Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 is part of the Lotus racing game series. As the second game in the series and the first to appear on game consoles, it was a shift in the series towards more arcade-like gameplay. In addition to the game’s release on Amiga and other computer systems, it also marked the series’ debut on Sega Genesis, known as Mega Drive in some regions. It introduced course-based time trials, moving away from the lap-based levels of the initial title in the series. Here’s a look at Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 and what it offers the players in terms of cheats.
Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 Premise
Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 departs from traditional racing games by eliminating fuel limits and fixed difficulty levels. Instead, the game focuses on time trials across various courses, where players challenge themselves in addictive and fast-paced driving. Players are tasked with completing each course within a specific time to progress to the next one. This Out Run-like gameplay tests players’ speed and precision in a repetitive but addictive format.
The gameplay of Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 alternates between two distinct Lotus models: the Esprit Turbo SE and the Lotus Elan SE. The player drives the Elan SE on odd levels and the Esprit on even levels, so mastery of both is required to advance to further time trials.
The game features both single-player and multiplayer modes. In single-player mode, Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 uses the full game screen. This change represents a major departure from its predecessor, which used only half of the screen. While the cars do not change, opponent cars appear in various colors throughout the races.
Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 Characters
Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 does not feature individual characters or drivers to center the game. As usual for this generation of video games, the game simply features different cars. However, unlike modern racing games, the selection is very limited here. The game specifically features the Lotus Esprit Turbo SE and the Lotus Elan SE. These cars are the stars of the game, each providing a distinct driving experience on the varied courses.
Games in the Series
The Lotus series focuses on high-speed, arcade-style racing, emphasizing the Lotus brand of cars. The game series started in 1990 with the release of the original Lotus Espirit Turbo Challenge. Within a couple of years, the franchise had spawned two more games. Magnetic Fields, a British game studio, discontinued the Lotus series after releasing Lotus III: The Ultimate Challenge in 1992. The games were made by a British game studio called Magnetic Fields, responsible for other games including the Super Cars series and the International Rally Championship.
- Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge (1990)
- Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 (1991)
- Lotus III: The Ultimate Challenge (1992)
Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 Cheats
The game has a password system for accessing different races and accessing other cheats. Once a player qualifies for a race, a password for that race is revealed. However, there are no cheats that make cars go faster or make the competition more one-sided. In addition to the password, the developers also inserted a few interesting easter eggs into the game. Let’s take a look at the passwords and the easter eggs.
Passwords
| Effect | Password |
| Always Qualify | DEESIDE |
| Level 2 | TWILIGHT |
| Level 3 | PEA SOUP |
| Level 4 | THE SKIDS |
| Level 5 | PEACHES |
| Level 6 | LIVERPOOL |
| Level 7 | BAGLEY |
| Level 8 | E BOW |
| No Timer | TURPENTINE |
| Secret Game | DUX |
| City Stage | LIVERPOOL |
| Desert Stage | PEACHES |
| Marsh Stage | BAGLEY |
| Mist Stage | PEA SOUP |
| Night Stage | TWILIGHT |
| Snow Stage | THE SKIDS |
| Storm Stage | E BOW |
Easter Eggs
Yeehaw!: There’s a spot on the sixth level of the game’s Amiga version, where players can drive under one of the truck trailers that cross the road. Successfully performing this will make the in-game announcer shout out “Yeehaw!” This sound is not found on the console version of the game.
Secret Game: The secret game references above in the passwords refers to a mini-game that is based on a game by Magnetic Fields’ developer Shaun Southern’s game Kwazy Kwaks. Developers created the game for VIC-20 in 1984, which players can access in Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 by using the password DUX.
Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 FAQ
Can Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 be played on modern systems?
To play Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 on modern systems, you might need to use emulation software because developers created it for platforms like the Amiga and Sega Genesis. There is no official PC port of the game.
Does the game have a multiplayer mode?
Yes, the Amiga and Atari ST versions of Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 support multiplayer through a serial port connection, allowing 4-player gameplay. Even without it, the game supports 2-player fullscreen mode.