Driver 2: Back on the Streets is an action-driving game developed by Reflections Interactive and published by Infogrames for the original PlayStation. Released in 2000, it is the sequel to Driver (1999) and expands the series with open-world exploration, cinematic missions, and—most importantly—the ability for the player to leave the vehicle for the first time in the franchise.
What is Driver 2?
Driver 2 is a mission-based driving game where players control undercover police officer John Tanner. The game mixes high-speed car chases, stealth-style objectives, and story-driven missions inspired by action movies.
Unlike the first game, Driver 2 introduces larger cities, on-foot exploration, and more dynamic mission structures, making it one of the most ambitious PS1 titles of its time.
Story Overview
The story follows Tanner and his partner Tobias Jones as they infiltrate criminal organizations across multiple cities to take down international crime syndicates. Their investigation leads them through dangerous gangs, betrayal, and high-stakes undercover operations.
The main goal is to stop rival crime bosses while building credibility inside the criminal world.
Gameplay Features
Open-World City Driving
Driver 2 features large, open cities where players can freely drive between missions or explore in “Take a Ride” mode. Each city has its own layout, traffic system, and atmosphere.
- Chicago
- Havana
- Las Vegas
- Rio de Janeiro
On-Foot Exploration
For the first time in the series, Tanner can exit his car, walk around environments, and steal other vehicles. This feature adds variety and more strategic mission possibilities.
Cinematic Mission Design
Missions are structured like action movie sequences, including surveillance, high-speed pursuits, tailing targets, and dramatic escapes from police or gangs.
Vehicle Variety
Players can hijack different cars throughout the city, each with unique handling and performance characteristics, adding unpredictability to chases.
Game Modes
- Undercover Mode – story-driven missions with cinematic cutscenes
- Take a Ride – free-roam exploration without objectives
- Multiplayer Mode – split-screen driving challenges (PS1 version)
Graphics and Atmosphere
For a PlayStation title, Driver 2 pushed hardware limits with large draw distances, detailed urban environments, and realistic traffic systems. While the visuals show their age today, at the time it was praised for creating a believable “living city” feel.
The soundtrack and sound effects enhance the cinematic tone, making car chases feel like scenes from an action film.
Why Driver 2 Is Still Popular
- One of the earliest true open-city driving games on PS1
- First Driver game to include on-foot gameplay
- Cinematic, story-driven missions
- Four large cities to explore
- Nostalgic “crime movie” atmosphere
- Influenced later open-world games like GTA-style design
Tips for New Players
- Learn city layouts to improve escape routes
- Use alleys and shortcuts during police chases
- Don’t always rely on top-speed—control is more important
- Practice smooth cornering to avoid crashing in missions
- In “Take a Ride” mode, explore to discover hidden routes
Legacy
Driver 2: Back on the Streets is considered a landmark PS1 title for its ambitious open-world design and cinematic storytelling. While it had technical limitations such as draw distance issues and challenging controls, it successfully expanded the scope of driving games and helped shape the direction of future open-world action titles.
It remains a cult classic among retro gaming fans and is still remembered for its bold attempt to combine driving simulation with free exploration and narrative-driven gameplay.