Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360) Review
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 09.12.2006
Test Drive: Unlimited potential?
With the ability for thousands of gamers to play simultaneously, Test Drive Unlimited is MOOR: Massively Open Online Racing.
TDU attempts to open up a new road to a highly expanding and very popular area; the MMO genre. The game is set in Hawaii's Oahu Island, reproduced with such accuracy that those who have been fortunate enough to visit will likely recognize locations. With over 1000 miles of land to explore, and over 350 multiplayer and solo challenges, this game is gleaming with depth.
Graphics
What we've come to expect from next-gen graphics. TDU goes to show how precise and accurate developers can get with environments and objects. Oahu Island is a picture perfect representation of what the paradise island looks like. From the lush landscape and vibrant sky, to the crystal clear ocean, the attention to detail is impressive. The bikes and vehicles all look amazing with unrivalled interior designs and superb render quality.
Gameplay
Want to talk about depth? Well Test Drive Unlimited is oozing depth. TDU features 90 of the most gorgeous vehicles (cars and bikes) on this planet including Ducati, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Koenigsegg and Lamborghini, all officially licensed. The control scheme is very similar to PGR3 and Burnout Revenge, so players with previous experience in those two should have no problem picking this game up and going for a drive. Though the steering can be a bit over-sensitive, players do have an option of changing the settings to better fit their styles. Gamers can participate in eight player races or take vehicles for a drive throughout the island.
Feel like winning money? Well gamers can win races, challenges, missions and tournaments to earn credits and purchase new cars, bikes, rare performance parts, apparel and homes. (Yes homes! Each home can hold a specific number of cars, depending on the value of that house).
Getting tired of your car? Well you can also trade or sell your ride, even purchase one directly from a player or dealership.
Where this game really shines is in the ability to gather in communities. Remember this is a MMO type game. Players can create or join a club to talk, race, trade, or organize club-based competitions and tournaments. Don't feel like playing against strangers? Well race and live with your club instead. The game features a filter that will allow players to only see those in their club while playing online. So no pesky players ruining all the fun! And talk about customizations! Players can customize their avatar with a choice of popular branded clothing and the ability to create a unique look with different hair styles, colorings and by fine tuning facial features. The customizations don't stop there as you will also have the ability to customize any of the 90 licensed bikes and cars by changing parts, paintjobs and interior accessories.....all for a fee of course! (So go win some races).
Sound
Each of the licensed vehicles sounds identical to their real-life counterpart. Since you'll be living in Hawaii, expect the soothing sounds of ocean waves and gusting winds....all very life-like. TDU presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 will give you a real sense of driving through the streets of Oahu.
Lasting Appeal
This is not a game that will get old fast. One of the great features is the ability to create your own race tracks within the island and upload them to XBL for others to race. By beating the best time on a given track, you will earn bonus money and get your records uploaded on Live for all to see. As mentioned before, the online community is where it’s really at! You can create or join clubs (one at a time) and really feel like you're a part of something exciting. How about creating a Ferrari club, one that meets up every Sunday to race a Lamborghini club? Yup, all possible with this highly customizable game. Don't think for one second that Achievements are gained easily! Some of them are only attained by playing for hours and hours and winning multiple races in different parts of the island...not to mention the ability to unlock hidden vehicles.
Fun Factor
I've found myself already jumping online for hours at a time, just to explore the island. You'll be hard pressed not to drive around for a while before even jumping into any type of race. Again, the clubs make this a very entertaining experience as this is not your typical racing game. It's very easy to spend hours online chatting with people and discovering new areas.
The 411
Even if you own a next-gen racing game, this is a title that you MUST try out. This is such an open ended game that never actually ends ala World of Warcraft and feeling like you're a part of the Island with your homes, vehicles and club is too much of a cool thing to pass up. Atari really put together something fresh and exciting and for any racing enthusiast or MMO fan, this game is for you!
Graphics
9.0
The Island looks great, and the detail on the bikes and cars is impressive.
Gameplay
8.5
Steering takes some getting used to, but challenges and features are superb.
Sound
8.0
Cars sound very life-like and the soothing sounds of the Island are relaxing.
Lasting Appeal
9.0
Tons of depth and features, TDU's novelty won't wear off for a long time!
Fun Factor
8.5
Creatiing clubs is half the fun, not to mention creating your own tracks.
