Test Drive Unlimited

System: Xbox 360
Publisher: Atari
Developer: Eden Games

PREVIEW by Howard Brown

Right out the gate, Eden Games is looking to do something different with Test Drive Unlimited. Being an Xbox 360 title means the graphics are going to be astounding, which is no surprise, so the developers are looking to take advantage of other capabilities of the hardware. They’re coining the phrase ‘Massively Open Online Racing’ (M.O.O.R.) to describe the online elements. What exactly does this mean? It means Test Drive Unlimited will allow thousands of gamers to play simultaneously in the same game world. As you drive over more than 1,000 miles of road on the Hawaiian landscape, the cars you’ll be passing will be real players offering a huge number of new challenges, opponents and competitions.

The automotive dealerships in game will contain over 125 vehicles from manufacturers such as Lamborghini, Saleen, Mercedes, Shelby, Jaguar and Aston Martin where players can purchase new vehicles or just test drive them on the road. Online races can contain up to 16 players with credits won being usable for rare performance parts, new cars, clothes and apparel, homes and garages. The community aspect of the game will allow players to join a club to talk, race, trade or organize club-based competitions and tournaments. What’s even better is the always online connection will see monthly additions of vehicles, aftermarket parts and clothing for accessorizing your created character.

Some of the other features to look forward to in Test Drive Unlimited are:

• Realistic vehicles: Amazing render quality and unrivalled interior details including full car functions such as radio, electric windows, horn, wipers and more;

• Personalization: Upgrade each car with options from the actual manufacturers’ catalog. Players create characters, buy new homes and garages, and tune and upgrade vehicles with aftermarket parts;

• Create challenges or races from more than 50 game rules and settings. Upload your created challenges online to become part of the player community;

• Simplified match making and division based rankings make this game the most comprehensive and accessible online racing experience.

The graphics are shaping up very nicely so far. The vehicles are very nicely detailed both inside and out while the Hawaiian countryside is a start contrast to the street racer settings found in Xbox 360’s current stable of racers. We’ll be keeping an eye out on Test Drive Unlimited as it approaches the Summer 2006 release date.