Lotus Turbo Challenge 2

Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 followed up on the successful first installment and brought an improved version of the beloved Lotus racing formula to the Atari ST. Compared to its predecessor, it offered more elaborate tracks, new gameplay elements, and the ability to compete against another player, which increased replayability and made the game a popular choice for shared gaming evenings. The principle remained similar – the player must complete the track within a time limit, avoid traffic, and use the nitro boost at the right spots – but the tracks were more varied and offered more visual variety of environments, from city circuits to country roads. The player could choose between several difficulty levels and game modes, which made the game accessible to both newcomers and more experienced players looking for a challenge.

On the Atari ST, the game again benefited from smooth animation and legible graphics that made good use of the platform's capabilities, accompanied by catchy music continuing the successful sound style of the first installment. The sense of speed was reinforced by small details such as screen shake on impact or changing scenery along the track, which set the game apart from many simpler competing racing titles of the time. The split-screen two-player mode was retained, and together with the improved selection of tracks, it was one of the main reasons the game became so sought-after on both the Atari ST and the Amiga, even though the core principle remained typically arcade-like and easily accessible.

Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 was well received at launch by both critics and players, who appreciated that virtually every aspect of the first installment had been improved. The game further cemented the series' position as one of the most popular racing brands on sixteen-bit home computers, and it is still remembered today as one of the high points of the arcade racing genre on the Atari ST, one that also inspired other creators of automotive arcade games of the era.

Why play: For fans of the first installment and newcomers to arcade racing alike — it improves on virtually every aspect of its predecessor and ranks among the high points of the genre on the Atari ST.