Test Drive Unlimited 2
About the Game
Test Drive Unlimited 2 is the sequel to the open-world racing game Test Drive Unlimited . It is set on two islands: Ibiza and Oahu (the Hawaiian island that was also the setting of the first game). Oahu is only available after players have reached level 10, after which the airport is accessible. You start out as a valet, dreaming of getting a luxurious car for your birthday until you get rudely awakened by the rich girl whose car you were supposed to bring around.
Gameplay & Core Systems
She then decides to hire you to get her to a studio where she needs to be very soon, and if you perform well you can enter a racing competition named Solar Crown. Of course, to join the competition you'll need to obtain a license first, which is done by attending a driving school and finishing a series of tasks and tests to prove you are worthy. As soon as you have obtained the license you are free to explore the first island. Passing other cars closely and/or at high speeds, jumping, drifting and other 'dangerous' driving fills a reward bar, that can be cashed in as soon as it reaches a certain amount or left to add to higher amounts, with the risk of losing it all when you hit something and crash.
Standout Features
- You can obtain more licenses to enter other competitions.
- Free Ride Instant Money: players' vehicle is equipped with a so-called F.R.I.M. (Free Ride Instant Money) device, which allows them to earn some cash with which to buy cars, houses, upgrades, clothes etc.
- Cash can also be earned by completing races and challenges.
- A weather system and a day/night cycle influence the number of traffic on the road and your grip, if it rains or there are puddles you will skid in corners.
- In offline mode, a couple of AI drivers drive around which you can challenge to a quick race (for a 1000 dollar in-game stake, as well as experience points), whereas in online mode you can do the same with real opponents.
- You can also cooperate in several coop challenges.
- The game also uses AI police officers who can give you a 'warning' if they see you run a red light, drive against traffic or cause an accident.
- This will disappear after a while unless you violate the law again in the time the meter is shown.
Modes & Ways to Play
Player support includes Co-Op, Free-for-all / One-on-one (VS), Team, and 2-8 Players.
Presentation & Atmosphere
The game has several difficulty settings, which influence for instance the amount of aid you get while driving, manual transmission or automatic gearbox and an ideal line projected on the roads during certain challenges.
Display support includes Progressive Scan (480p), HDTV 720p, HDTV 1080i, HDTV 1080p, and Widescreen (16 x 9). Audio support includes Custom Soundtracks and Dolby Digital.
