Game Guide · NexWave Games
The best PS2 racing games for two players
Two controllers, one television and one bend to go. The PlayStation 2 is great for a race evening without complicated settings. Just: are you looking for realistic cars, neon-lit streets, spectacular collisions or cart tracks full of surprises? These four games all feel different.
Gran Turismo 4: For lovers of the ideal line
Gran Turismo 4 is the choice when it comes to braking points, turns and cars that drive differently. The 2P Battle option in Arcade Mode allows you to race against each other. It feels more like a mutual driving test than a wild chase. You can even agree to take the same car: at the finish there is less room for excuses.
For two players the career mode is not the main one; look at the separate local race option. This is a nice game if you take the time to get better. Those who want a lot of action and collisions from the very first minute should continue reading.
Need for Speed Underground 2: Building cars and racing right away
Need for Speed Underground 2 revolves around street races, striking cars and tuning. On the PS2 the game has a two player tooth with shared screen. The atmosphere is therefore different from that of Gran Turismo: you not only choose a car to steer a circuit neatly, but also enjoy the music, appearance and constantly adjusting your car.
Please note that some cars and parts must be cleared while playing. If you want to try everything with a friend right away, an existing game progress can be pleasant. For just racing together, two working controllers are of course the first requirement.
Burnout 3 and Crash Nitro Kart: chaos in two ways
Burnout 3: Takedown rewards daring actions. With high speed along traffic shaving and disabling opponents makes a race here almost an action film. In local multiplayer you can challenge each other on the same screen. Check with a purchase that you have the PS2 release; a game with the same name for another platform does not fit your console.
Crash Nitro Kart replaces serious cars with karts, characters and attacks. This makes it a nice choice for players who do not want to learn 100 brake points first. The winner of the first round is rarely the winner of the evening. If you're looking for that cheerful, competitive kart style, this is a completely different experience from Burnout.
What do you have to set up?
For a two-way race, you need two PS2 controllers and a TV connection. A PS2 memory card is useful for progress and free-played content, but check the packaging or manual of your specific game for precise storage requirements. Choose Gran Turismo 4 for technique, Underground 2 for tuning, Burnout 3 for action and Crash Nitro Kart for a low-threshold duel. This is how you buy a game that matches how you really like to play together.