In addition to sending text-based messages, players with microphones can send voice messages. Personally, the idea of actually speaking to other players seems a little too hokey. Gamers already have a hard enough time convincing people they aren't geeks. Talking to the computer will only worsen things. The most obvious improvement to Tribes 2 is its revamped graphics engine.
Maps are now very large, consisting of detailed indoor and outdoor environments.
The textures and lighting are especially impressive. Tribes 2 is set in a world similar to that of the MechWarrior games, and playing the game now feels even more realistic. There have also been several improvements to streamline the user-interface. The developers clearly took note of what gamers wanted in a sequel, and they tweaked Tribes 2 accordingly. Although the first shipment of Tribes 2 had minor stability issues, the game has been evolving with patches.