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Review of Runabout 2 on PlayStation

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Jun 2025
Cover image of Runabout 2 on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 26 Jun 2025
Genre: Racing
Developer: Graphic Research
Publisher: Climax Entertainment (JP), Hot-B (NA), Midas Interactive Entertainment (EU)

Introduction

Welcome to the chaotic world of *Runabout 2*! This gem rolls into the PlayStation universe like a kid on a sugar high, ready to break every traffic law in its nuclear neighborhood! If you enjoy missions that involve racing from point A to B while delivering items-or perhaps you just want an excuse to wreak havoc with a car-this may just be the game for your wired brain. Released in Japan in the distant past of 1999, but hey, who needs time when you've got cars, right? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the crazy mechanics and gleeful destruction that this game has to offer!

Gameplay

Essentially, Runabout 2 can be distilled down to a delightful blend of sheer mayhem and frantic driving mechanics. You are presented with 13 missions and a ticking clock, which is absolutely vital for motivating that lead foot of yours. Each mission tasks you with getting an item from point A to point B, but let's be honest, racing isn't really the point of this game; it's all about creatively damaging as much property as possible in the process. Missions are chock-full of secrets, shortcuts, and, most importantly, some truly bizarre vehicles-because who wouldn't want to drive a clown car at breakneck speeds while dodging hapless pedestrians? The navigation through levels isn't limited to the straightforward 'just drive there' approach. Nope! Players can take the scenic route, which more often than not involves smashing through fences and jumping over other vehicles, because who wouldn't want to take their racing career to new altitudes (literally)? There are multiple routes, allowing for replayability that feels less like a chore and more like an off-the-wall adventure. Combat isn't frequent, but when it happens, it feels like a kitten had a tail full of explosives-both cute and chaotic. Speaking of chaos, prepare yourself for chaotic controls. Driving tends to feel like trying to walk a tightrope on a windy day. Acceleration is not something these cars believe in, but once you hit that peak speed, it's like holding onto a rocket sled, aimed directly at insanity. You're going to slam into walls, buildings, and other assorted urban fixtures so often that you might even question your driving skills.

Graphics

Graphically, it's safe to say that *Runabout 2* doesn't exactly push the boundaries of the PlayStation's capabilities. The visuals are decent for their time but tend to feel a bit blocky and rough around the edges when compared to later releases. Cars look like they were constructed using building blocks, and environments are a mix of vibrant to somewhat uninspiring textures. However, the cutscenes sport a distinct charm that can feel like a quirky comic book come to life. On the bright side, you can enjoy the feeling of nostalgia as you navigate through the slightly wonky graphics and the hilariously unkempt urban landscapes. It's more about the fun of blend and chaos than the realism you'd find in a Forza game, and honestly? It doesn't need to be anything else.

Conclusion

To wrap it all up, *Runabout 2* is kind of like that wacky friend who drives your main character to insanity and wild adventures while doing their best to maintain a facade of normalcy. It's not a flawless title, but it carves out its own unique niche in the racing genre. The missions create a playground of vehicular insanity that breathes joy into the chaos of driving without rules. Most importantly, it invites you to channel your inner demolition derby driver-all on a budget! If you're in the mood to tear through city streets with reckless abandon, gather your friends, grab some delicious snacks, and plow through the delightful insanity that is *Runabout 2*. You won't regret it, unless you do... which is a distinct possibility.

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