Grid 2: roaring success or a chugging straggler?

Racedriver: Grid is arguably one of the best racing games in recent years, and its sequel Grid 2 is heading our way on 31 May 2013, and if you’re wondering if Codemasters’ latest racing fix is worth putting the pedal down for, then MyGaming has wrangled up the critics’ opinions.

The game currently sits on Metascores of 82, 78, and 82 for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC versions respectively. On GameRankings, Grid 2 has percentages of 80.62, 79.04 and 83.33 on the same three respective platforms.

That’s looking pretty good for the shiny new racer, but is it living up to its predecessor?

Xbox 360 Achievements: 9/10 (Xbox 360)

“An incredibly strong sequel. It may lack the initial ‘wow factor’ of the first game, but the handling is right on the money, the visuals are gorgeous and the hook provided by the story’s WSR MacGuffin draws you right into the thick of the action, making for a more gratifying overall experience.”

Edge Magazine: 9/10 (Xbox 360)

“Codemasters had a hard act to follow in Grid, but with this sequel it’s delivered a dazzling package that can proudly take its place among the best racing games of this generation.”

Gamespot: 8.5/10 (Xbox 360)

“With terrific handling, gorgeous environments, and a broad selection of event types, Grid 2 slams on the gas and rarely slows down.”

Strategy Informer: 8.5/10 (PC)

“Grid 2 is a racing game that rewards skill without punishing you for the tiniest mistakes, letting you master a simple system with a forgiving attitude.”

NZ Gamer: 8.5/10 (PC)

“The AI does a solid job of pushing you hard, and also makes its fair share of stuf

f-ups which, if you are unlucky, can leave your car ruined. It’s this kind of dynamic racing that is fun and keeps us coming back for more.”

IGN: 8/10 (PC)

“A well-curated car list, a great sense of speed, and a well-thought out career mode combine in a racer that is a lot of fun to play through.”

Playstation Official Magazine UK: 8/10 (PS3)

“Lacking its predecessors’ ideas, but a worthy twilight joyride for the Ego engine that nails the white-knuckle speed and screaming tyres like few others.”

Digital Spy: 8/10 (PS3)

“The extensive RaceNet-powered multiplayer mode, in particular, offers an enormous amount of things to do and players to challenge, which should keep fans on the road until the studio’s next hotly-anticipated release. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait another five years for GRID 3.”

Grid 2 releases on 31 May, and if you’re looking to shell out that little bit extra to get a special incentive, the Mono Edition should satisfy your spending itch, but if you’re looking for a good deal, MyGaming’s Grid 2 pre-order roundup should give you the answer.