It's like GTA but for kids! (Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360))

Member Name: f1ndl0w

Product:	Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360)
Date:	11/05/09 (18 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Level of gameplay varies for all ages.

Disadvantages: Some of the races are very long (125 Miles ... in an hour!!)

This game has been around for a few years now, I remember around it's release there was quite a lot of hype about it, but in all honestly I had forgotten about it, until I was looking for games to go with my Xbox 360. I found it in the "bargain" section if Argos, where they were offering 2 games for just £30 ... An offer that was hard to refuse. It was the first game that I played on the Xbox, and was seriously impressed, who wouldn't be driving a Ferrari on a large HD telly!?

For me something that makes this game stand out is the massive selection of genuine cars, being able to drive down a street, pop into an exotic car garage & taking the most expensive car for a spin. It sounds perfect until you realize it's just a game. Aside from this there is a certain amount of realism, for example you can't just buy cars until you are out of £££, you need to buy garages for them all too, unlike some games where there's a nature of see-it, buy-it, forget-it. In addition to this all cars are licensed, so they look photo-realistic (and even have live updating sat-nav!).

The scenery of the game is, again, very impressive. There seems to be hundreds, if not thousands, of miles of roads to explore - so it will take a long time before "this place looks familiar" comes into your head. To help you around the place there is sat-nav type navigation, whereby you can get a birds-eye view of the island to set your destination. In all honesty you would no doubt be lost without it.

The game may not be the most realistic in terms of car's handling, but I find that there is at least a clear distinction when driving different cars (i.e. many of the older US muscle cars feel like boat's around corners). There are many different "stages" for you to compete in to progress throughout the game, all of which are accessible in different stages & through the map. These range from the usual races, to special missions whereby you may be rewarded in tokens rather than money.

Online play is something which I felt has been implemented very well, with other players appearing as if they are just driving down the street next to you, and if you fancy a challenge then you can just flash your headlights at them, and let the rubber burning begin!

I'd say this game is very similar to the GTA and Need For Speed series', in that you are free to roam around the island (city) as much as you like, and take on challenges as & when you please ... the only major difference from GTA is that there is no ability to walk around, everything is from your car (oh, of course, the lack of guns too!).

Summary: Great racing game for those who don't want life-like handling (& crashes to accompany)