this being an older game, the graphics, sounds, etc. are a bit dated.”
- “The graphics, even on ultra, are cartoonish and the track area, while giving details to the backdrop of each track to give a sense of being in that city or location, the render distance is obviously lacking, and it is easy to tell the staging of each track, it gives it a contrived atmosphere, like a play on a stage.”
- “The graphics are mediocre (either poor optimization or the game is meant for future hardware).”
gameplay
244 mentions
29 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a mix of solid driving mechanics and impressive graphics, though opinions vary on its realism and overall enjoyment. While many players appreciate the extensive customization options and immersive career mode, others criticize the AI behavior and some mechanics as unrealistic or cumbersome. Overall, the game offers a blend of arcade and simulation elements, appealing to both casual and hardcore racing fans, but it may require some adjustments to settings for an optimal experience.
- “The gameplay is fun and exciting, the entire idea of career mode immerses you in a realistic experience that is worth your while.”
- “The gameplay is smooth and kinetic all the way through.”
- “Project Cars 2 is a really great game with tons of variety, beautiful graphics, sounds, and great online gameplay.”
- “I hate to give a negative review to a game that clearly the developers have spent a lot of time and effort in making, but it seems that the game genuinely doesn't want to be your friend with its extremely cumbersome UI, menus, gameplay, and career mode as opposed to simulations like Gran Turismo or Forza.”
- “The mechanics and physics of the game are completely broken and beyond repair considering the new patch is already out.”
- “The gameplay was also not nearly as exciting as I'd expected.”
optimization
190 mentions
33 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews. While many players praise its performance, particularly in VR and on lower-end PCs, others report issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and inconsistent performance, especially during intense racing moments. Despite these concerns, several users highlight the game's impressive graphics and the variety of settings available to enhance performance.
- “Great game, the best optimized for VR.”
- “Graphics are phenomenal, and performance is outstanding.”
- “Very good optimization for PC if you compare it with the first one.”
- “An amazing driving experience... unfortunately soiled by poor optimization, random glitches, and the omission of features such as custom championships.”
- “Very inconsistent frame rate and stuttering often making the game almost unplayable due to the effect it can have on you in a corner.”
- “The game is good, but it is extremely poorly optimized.”
stability
153 mentions
11 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
87 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting frequent glitches, freezes, and crashes that significantly detract from the overall experience. While some players have managed to achieve smooth performance under specific conditions, the general consensus is that the game is plagued by bugs, particularly in multiplayer and VR modes, making it frustrating for many. Despite occasional improvements, the persistent issues have led to a lack of confidence in the developers' ability to deliver a stable product.
- “I purchased this game for VR racing, and it runs great.”
- “The graphics are high quality, and during my time in this game, I saw no glitches!”
- “Looks great, runs great, cars feel great.”
- “An amazing driving experience... unfortunately soiled by poor optimization, random glitches, and the omission of features such as custom championships.”
- “The game is really buggy, and won't be updated by the developers, so I would avoid buying Slightly Mad titles over other sims, like rFactor, Assetto Corsa, iRacing, and others.”
- “The main thing is Project Cars 2 freezes for about a second once in a while and that is bad because the game is still going but just the visuals freeze so when the game unfreezes you are crashing or driving off the road.”
story
66 mentions
11 % positive mentions
80 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game lacks a substantial story, with many users noting there is no dedicated story mode and that gameplay is the primary focus. Some mention minimal narrative elements, such as career progression or character backstories, but overall, the experience is described as more of a simulation than a story-driven game. A few users express disappointment over the absence of a compelling narrative, suggesting that the game could benefit from more engaging storytelling elements.
- “Overall, it's fun, can run on a decent level PC, and there's a long way to finish the story/career mode.”
- “This game has very beautiful graphics and good physics; the story mode is entertaining and has plenty of cars and tracks, along with good online multiplayer.”
- “Yeah, physics are important, but in a sim (simulator), you not only simulate physics but real-life experience too, and that is included in the graphics, weather, tracks, cars, and story mode that allows you to follow a path from rookie to pro series.”
- “No story mode.”
- “There is no story mode really but the sim is good.”
- “For people that are used to Gran Turismo, Forza, or NFS, this game has no story, no progression, or money or upgrades on cars, making it just a plain simulator of racing.”
music
47 mentions
47 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its epic and immersive quality, particularly the menu soundtrack, which features classical and orchestral pieces that enhance the overall atmosphere. However, many users noted the absence of in-game racing music, which can make the racing experience feel somewhat empty. Overall, while the soundtrack is considered a masterpiece, the lack of dynamic music during races is a common point of criticism.
- “The level of detail put into the graphics, models, sounds, effects, music, and user interface all tie together to give this immensely immersive experience that really sucks you into the world of motorsports.”
- “The soundtrack, though limited to the menus, is also a masterpiece.”
- “The main menu and music are beautiful and pleasant to see, the game feels relaxing and calm from the menu's view, but once you're in game you'll understand just how intense some races can be.”
