The most successfully ambitious game of its time. It still looks great today.
Gran Turismo 2 simply did it right. There is so much in this game (like the insane amount of cars) and it was done seamlessly. There was obviously a lot of planning and a lot of work in the right places, and the product came out as one of the most professional games I've played. To me, GT2 showed other game makers what a perfect game looks like.
As well done as the game is, it isn't perfect as far as how fun it is.
GAMEPLAY:
The game is extremely realistic, even with its dated graphics and dated cars. When you get your licenses (of which there are 5 available), and completing the challenges to get them, you learn amazing techniques that make you feel like a real racecar driver. The cars are also very realistic, each one being a licensed car. One of the most impressive things about this game is that it contains over 650 CARS. Many games today still can't do that.
Something unique about GT2 is that it features both race cars and street cars. It's interesting to be in a race with a bunch of C class cars that would normally never come near a racing game. While this is very interesting and adds depth to the game, it can also be a bit boring at times. Imagine taking your mom's car and slowly working your way through a racetrack. Basically, you have to be in the mood for that. However, there are also tons of fast cars that require realistic skills (which you learned when you got the licenses).
SOUND:
The music in the menus is amazing. It gives a very professional atmosphere when you are buying cars, finding races, etc. The in game music features some great licensed tracks. I do wish there were a few more songs though, because after about 50 races you will get tired of them.
GRAPHICS:
Today the graphics look a bit pixelated and simple, but they still look alright. At the time, they were very impressive. The cars could use more detail, but you have to keep in mind there are a TON of them. They are very stylish and make you feel like you are really driving them. The menu graphics are great. A kind of minimalistic look with very well done detail.
OVERALL:
This is one of the most real games I've played. I guess it's like it says on the cover: it's a bit more of a driving simulator than a game. I seriously think an aspiring racecar driver could better themselves playing it. As fun and epic as it can be, you have to be in the mood. Sometimes following race procedures can get boring. You will eventually want to pick up a wacky kart racer and rip around the track like physics don't exist, but until then it's amazing to learn how to truly race real cars. GT2 is a historic game and is still an amazing experience.