Full Auto 2: Battlelines

Full Auto 2: Battlelines revs up its engines as the next generation of high-speed combat racing. The game is the sequel to the award-winning Full Auto, and this new standard of vehicular mayhem is exclusively available for the PlayStation 3 as a launch title. In Full Auto 2: Battlelines, the once-pleasant districts of Meridian City are turning into battle zones, rife with automotive destruction. Use explosive weapons, high-speed vehicles and skillful technologically-groundbreaking demolition of the environment to defeat your opponents and claim the city as your own.

Explosive racing arrives on the PlayStation 3.

Vehicles are more resilient than you'd expect. View larger.

Muscle cars make great weapon mounts. View larger.

Environments are more destructible than ever. View larger.

Team up with friends in online battles. View larger.

Start it up and never look back
Full Auto 2 takes you right into the action and doesn't bother itself with a fluffy story line or lengthy cinematics- this game is all about hardcore cars and even more hardcore weaponry. Thankfully, the vehicles handle well and it's easy to quickly feel comfortable directing your ride while firing rockets and other munitions. And speaking of weapons, all the classics are back and improved, such as the front-mounted machine guns, shotguns, Titan Missles, and mini rockets. Rear-mounted weapons such as the smoke screen, mine layer, and flamethrower are also available for selection.

The appeal of Full Auto 2 is not difficult to explain: cars and explosions go together like a wink and a smile. The game's developers know the sweet feeling that can only come from mounting a full frontal assault from the drivers seat of an armored SUV. While the scenarios in the game are sometimes over the top, they are always fulfilling and exciting. If SUVs aren't your cup of tea, there are also classic muscle cars, low riders, monster trucks, and industrial vehicles to drive, enjoy, and destroy.

A trip around the "Razetrack"
All four racing districts from Full Auto have returned, but most are barely recognizable. The Outskirts District, for example, barely resembles its previous form- bigger landmarks, smoother drive paths, and new traffic vehicles make the experience of racing in the city one second and a canyon the next even more exhilarating. Each district also has new shortcuts and alternate paths, so even if you had mastered a route before, be prepared for an entirely new environmental challenge.

As if the existing districts weren't already plenty, Full Auto 2 adds two additional districts to the mix. The impressive Financial District is a maze of glass and iron, just waiting for some heavy artillery to rip it apart. Taking out major glass structures opens up new paths for racing and shortcut options. Just don't miss the exit window, or you'll be the one that's looking for cover.

The new Industrial District is like a jungle of massive machinery. This district, more than any other, seems to be created for the sheer fun of blowing everything in sight sky high. Nearly everything you see or race around can become a target. Huge explosions will engulf your enemies as you speed to the next weapon upgrade- driving on the wrong side of the tracks was never this much fun!

The scale of destruction that you can unleash upon your enemies and the environment is truly unique, and simply cannot be matched by other racing titles. Explosions can even trigger additional, larger explosions, creating a literal chain of destruction. Take out an oil barrel and watch it ignite some unsuspecting traffic. If the burning traffic makes a wrong turn, it can bring an entire building down!

Unlimited firepower with friends
Multiplayer modes are the centerpiece of any quality racing title and in this regard, Full Auto 2 doesn't disappoint. Gladiator and Team Gladiator feature deathmatch rules with a challenging twist: how can you possibly cooperate with teammates with all that tempting firepower on the road? Fortunately, it's extremely fun to gang up on the other team, especially if you can ram them from both sides or force them into a building or off the road.

Base Assault is a new multiplayer mode that plays as a sort of "capture the flag" on very destructive wheels. Teams must find a bomb power-up and carry it to their enemies' base to cause massive damage and score points. The first team to destroy their opponents' base wins. Because of the strategy required, this mode is online-only, and works great as an excuse to take your PlayStation 3 online. Full Auto 2 is so much more than simple "drive and gun," and the huge variety in the vehicles and environments permits for hours and hours of rocket launching fun.