- “The game doesn't seem to feature music during races, which makes it feel a little empty.”
- “There is no music either in the game menu or on a track.”
- “The music in the menus is very downbeat and depressing, compared to the excellent upbeat and inspiring score of PC1.”
humor
18 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its quirky physics and unexpected glitches, such as cars spinning out for no apparent reason and exaggerated tire deformation. Players find amusement in the chaotic online racing experiences, where even serious moments can turn hilarious, like racing on three wheels or witnessing AI pile-ups. While some aspects of the game are intended to be serious, the frequent bugs and odd driving mechanics contribute to a lighthearted, comedic atmosphere.
- “Online is very, very, very funny.”
- “I was laughing to see my car going around Monza at 300 km/h with just three wheels and to the pits with no front wheels at all.”
- “First of all, it is a great game, don't get me wrong, it's just hilariously bugged.”
grinding
17 mentions
12 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
35 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious, often requiring an unrealistic time commitment. While some appreciate the lack of grinding in certain modes, many express frustration with the lengthy and repetitive nature of career mode, suggesting that it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “There is no grinding to get what you want; buy it, it's well worth the money.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “Career mode is really grindy.”
emotional
12 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game highlight a mix of nostalgia and frustration, with players expressing heartbreak over its unavailability and disappointment with the game's penalty system, which they find overly harsh and unrealistic. Many feel that minor mistakes, such as touching curbs or grass, lead to severe consequences, detracting from the overall enjoyment and immersion of the racing experience. Despite these issues, there remains a fondness for the game's potential and past experiences, indicating a deep emotional connection to its gameplay.
- “It's heartbreaking that you can't buy this amazing game anymore.”
- “Felt the same way, 2016 at a hyperfest in Virginia in the Monster Energy booth and played a demo in a complete racing simulation setup with a steering wheel, pedals, and virtual reality goggles. It made me feel sick.”
- “Just the driver's fingers move; sometimes the fingers are not even touching the paddles.”
atmosphere
12 mentions
58 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and authentic racing experience, enhanced by impressive graphics, detailed car designs, and a strong sense of location. While some users note a cartoonish quality to the graphics and a contrived feel to the track staging, the overall ambiance, sound design, and variety of tracks and cars contribute to a compelling racing environment. Many reviewers recommend the game for those seeking a challenging and atmospheric driving experience.
- “I would recommend PC2 to anyone who is looking for an authentic and difficult driving experience with excellent atmosphere.”
- “When the game finished loading, your eyes are greeted with beautiful graphics, car design, environmental design, sound design, and the atmosphere of the game is almost fantastic.”
- “Pros: great atmosphere, excellent graphics, immersive, large selection of tracks and cars.”
- “The graphics, even on ultra, are cartoonish and the track area, while giving details to the backdrop of each track to give a sense of being in that city or location, the render distance is obviously lacking, and it is easy to tell the staging of each track. It gives it a contrived atmosphere, like a play on a stage.”
- “Music, atmosphere and immersion that the game offers... number of tracks and cars, decent campaign, that lacks in almost all other racing games.”
- “After that, the game and series till the second one are the great successors of NFS Shift & Shift Unleashed as it is basically the same studio and you can feel it from the menu style, the atmosphere of the game and the general feel it gives you.”
monetization
9 mentions
11 % positive mentions
11 % neutral mentions
78 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with players expressing frustration over persistent DLC ads and in-game purchases that detract from the overall experience. Many feel overwhelmed by the frequency of advertisements and branding, which they believe overshadow the gameplay. Overall, the monetization strategy is perceived as a cash grab, negatively impacting player enjoyment.
- “It's definitely fun, but what ruined it for me is in-game purchases for unlocks, etc. I don't mean to sound judgmental or ignorant, so I'm going to say that it's completely fine when games offer in-game purchases.”
- “Also, why do I keep getting DLC ads at every launch of the game when I clearly clicked 'don't show again' a hundred times and I already got them?!”
- “So I buy the game and I still get more ads than I do surfing the web.”
- “This game is really just more branding and advertisement than actual driving, let alone racing.”
replayability
8 mentions
38 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
38 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the variety of 60 tracks and 160 cars, which offer numerous racing types and custom race options, others criticize the lack of dynamic weather and repetitive career races that diminish long-term engagement. Overall, the potential for replayability exists, but it heavily depends on player preferences and the desire for customization.
- “☑️ Infinitely replayable.”
- “60 tracks, 160 cars (I think?) and multiple racing types means that everyone will be happy and there's tons of replay value and variety.”
- “But the game is a blast to play and the variety of racing in it makes the replay value worth every penny.”
- “Every race will always have the same weather, no matter what you do. This completely removes replayability from the career; you are doing the exact same fixed races over and over again under the same conditions.”
- “The car selection with all the DLCs is half-impressive, but when you find out that there aren't all that many mods due to the limited engine the game uses - once you get bored of the original game, there is no more replayability to speak of.”
- “The weather always being the same also hurts replayability in career too; it may be better to just run custom races of your favorites so you can set them the way you want.”