Test Drive

"One great arcade street racer comin' up!"

Review:
Another game in the Test Drive series that takes a steep curve from it's predecessors, and it's not a bad thing either. This title is more along the lines of an arcade racer than a simulation racing game. There haven't been too many of this type and pulls it off very well.

Graphics:
The graphics look good, there not trying to be ultra realistic but they work. The cars look very good with a lot of detail and scaling so they represent their real world counterparts. The backgrounds are nice and clean with different tracks roaming through forests to crowded city streets. The game features a nice selection of cars with some import racers to bad to the bone muscle cars. Personally, I think Reese's car is the best, if you saw it and raced it you would know why.

Gameplay:
I'm glad the controls for this game are on the side of a non-sim racer. I've been playing too many realistic racers lately and just needed one where I could just play and not worry about building skill and getting licenses. The cars will drive differently with the muscle cars having high speed but poor turning and import racers being vice versa. The story won't change gaming but it does carry the game well and gives you the feeling of wanting to beat your opponents. Some will trash talk you, some will befriend you and the ending will give you a surprise.

The game also features various modes with the traditional Story, Time Attack, Hot Pursuit with you being the cop and with one being the best and that is the awesome Drag Racing competitions. This part actually makes you learn the timing of the clutch to win instead of just brute power. There are some big names lending their music to the game. I'm not a big fan Saliva or rap songs, but that's ok because this is one of a few games to let you rip your own music.

Overall:
The game is pretty solid, it could use some tweaking here and there. I wish the crashes and invisible walls were taken car of, but they're not a big issue. One more thing I would have liked to see is more cars, there is a good number now but could have added a bit more. All in all it is a very good game, anybody can pick up and play and enjoy this title. There is nothing like thundering through a town in a full blown Camaro with cops chasing you. If you can find this game for $25-$30 bucks, pick it up!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/01/03, Updated 03/01/03