TrackMania 2: Canyon Review

TrackMania 2: Canyon is a time trial simcade racing game that focuses on wild map design and skill-based driving. It somehow combines the madness of Forza Horizon 3’s excellent Hot Wheels DLC with the learning curve of a dedicated simulator like Project CARS 2.

Game

TrackMania 2’s skill limit is very high. The driving physics is similar to an arcade, but still manages to provide a skill curve typical of a hardcore racing simulator. This is achieved by having a map editor that works around the drift system. Drifting feels like a more refined version of what was present in Burnout Paradise. There is more control over momentum and direction here, but it basically works in much the same way. The community then designs tracks that have crazy jumps, technical chicanes, and sweeping right-handers aplenty. It is impressive how the physics engine is flexible enough to feel satisfying on such a wide variety of course types. TrackMania 2 feels good when played on a controller, steering wheel, or even a keyboard. It’s very rare to find a keyboard-friendly racing game, so this is a nice change.

Criticisms

Critics often complain about the lack of tutorials or guides present, but disagree. TrackMania 2: Canyon, like most racing games, is very simple to understand. The controls are extremely natural, with throttle, brake and drift being second nature to those familiar with the genre. It doesn’t take a genius to understand that going through each course as fast as possible is a good thing. A tutorial could have been presented easily enough, but I doubt it would have gained much value given the likelihood of people diving deep in these days. This is not a complex 4X strategy game. It’s a game where you hit RT and go fast.

The controversial decision to remove local split screen is a major downside for TrackMania 2. After launching with full split screen support, it was later removed for no stated purpose. The game mode itself is still in the game, but the option to play it has been removed from the menus. I suspect the reasoning behind this choice was to get players to buy a second copy for their friend or to get the new TrackMania Turbo. Either way, it’s definitely an anti-consumer design choice.