CSR2 Review: A Year of Drag Racing and Customization

CSR2 is an impressive upgrade to its predecessor, CSR. While the original game had stunning graphics for its time and smooth gameplay, it left players wanting more. After playing CSR2 for a year, I can say this sequel delivers on many fronts, though it still has its frustrations.

The game follows a familiar pattern: you start with Tier-1 cars and work your way up through upgrades. However, CSR2 adds a new twist with "Fusion Parts". These fusion parts dramatically increase the acceleration and top speed of cars putting even Bugatti to shame. The game play revolves around completing different challenges and races to earn gold, fusion parts, elite parts, keys, experience points, respect points, and tokens—all of which contribute to your progression.

At first, the number of currencies and rewards may feel overwhelming, but the game builds on the CSR foundation. Once you complete all the Tier 1 to Tier 5 races, additional events and challenges unlock, keeping you engaged. One of these side quests is the "Legends" mode, where you get to restore 14 classic cars. After completing the main races, the “Tempest” arrives, adding another layer of challenge. This feature alone will keep you occupied with its three-level challenge across all five tiers, consisting of 50 races per tier—each consuming two fuel pips.

CSR2 also introduces the "Prestige Cup," which requires specific cars that can only be acquired through "Rare Imports" using Silver Keys. This is perhaps the most frustrating part of the game. The times you need to beat in this cup are often impossibly difficult unless you spend real money. Without significant upgrades—many of which are hard to come by within the time limit—you’re left facing the hard truth that life, and CSR2, isn’t always fair.

Each car must be upgraded from Level 1 to Level 5, after which you can unlock Level 6 upgrades. These upgrades also come with their own fusion parts. The game does offer free fusion parts and even Level 6 upgrades, but they’re random and often don’t align with your immediate needs. Even worse, duplicate Level 6 parts are a common problem, and there’s no in-game marketplace where you can swap parts for a nominal fee. Until such a feature is added, all you can do is keep trying

Fuel is another limiting factor. The game offers only one-third of your fuel tank for free (10 fuel pips out of 30). You can either refill 10 pips for 20 gold or wait 80 minutes for the tank to replenish on its own. Thankfully, you can watch ads to earn 1-2 fuel pips, but that option stops once you reach 20 pips.

This fuel limitation can be frustrating, especially if, like me, you don’t believe in spending real money on "free" games. However, it can also be a blessing in disguise, as it forces you to take breaks and not get overly addicted to the game. This reminds me of another great game, "Overkill 3," which has no such limits but compensates with increasing difficulty that can be equally frustrating at higher levels.

One redeeming aspect of CSR2 is the free cars you can earn, like the iconic Toyota Supra and others, depending on race events. The key to enjoying CSR2 is not taking it too seriously. Approach it as a semi-casual game, upgrade your favorite cars at your own pace, and focus on enjoying the ride.

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