Test Drive Unlimited

"Unlimited Fun"

Test Drive: Unlimited is a racer that came from out of nowhere. The game is a slick arcade game, with all the key features a good free-roamer would have. The game allows for a selection of cool options and that alone is what makes TD: U so great.

Story: At first you may think there is one, what with all the CG movies and what not. But in fact, the game is really just a one track play. Become rich n Powerful through racing and doing other such related events. Simple? Yes. Does it work? For the most part yes, but some of these odd tasks get tedious (like having to stop INSIDE the aurora, instead of just getting there. But as far as story goes, there isn't really one there.

Gameplay: Ahhh, yes, some good old' racing! Test Drive Unlimited plays like most other racers currently out for 360. Most will relate to either PGR 3 or maybe even NFS: Most wanted, but you'll soon discover that the game has its own style of play and that why I enjoyed it so much. The game starts of with you arriving at the airport in Hawaii. From here you can select from a number of male and female characters. After choosing your player, you then get to rent a car. From here you can choose a fairly nice car, but don't get too attached, as they take it away soon after. Now you get a home. By this time you're excited to start working, and what a trip it turned out to be. The Cars (and bikes) you buy, all come from dealerships and such. You can buy, or trade or sell. It works pretty smoothly, but it's nothing you haven't seen. The Cars and Bikes in TD: U is very nice. Everything from an SL500 to an old Triumph 350cc. The game is loaded to the gills with flashy rides. The games races and small challenges are how you earn cash. These range from single races, to time trial, to helping a chick with her shopping bags. All these events transpire on this enormous island of Hawaii. It's got plenty of towns, beaches and hills, but for the most part, you'll be going to fast to care. It all sounds good and it is, but a few flaws come with this great slew of features. For one, the games nav map and nav system are annoying and poorly designed. And after 15 hours it's hard to sleep with the words "turn left" and "the next intersection" carved into your brain. Another small turd is the lack of challenge. After 4 days I was almost finished, so don't expect another Midnight club here.

Graphics: Well, anything next-gen looks good. But I guess in just a class of its own, this game isn't as great looking as, oh say PGR3. But it's got a great sense of speed and motion, not to mention sweet weather effects. The textures on the environments are all really neat and the buildings look fantastic. Even the character models are great looking! As far as sound goes, the cars sound amazing! The first peel-out I did in that lotus Elise was amazing! However, the soundtrack is worthy of an elevator speaker. It's not really...well. Good. Besides that, TD: U is just fine (especially for the price).

In conclusion: At the price, Test Drive Unlimited plays like a full priced title, and it sports plenty of good to make it worth your time. I highly recommend this title. P.S. - I don't have live, so it may be even better when I get that!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/11/06