The action driving title Driver 2 was released in 2000 on the original PlayStation. The sequel introduced new features to the Driver franchise like curved roads, multiplayer, and the ability to freely run around without a car. The features were impressive back in 2000, but with modern technology a team of indie developers has been able to create a PC port that is capable of running at 60 FPS.
Many old games can be emulated, but the team of indie developers created a native PC port for Driver 2. The developers built the source code from assembly and compiled it into a native version for PC. By compiling the data to a native PC port in this way, the game becomes fully playable. However, the team used the original levels and assets, so an ISO file must be created to play the title.
One of the most impressive aspects of Driver 2 is its maps, featuring famous locations like Chicago, Havana, Las Vegas, and Rio De Janeiro with landmarks including the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field, and Las Vegas hotels. Driver 2 also features a variety of cars that can be found exclusively in different locations. For example, Las Vegas may have more expensive luxury cars, but players will find classic cars from the 60s and 70s in Havana.
The Driver 2 PC port project will also address bugs that plagued the original game, and will update features. Although the graphics are somewhat out of date, the gameplay more than makes up for it. Racing game generally do not have complicated gameplay, and Driver 2 sticks to the basics. Players can take on missions or drive around cities and enjoy the classic 70s car chase soundtrack composed by Allister Brimble, who has worked on a multitude of games including the Rollercoaster Tycoon and Backyard Baseball franchises.
By creating a PC port for Driver 2, the team of indie developers are giving many fans a sense of nostalgia, since securing a working PlayStation and the original game may prove difficult in modern times. Developers have released similar projects that also give older titles PC ports.
Super Mario 64 is one such game with a PC port created by independent developers that allows it to run with 60 FPS, and also features many optional mods including textures and character models. As classic game systems get older, it will become more difficult to find means to play them, and developers creating PC ports for classic games ensure there is a way these games can still be played.
The unofficial Driver 2 PC port is available now.
Source: REDRIVER2 Project