One of the more intriguing titles last year when the Playstation 2 launched was Rockstar's Smuggler's Run. The premise of the game was to engage in a number of missions as a freelancing smuggler. The game attracted many early PS2 adopters thanks to engaging gameplay, slick visuals and a pretty solid soundtrack. Therefore, it was no surprise when Rockstar announced a sequel to the game was in the works at the end of last year. This year's iteration offers more of the same goodness with the addition of a few new tweaks. However, is it all that much different from the first outing?

Smuggler Run 2's visual package is a mixed bag this year. On the positive side the framerate is smooth and consistent hovering around the standard 60 frames per second refresh rate. If you thought last year's game had large levels, then you will be surprised to find out that the developer has increased the levels even more. As a result, the levels at times are so expansive that we found ourselves getting lost on more than one occasion. Regardless of their size, each environment has been beautifully recreated. Textures for the most part are varied and water and other weather effects have been done well. You have 3 views to choose from. The third person view could have had the camera pulled back a bit further because it is difficult to see anything during the jungle missions. Therefore, jungle missions become more of lesson in memorization and luck than those of skill. On the negative side, collision detection is inconsistent. Sometimes trees do nothing to you while at other times they hinder your progress. This inconsistency proves quite frustrating in later levels when timing is so tight even the slightest error results in failure. Another issue is the rain effects. On some levels it is raining in third person view but when you switch to first person the rain suddenly disappears. Again this was inconsistent and appears the Q&A department missed it in final testing. The vehicle designs are a little more detailed than last year and offer a good variety throughout the game's extensive levels. The soundtrack this year is varied with mostly techno, house, trance and progressive house. For those like myself, this is great but even as a fan of those genres, the soundtrack tends to become repetitive, especially when you have to re-try particular missions more than three times. The sound effects are standard fare for a game of this nature.

The developers had a winning gameplay formula last year so it comes as no surprise that most of the same mechanics return in Smuggler's Run 2. The premise of the game is quite simple yet addictive. Accept a number of missions to pick up and deliver a number of contraband to different areas and clients, while avoiding the authorities and other opponents vying for the same contraband. The missions themselves are very similar to those from last year. Some involve picking up and delivering contraband under time constraints while other missions have you and three associates take on another team in a contest to see who can pick up a pre-determined amount of merchandise first. Controlling each of the 8 different vehicles is easy enough. Considering the vehicles range from buggies to large monster trucks, each takes a little time to master their own advantages and disadvantages. You begin the game with one vehicle and are awarded new vehicles as you progress through the game. New this year is the addition of countermeasure weapons which are awarded as the game progresses. At the outset, these countermeasures sounded like a great idea, but in reality they do little to actually hinder your enemies. This is painfully evident with the bombs which end up exploding under your vehicle which sends you flying and landing flipped over. This usually ends in an arrest or wastes precious seconds in timed missions.

As already mentioned, there are a total of 8 vehicles to be unlocked throughout the game's 36 missions. The missions are spread over three massive territories, each having their own unique characteristics which effect your strategy. The problem is that many of these missions start to repeat themselves. To no surprise things start to become too repetitive and at times boring. Main modes of play include: Smuggler's Mission, Joy Riding and Turf War. Smuggler's Mission is where you will spend most of your time tackling the 36 missions. Joy Riding is a nice feature, which allows you to roam any of the massive levels that you have already cleared or are currently playing. This mode is especially useful in later stages of the game where your knowledge of the layout is vital to your success. Using the Joy Riding mode will allow you to strategize the best approach to specific tasks. Turf War is a number of 2 -player games including checkpoint races, bomb tag and loot grab.

Fans of last year's game will enjoy returning, however if they were looking for something new they may be disappointed. On the other hand, those new to the PS2 scene this holiday will find Smuggler's Run 2 a very playable title that will keep them busy through the upcoming chilly months.