Test Drive Unlimited
{{Short description|2006 video game}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Test Drive Unlimited
| image = Test Drive Unlimited boxart.jpg
| caption = PAL region cover art featuring the Lamborghini Gallardo (left) and the Ford GT (right)
| developer = {{plainlist|
- Eden Games (Xbox 360 & Windows)
- Atari Melbourne House (PS2 & PSP)
}}
| publisher = Atari
| director = {{ubl|Stéphane Beley|Frédéric Jay|Pierre-Arnaud Lambert}}
| producer = {{ubl|Ahmed Boukhelifa|Christophe Laboureau}}
| composer = {{ubl|Gan Juan|Richard Aitken}}
| series = Test Drive
| platforms = {{ubl|Xbox 360|PlayStation 2|Microsoft Windows|PlayStation Portable}}
| released = Xbox 360{{vgrelease|NA|5 September 2006|EU|8 September 2006|AUS|21 September 2006}}PlayStation 2, Windows{{vgrelease|EU|16 March 2007|NA|20 March 2007|AUS|13 April 2007 (PS2)}}PlayStation Portable{{vgrelease|NA|21 March 2007|EU|30 March 2007|AUS|27 April 2007}}
| genre = Racing
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
Test Drive Unlimited is a 2006 racing video game developed by Eden Games and published by Atari for Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. Atari Melbourne House developed the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions. Being the eighteenth entry in the Test Drive series, Unlimited serves as a reboot of the franchise, discarding the continuity of the previous games. The game features over 125 licensed sports cars and motorcycles and the terrain is modeled after the Hawaiian island of O{{okina}}ahu that features over {{convert|1000|mi|km}} of roads and highways.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/driving/testdriveunlimited/news.html?sid=6155610 |title=Experience Racing Reinvented on Xbox 360 |access-date=19 August 2015 |date=14 August 2006 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CNET |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929133201/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/driving/testdriveunlimited/news.html?sid=6155610 | archive-date=29 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}
It was soon followed by its sequel, Test Drive Unlimited 2 in 2011. A third game and soft reboot, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, was released in 2024.
Gameplay
{{refimprove|date=October 2023}}
In the online world of Test Drive Unlimited, players are able to drive both on-road and off-road in free-roam mode, challenging other players in real-time anywhere on the drivable map. It is also possible to drive on small islands outside of the main island. The Xbox 360 version has supported steering wheel controllers since launch. Following the third free update, Test Drive Unlimited supports force feedback wheel controllers such as Microsoft's Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel.
The roads are modeled after satellite images of the island of O{{okina}}ahu. There is a spectrum of different terrains including rain forests, mountains, sandy beaches and urbanized areas (featuring the city of Honolulu).
=Single-player game=
The game begins by purchasing a car and a house. The player is then free to explore the island; as this happens, key locations on the map are revealed.
=Multiplayer game=
The multiplayer component (branded as M.O.O.R. or Massively Open Online Racing) works as an extra layer on top of the single-player game: all activities available in single-player are also available in multiplayer.
On Xbox 360, Eden Games was allowed to add unique features to the Xboxlive in order to bring a new seamless Online experience.
The following challenges are also available in multiplayer only:
- Race against other players
- Challenge players to complete tasks
- Attempt other player challenge
Custom services, added to the XboxLive by Eden Games:
- Unique Free Roaming system.
- ETrade system : Players can buy and sell their cars.
- Drive-In : Player can Edit its own track, do its best time and publish it to a Drive-In spot and challenge other players to beat him in a lapse of time with participation fee. The best player wins the lot.
- Live Island map : Allow players to set filters, see other players updates and join their game sessions
- In Game news system, using live notifications
- Clan system + Intra and Inter Clan matchmaking
Special NPCs in PlayStation 2 version
There were 1500 total beta testers in Atari's closed beta for Test Drive Unlimited for PlayStation 2. At the end of the testing period, Atari awarded 30 of the most active testers with "immortality" in the PlayStation 2 version of Test Drive Unlimited. These 30 beta testers were allowed to name one of the non-playable characters (NPC) in the game. Some chose to use their first and last name; others chose to use their screen names. These 30 special NPCs can be found spread throughout the virtual island of only the PlayStation 2 version.{{Cite web |url=http://gotakon.blogspot.com/2007/03/im-officially-npc-in-test-drive.html |title=Gotakon- Avant Garde Musings from Hawaii: I'm Officially an NPC in Test Drive Unlimited PS2 |access-date=20 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427164345/http://gotakon.blogspot.com/2007/03/im-officially-npc-in-test-drive.html |archive-date=27 April 2007 |url-status=dead }} Atari and Melbourne House ensured the Beta Testers were given prominent positions as NPCs. Among the play testers were also friends and family of staff at Melbourne House, including staff members themselves, who are included within the different motoring clubs featured within the game. Most were granted President or Vice President status in the car clubs and were put in highly desirable performance cars.{{Cite web |url=http://gotakon.blogspot.com/2007/03/im-now-official-president-of-gt-racers.html |title=Gotakon- Avant Garde Musings from Hawaii: I'm the Official President of the GT Racers Club of Oahu |access-date=23 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427131121/http://gotakon.blogspot.com/2007/03/im-now-official-president-of-gt-racers.html |archive-date=27 April 2007 |url-status=dead }}
Development
Beginning development circa 2003, the game's budget was between $15 million and $25 million.{{cite web|first=Seth|last=Schiesel|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/06/technology/06atar.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705080424/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/06/technology/06atar.html|title=Atari Plays a Waiting Game With Test Drive Unlimited|newspaper=The New York Times|archivedate=July 5, 2023|date=July 6, 2006|accessdate=October 1, 2024}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| PC = true
| PS2 = true
| PSP = true
| X360 = true
| na = true
| Edge_X360 = 8.5/10{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |title=Test Drive Unlimited (X360) |issue=167 |date=October 2006 |page=82 |magazine=Edge |publisher=Future plc}}
| EGM_X360 = 8.5/10{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=Test Drive Unlimited (X360) |issue=209 |date=November 2006 |page=118 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis}}
