Race like a Pro
There are many types of gamers. Even those calling themselves “hardcore” gamers can be divided into different groups based upon skills and game preference. You can further divide those into even smaller groups, as no two games of the same genre are the same experience. TT Isle of Man 2: Ride on the Edge on the Switch is most definitely a game for the hardcore gamer, as the learning curve is a steep one not friendly to beginners. A moto racing simulation game, the title seeks to emulate the feel of racing as seen on the Tourist Trophy series on the small island in the Irish Sea. These are said to be the most dangerous motorcycle racing events in the world and after learning the ropes of TT Isle of Man 2, you’ll definitely agree.
Training Wheels
Undoubtedly, the bulk of the content in TT Isle of Man 2 is in the controls. The handling of your motorcycle depends on its stats, which are robust. Each bike has its own weight, engine type, horsepower, torque, etc. that can be customized with unlockables in the career mode. This is also where the most challenge lies in TT Isle of Man 2, however, as the simple act of starting a race can lead to catastrophic results for the unprepared. Those coming from titles such as Mario Kart won’t know what hit them as the tight controls are unforgiving to learn at the breakneck speed of the game, while those with a background in titles such as Nascar Heat 4 will feel right at home carefully feeling out the precise controls. The options at your disposal after mastery is satisfying, however, and will lead to some tension-filled racing situations that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Everything must be mastered in TT Isle of Man 2. From turning, to breaking, to manually shifting gears if you so choose, everything about your controls must be understood in order to even place acceptably on any course or trial. Learning this also results in realizing why the Tourist Trophy is considered one of the most dangerous motorcycle racing events in the world. Each crash has a palpable feel and can impact other racers in during a race. It can be a surreal experience to accidentally lose the corner, have your motorcycle fly out from beneath you, and cause a pile-up amongst nearby racers because your bike accidentally became a projectile. While these crashes are brutal (and at times hilarious) to witness, the novelty wears off quickly when it impacts your score and the other shortcomings of the title show themselves.
High Speeds, Huge Crashes
While this title nails its sense of speed and has a good amount of play modes, along with a rather robust and fleshed out career mode, the title suffers noticeably from presentation issues. The graphics are very unimpressive, even for a game where you are supposed to be flying by everything at incredible speeds. Trees, bushes and other foliage look dreadful against the backgrounds and the boxy houses are void of any noticeable detail. While the people in the crowd are 3D models, their quality is just as poor as the rest of the visuals on display. It gives the game a very dated appearance akin to a title from the Playstation 2 or Gamecube era. Due to the demanding nature of the controls, your first sessions with TT Isle of Man 2 will no doubt include many crashes and slow racing. During the time you take to learn these controls is when these poor visuals stick out the most, adding insult to the already frustrating stings of defeat.
Along with poor visuals, the audio finds itself lacking in a similar way. While the whoosh of speeding by obstacles accompanied by the screams of the engines around you is atmospheric and inspires tension, those are some of the only sounds you have to look forward to. While driving there is no music or announcer. There is only you, your competitors, and the sounds of speed in TT Isle of Man 2, which makes the game feel rather empty after extended periods of play. The cheers of the crowd are hardly audible when they are around, only being heard clearly after you crash. When combined with the lackluster visuals it gives the title a very dated and incomplete feeling. This makes it a hard game to recommend for even a motorcycle enthusiast as these machines aren’t shown off well in-game.
Last Place
Despite a laundry list of problems and a rather high skill barrier required to even enjoy a single satisfying placement, TT Isle of Man 2 has a few very strong points. The sense of speed, multiple game modes and customization in career mode are all very engaging and fun to experience. However, the minimalist presentation and steep skill curve make enjoying these elements rather difficult. If you are able to learn to ride like a pro or are a moto racing enthusiast, you will love TT Isle of Man 2. For everyone else, there is little here to find other than frustration.
