The original FlatOut was something of a difficult title to play. Despite its relatively high-level of aesthetics, and equally as impressive physics, the obscenely aggressive AI caused more frustration than any title could feasibly get away with. It still attained reasonably high levels of praise from those gamers who purchased Bugbear's 2004 mini hit.

In terms of the racing aspect at least, the biggest selling point for FlatOut was the destructible courses. Much akin to Sega’s recent release on the Xbox360, Full Auto. Smashing through windows and knocking over a conveniently placed number of tree trunks are all activities actively encouraged. As expected, the amount of items available to crash through is increased for the sequel, and all remain on the track throughout the full course of the race, leaving potential disaster around every single corner.

The number of available tracks makes a similar step up, from the original's 36, to 60 here. Each offers various short cuts and separate routes, meaning that discovering the perfect line through each may prove a time consuming affair. Plus, with each vehicle having a different set of attributes on offer, what’s suitable for one car may not be the best route for another. With the tracks all being fully deformable (in terms of trackside objects at least) last second changes to a chosen route are plentiful.

The cars themselves - as well as the added inclusion of a lot more detail heaped into them - maintain the impressive physics model, encouraging the player to fling the car around bends in not only an enjoyable manner, but one that somehow happens to feel much more ‘real’ than the aforementioned Full Auto. The ‘spingy’ feel of the original does remain however, so those who detested that in the first title are encouraged to steer well clear. With each car having a different set of stats (from speed, through to durability), each offers a unique driving experience. All 34 vehicles (some of which are unlocked as progression through the game is undertaken) are fully deformable, and will crumple and contort in every feasible manner.

One of the biggest minus points levelled at FlatOut was the overly aggressive AI of the other racers involved during the various tournaments. Thanks to feedback from the original, it’s certainly one area that’s been heavily toned down, and increases the enjoyment aspect ten fold. With the AI now less intent to ram you off the road, without forethought to their own well-being, races themselves frequently progress to their full conclusion with a healthy battle for places. Each AI driver on track has a differing mindset. Though one may be intent to stay away from trouble and merely race their way to victory, another may be stubborn enough to refuse entirely to deviate from what they see as their portion of the road. And if that means shoving another unfortunate racer off the track, then they’ll have no qualms whatsoever. Though things aren’t at quite the devastating level of the original, some will find themselves cursing the developer's name when they’re spun off the track on the final straight for the umpteenth time.

A large portion of publicity was levelled at the various ‘mini-games’ on offer in FlatOut, and they remain fully intact here. The “Ragdoll Olympics” offer up the opportunity to fling the driver through the chosen vehicle's windshield, and aim towards some kind of target. A total of 12 appear throughout FlatOut 2, 9 of which are brand new. The new additions are, in the main at least, much more skill based, requiring total concentration and sublime judgement in order to fling the poor fellow towards attaining the best possible points score. The curling mini-game offers up two main areas to tweak (initial speed, and the angle at which the driver departs) and serves as an early favourite.

With the improvements heaped upon it, FlatOut 2 earns that much craved title of 'improved sequel'. With everything ultimately both bigger and better, with more destruction, and much more depth, Bugbear Entertainment are coming ever close to a winner. If the handling is tightened, and the rest of the game makes another healthy step forward, another sequel on the next generation of consoles could be the first certain winner.