Destruction Derby 2

After a somewhat lacking debut title, Reflection Studios sought to improve the formula in a number of ways for Destruction Derby 2.

The combination of the behind-the-vehicle camera perspective, much more aggressive AI drivers, and a much greater sense of speed makes the ensuing car crashes that much more spectacular to behold and exciting to participate in.
  
The racetrack variety has also seen some major improvements; there are now tightening bends, narrowing passageways, big jumps, and alternate paths to take.
And to make racing more dynamic and challenging, there are also different road conditions and new changes to the driving module that you'll have to contend with.
Cars are much more prone to spinning out and losing control with those extra factors in place.
And to accompany all that racing action, there's now a better-suited soundtrack consisting of a lot of heavy metal riffs rather than the electronic beats the first game had.

With all the praise that I've been giving this game, you'd think that I would find it pretty good.
And while I still think it's an overall improvement from the first game, where it falls short is the difficulty, which is way too unforgiving for what is supposed to be a crashing sim.
You'll be thrown into the lion's den right from the get-go and be forced to watch as you're helplessly spun off the track by a dozen of the overly aggressive AI drivers mentioned above, who all seem too eager to sabotage your meagre attempts at winning.
If not for these faults, I'd definitely rank it much higher among the PS1's lineup of racing titles.