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IF CODEMASTERS HAS LOST its midas touch in recent years, particularly on updates to its PlayStation franchises of old, the PlayStation 2 version of V8 Supercars Race Driver 2 at least shows the company could be on the mend.

Now we all know there's more hype than healthy in this game's tag as "the ultimate racing simulator." Granted, there's a lot of racing on offer but it's no closer to simulating racing than Scottish team managers.

If we can forget the blunders of the Xbox version (although few PS2 faithful will want to miss the chance to gloat) and appreciate that the PC version was never going to sell too well, there's a chance Codies can make a new name for itself with Sony hardware, at least from what Gameplanet has seen and played of the latest preview code.

Before we get into details, we've also played the most recent Colin McRae code on PS2 and it feels better than last year, and judging by our hands-on experience with World Rally Championship 4 there is going to be another big battle in the rally stakes this Spring.

The PS2 version of V82 is the pick of the bunch for a number of reasons. We've already been rambling in the forums in past months about the benefits of the PC version's (again hugely overstated) Pro-Sim handling mode, particularly as relates to the 900 degree steering lock of the Driving Force Pro wheel. Why this mode was never included on Xbox is beyond us, but here it is on the PlayStation 2 complete with dedicated support for USB steering wheels and custom support for the Driving Force Pro. Colin McRae and WRC don't support the wheel's 900 degree mode (as yet, anyway), but it's a lot more important on tarmac than gravel.

We haven't used the wheel on V8 2 but the handling is indeed much improved and adds a more challenging and, dare we say it, intuitive feel to driving even with a DualShock. That's not to say there isn't a clear level of assistance in the game's physics but it's definitely a step up, and therefore forward in terms of immersion and satisfaction.

The PlayStation 2 version allows for an extra 99 car and track combinations but while the graphics engine, which makes things look a little better than the Xbox version thanks to improved hues and an equally smooth frame rate and apparent level of detail, can handle 21 cars without pop-up only 8 players can race together online as opposed to 12 on Xbox.

Here's a quote from Atari: "Plus, in [V8 Supercars 2], you start as a professional - there are no boring 'tests' to take before you can play the proper game. In fact, you'll be buckling up in top supercars from the start your first is the awesome Ford GT!"

All in all it seems the wait will be worth it for those without an Xbox. V8 Supercars 2 is but one in a slew of upcoming driving games that are looking equally tempting on both consoles and from our experience it's one of the best of them.

Show me the screenshots!

Check out the Official Site.