Project CARS 2

I know that writing a review for a delisted game is basically pointless.. but.. this game really deserves it.

I'm a hobbyist simracer (have a decent setup with motion simulator, Fanatec DD, triple monitors, VR etc..) and after a few years away from the hobby I decided to have a comeback to test the new Assetto Corsa Evo. I found the game incomplete (obviously.. it's just v0.5 of early access..) but more than anything incomplete because they removed the career mode (very upsetting). Also.. I'd say it's a bit TOO sim racey for my taste (some cars a bit too unforgiving..).

So as I wanted that kind of ongoing immersion, but also a bit more easy, I thought I'd try Forza Motorsport (2023). What a mess! The worst, stupidest AI ever. A terrible arcade experience, totally unrealistic. Races without qualifying, where you decide where do you start on the grid.. no, thank you.

I thought about all the other games.. even the original Assetto Corsa.. but no career mode there.

I thought.. how is it possible that this is the state of the art of sim racing in 2026? Isn't there a decent game that is realistic, not too hardcore and has a decent career mode? And so I started looking around.. and I remembered of the old PC2 from 2017, that had been sitting for almost a decade in my game library.. almost untouched. And I thought I'd give it a try. AND WHAT A BLAST!

I won't go too far trying to explain why.. but this is THE game I wanted. It's realistic, it's immersive, it has ALL the settings you need.. all of it way better than the 2026 games.

Crazy not to have this game available to purchase anymore.. it’s my favourite sim to play when I just want to drive with no pressure.. I’d love to purchase all the dlc packs but I can’t.. why do they not want to make money? Also PC3 went full arcade so I don’t understand why you wouldn’t keep PC2 as your sim and 3 as your arcade game.. No sim player is playing your arcade game lol

PC2 is absolutely in the top 3 for all-time best sim racing games. Not only are the driving dynamics on point, (only challenged by simulators like Assetto Corsa), but the career gameplay is amazing. I've never played another game that actually makes you feel like a race car driver. You start with humble race cars and progress down a path that YOU choose, whether you have aspiration to be an F1, GT, endurance, or Rally Cross driver.

On top of that, PC2 might have the largest selection of content any racing sim has ever had. While sims like Assetto Corsa have the most content if you include mods, many mods are very poor quality. In PC2, there are hundreds of cars and 30+ courses to play, ALL of which is high quality content.

In addition to all of this, I can't think of another game that features so many racing disciplines. What ever kind of motorsport you're interested in (except for rally), PC2 has it.

Its a shame that the game is no longer supported. Luckily, there MP servers are still up though and you can still find other playing it for now. If you find a copy of PC2 or a key, buy it immediately.

Hopefully PMR will be a good spiritual successor
EDIT : This is better than PMR...

Kinda sad this is delisted, actually a great sim especially on controller. Weather effects and car detail is top notch. Probably the closest you can get to a Gran Turismo game on pc.

Beautiful, lots of variety, physics feel great and very fun. Also more forgiving than ACC. It's a solid 8/10 for me.
2 little problems:
- Game has aged a bit and things such as navigating menus and wheel compatibility is not up-to-date.
- Many missed out on this gem. Luckily there is a close relative, AMS2.

Project CARS 2 is an underrated sim racing gem, packing over 170 cars, a huge variety of tracks, and the brilliant LiveTrack 3.0 system that brings dynamic weather and evolving surfaces to life. From GT endurance to rallycross, each discipline feels distinct and rewarding, with realism that challenges and satisfies those willing to master it. Overshadowed by bigger names, it remains one of the most authentic, content-rich racers for players who crave pure motorsport.