Destruction Derby One was a game that had tons of cool graphics and
was a LOT of fun to play.  That is.. until the gloss wore off, and the
game was reduced to a repetitive racer with lots of crashes.  The tracks
were too short, the gameplay linear, and it had low replay value.  So now
comes DD2, and Psygnosis promised to fix all the problems that detracted
from the first.
    The options available consist of choice of car (like the first you get
to choose from rookie, amateur, and Pro), which track to race on (in 
practice mode), a statistics screen, an audio player (where you can listen
to the cool tracks from the game), and your choice of racing league: 
Wreckin' Racing (points for finishing highly and wrecking opponents), Stock
Car Racing (circuit racing where points are rewarded only for winning, not
crashing), and Destruction Derby (all out mayhem).
    The first thing I noticed when I started the game was the graphics.  The 
cars are a lot more aerodynamic and have a new look to them.... I like the 
look, although all the cars still have the same shape (just different colors)
.  Next thing I noticed was the rest of the track... just as advertised there 
are hills, valleys, and ramps where you can launch satisfyingly into the air.
    When you step on the gas it seems like their is a good sensation of 
speed.  Their are slight marks in the pavement (the same found in Formula 1)
, but I don't mind at all... I really don't even see it anymore.  As you move
along, it's easy to admire the work that Psygnosis put into the graphics. 
They are truly somthing to behold.  Fans stand alongside the road, the sun
gives off a glare that shifts with your position to the sun, and parts fly 
off cars where there are wrecks (including hoods, trunks, and tires), but 
they disapear after a few moments, so you don't see the parts the next time
around the track.  But the most impressive thing about the graphics is that
everything moves at an amazing speed.  No matter how many cars are on the 
screen  (some flying in th air, rolling around on their tops, or sliding on 
thier sides), the speed keeps up to a point you barely notice any slowdown. 
It's really nice.  Another quick point about hte game:the load time is 
extremely minimal... it seems almost like a cartridge game.

     The sounds are nice... but nothing spectacular.  The engine sounds good
and so does just about everyghing else.  Crashes could have a slightly
more amount of "crunch"to it.. but it's still good enough. 
    The music of the game is awesom... it fits the mood perfectly. The
first DD had a lot of bass and tecnhno sound to it.. this one is strictly
heavy metal... perfect for a destruction derby Game!  Flying around in
the PIT is even more satisfying due to the thrashing of guitar.. making the
pit feel like your in a mosh pit.  It's great.
    THe control of your car is pretty good.  It's different than hte feel 
of the first DD.  There seem to be more powerslides in this one.  But I 
really hate to comment on the contol until I get my analog contoller back
from a friend.  But as it is the playstation contoller does fine. I'm still
able to fly around the track and win some races.  Pretty tight control (
although I get banged around a lot and totally lose control.  One thing
I like is that if you miss the angle on any of the ramps, your car twists
in the air and you can land at odd angles.. which is not good.
   Now lets see if Psygnosis fixed the problems of the first DD.  Well, as
for track layout:you betcha.  Longer, cooler tracks with jumps, and lots
of hills and valleys.  Nice and challenging too.  Their are now Four
arenas you can go to all out War with.  ANd their are seven tracks that I know
of.   You can bet Psygnosis has some secret onees.  But even if not, the 
tracks available are enough to satisfy me.  
   The replay value is there now.  The Season option is fun and challenging.
I've been playing for tow days now and I'm stil coming back for more.  
Pit stops within the races allow you to stop and fix you car (by pressing the
X button like a madman), so you can get back on the track to do more damage.
The other cars react well, and try to ram you off the road.  And believe me
it's not too difficult to wipe out once and get rammed so much some of your 
tires fly off.... and you end up trying to nurse your crippled car into a 
pit stop.   I love it. 

    Destruction Derby 2 is a game everyone should at least give a chance.
  Fans of the first will LOVE this one... and all those afraid of the
negative comments of  DD1 should take a look.  It's a fun game with 
incredible graphics (one of those games you show your Playstation off with.
.. even my friends who have DD1 were amazed with DD2), challenging 
tracks, and lots to do.   Overall I'd give it a 9/10.  ENJOY!!

J. Zegelis