Test Drive: Take It for a Spin
Friday, November 17, 2006; Page WE50
The Test Drive series has built its reputation for great racing games by perfectly balancing real-life simulation with arcade-style gameplay. Sure, some were better than others, but fans keep coming back for more. The latest, Test Drive Unlimited, takes a different approach to racing games, one that could be the next big thing in the genre.
The game is the first massively multiplayer online racing game. If you don't know what "massively multiplayer" means, imagine a gaming world that is constantly running, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At any time, you can log in and join others in the same game.
  Drive cars 24-7 in the world of Test Drive Unlimited. (Atari) |
Test Drive Unlimited is set in Hawaii. You can drive around and explore your surroundings, where you can challenge other players to race for cash. With your winnings, you can buy more cars, upgrades and even houses.
Players start on Oahu. You've got $200,000, and with that, you can afford only a one-bedroom apartment and a modest ride. If you're good, you could end up with a six-car garage attached to your mansion on the beach.
The island has more than 1,000 miles of roads modeled from the real island's streets. In addition to computer-controlled cars, the bulk of the game is populated by real players -- who, like you, are out to improve their lifestyle. As you explore, you can check out car showrooms, shop at high-end stores and walk through prospective homes. If you have extra cash, you can modify your car to improve performance, bettering your chances of winning races. Speaking of cars, the game has more than 125 vehicles, including cars from Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari and Bentley. There are also motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles.
A big draw is how free-form the game is. There isn't a storyline to bother with or any characters you have to talk to. Exploration and racing are the name of the game. From time to time, other players will ask you to do things for them. This may include delivering products or driving a passenger to a destination. If you complete these "missions," you'll be rewarded. And don't think you can drive any way you please. There are laws, and, if you break them, the cops will come looking for you.
-- Tom Ham
Test Drive Unlimited Everyone 10+; Xbox 360 ($39.99) Atari/Eden Studios
