Test drive just a bit to limited. (Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360))

Member Name: elmopants

Product:	Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360)
Date:	21/01/08 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Large island and free roaming play, real cars.

Disadvantages: wooden, boring and uninteresting.

Ok, I rented this game as I wasn't sure about it's quality, I know that many people have written glowing reviews about this game but I'm afraid I won't be one of them. I was a fan of the early Test Drive Games on previous computer systems and liked the idea of a free roaming map with mission type races and other challenges but somehow Test Drive Unlimited doesn't have quite the apeal I hoped for.

First off the look of the game; I know it was released some time ago but I'm not convinced its actually neg gen quality. The trees, cars and houses look boxy and basic, in fact you could say they look like something out of a computer game which isn't what next generation graphics should be. Take Project Gotham 3 for example, released about the same time as TDU but is in a different league from it in terms of graphics. The premise of the game is interesting but there seems to be a lot of driving around looking for things to do which, lets be honest smacks a little to much of real life rather than the exciting over the top and exagerated versions of real life you get in games like Grand Theft Auto and Burnout Paradise, (which is a more up to date offering in the same vein as Test Drive Unlimited with added excitement).

Controls are the norm with a nice sat nav style guidance system although it can give you short warning of turnings sometimes. Particularly annoying in the middle of a tight to the second mission. Cut scenes are ok with cheesy characters and story lines.

So all in all this game offers players the opportunity to drive real cars aroung a realistic island doing realish missions and races. My advice is go out for a drive in your real car, or a ride on your bike if you can't drive, its better for you and probably more interesting. This game just didn't grab me and was returned to the rental place quick sharp with the hope of getting something better, maybe PGR4 or Burnout Paradise would be a better choice for a driving game?

To add insult to injury this game relies heavily on the online materials allowing you race around the realistic (cardboard looking) island with your online chums but for the time I had this title the Live was down =o( so that was hopeless too.

Sorry to all those who liked this game but it just didn't float my boat.

Summary: Not really next gen more last gen.