| Fam_X360 = 34/40{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/85/reviews/ |title=テストドライブ アンリミテッド (X360) |language=ja |access-date=11 February 2019 |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329231618/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=85 |archive-date=29 March 2015 |url-status=live}}
| EuroG_PS2 = 9/10{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Dan |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/test-drive-unlimited-review |title=Test Drive Unlimited (PS2) |access-date=20 August 2015 |date=27 February 2007 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}
| GI_X360 = 8.35/10{{cite magazine |last=Zoss |first=Jeremy |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/EAB8533D-6739-476F-A8E9-EC2C489BA4C6.htm |title=Test Drive Unlimited (X360) |access-date=19 August 2015 |issue=163 |date=November 2006 |page=136 |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730211203/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/EAB8533D-6739-476F-A8E9-EC2C489BA4C6.htm |archive-date=30 July 2009 |url-status=dead}}
| GSpot_PC = 8.5/10{{cite web |last=Navarro |first=Alex |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/test-drive-unlimited-review/1900-6168233/ |title=Test Drive Unlimited Review (PC) |access-date=20 August 2015 |date=28 March 2007 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |archive-date=3 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903074607/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/test-drive-unlimited-review/1900-6168233/ |url-status=live }}
| GSpy_PC = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web |last=Kuo |first=Li C. |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/testdrive-unlimited/780627p1.html |title=GameSpy: Test Drive Unlimited (PC) |access-date=20 August 2015 |date=13 April 2007 |website=GameSpy |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-date=22 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222211623/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/testdrive-unlimited/780627p1.html |url-status=live }}
| GT_X360 = 8.5/10{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/4thih5/test-drive-unlimited-review |title=Test Drive Unlimited Review (X360) |access-date=11 February 2019 |date=18 September 2006 |website=GameTrailers |publisher=Viacom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031145005/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/4thih5/test-drive-unlimited-review |archive-date=31 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}
| IGN_PC = 8/10{{cite web |last=Brudvig |first=Erik |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/04/03/test-drive-unlimited-review-2 |title=Test Drive Unlimited Review (PC) |access-date=20 August 2015 |date=3 April 2007 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis}}
| OXM_X360 = 8.5/10{{cite magazine |title=Test Drive Unlimited |date=December 2006 |page=76 |magazine=Official Xbox Magazine |publisher=Future US}}
| PCGUS_PC = 80%{{cite magazine |title=Test Drive Unlimited |volume=14 |issue=7 |date=July 2007 |page=56 |magazine=PC Gamer |publisher=Future US}}
| PSM_PS2 = 8/10{{cite magazine |title=Review: Test Drive Unlimited |date=June 2007 |page=80 |magazine=PSM |publisher=Future US}}
| rev1 = The Sydney Morning Herald
| rev1_X360 = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite news |last=Hill |first=Jason |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/test-drive-unlimited-20060930-gdoh57.html |title=Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360) |access-date=11 February 2019 |date=30 September 2006 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327183804/https://www.smh.com.au/technology/test-drive-unlimited-20060930-gdoh57.html |url-status=live }}
| rev2 = The Times
| rev2_X360 = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite news |last=Wells |first=Dominic |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/technology/article/test-drive-unlimited-r3fj5sqjspc |title=Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360) |access-date=11 February 2019 |date=23 September 2006 |newspaper=The Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060929043848/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,18589-2365196,00.html |archive-date=29 September 2006 |url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}
| MC_PC = 79/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/test-drive-unlimited/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Test Drive Unlimited for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=19 March 2012 |archive-date=24 April 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250424204413/https://www.metacritic.com/game/test-drive-unlimited/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}
}}
Test Drive Unlimited received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.
411Mania gave the Xbox 360 version a score of 8.6 out of 10 and stated: "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 {{sic}} 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."{{cite web |last=Aranda |first=Ramon |url=http://411mania.com/games/test-drive-unlimited-xbox-360-review/ |title=Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360) Review |access-date=19 August 2015 |date=12 September 2006 |publisher=411Mania |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112111254/http://411mania.com/games/test-drive-unlimited-xbox-360-review/ |archive-date=12 January 2016 |url-status=dead}} The Sydney Morning Herald gave the same version a score of four stars out of five and called it "a car aficionado's paradise and a novel concept in driving games. Unlimited{{'}}s online world is certain to be mimicked." The Times also gave it four stars out of five and claimed that it "comes closer than most games to re-creating the freedom of real life." In Japan, where the Xbox 360 version was ported and published by Microsoft on 26 April 2007, Famitsu gave the game a score of 34 out of 40.
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Test Drive Unlimited for "Racing Game of the Year" at the 10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards.{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGameAwardType=120 |title=2007 Awards Category Details Racing Game of the Year |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=8 November 2023 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128141605/https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGameAwardType=120 |url-status=live }}
{{clear}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{moby game|/test-drive-unlimited}}
{{Test Drive}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Open-world video games
Category:PlayStation Portable games
Category:Video games developed in Australia
Category:Video games developed in France
Category:Video games set in Hawaii
Category:Video games using Havok