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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Test Drive Unlimited

EMAILPRINTxbox360

Test Drive Unlimited
82
8.0 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 69 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 54 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info

Publisher: Atari

Developer: Eden Studios

Genre(s): Racing, Driving

Players: 8

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: September 5, 2006

Summary

Test Drive Unlimited is the only game that immerses you into the car and bike enthusiast lifestyle, with total freedom to race however and wherever you want within a huge, online-persistent environment. Visit the most sophisticated car and bike dealers to purchase new vehicles or simply take them for a spin. Collect and trade rare performance parts and customize each vehicle to make it one-of-a-kind. Test Drive Unlimited challenges players online to experience the most exotic and fastest vehicles on more than 1000 miles of diverse Hawaiian roads. Gamers win races, challenges, missions and tournaments to earn credits and purchase new cars, bikes, rare performance parts, clothes, apparel, homes and garages. Features more than 125 licensed vehicles from exclusive manufacturers including Lamborghini, Ducati, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Saleen, Shelby, and Jaguar; Upgrade each car or bike with options from the actual manufacturers' catalog. Players create characters, buy new homes and garages, and tune and upgrade vehicles with aftermarket parts; Extracurricular activities such as expanding your garage, getting clothes and fashion accessories for your avatar, helping hitchhikers catch planes, picking up girls, chasing car thieves, and escaping from a psychopath. [Atari]

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

91

Gaming Age

Even more impressive is the fact that the game is set in real mileage (or kilometers depending on your region) which means you may be in for a very long ride if your race spans over 100 miles. With over 1000 miles of terrain, you will be driving well over 100 hours if you want to do or see everything in the game.

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91

Game Chronicles

Sadly, Test Drive Unlimited is probably the closest I will ever get to Oahu, but thanks to Eden and some of the best environmental visuals I have seen this year, I can comfortably say I have already been there.

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90

Xbox World Australia

A thoroughly enjoyable, deep and challenging experience (particularly because of the online instant challenges against other XBL opponents), with more cars than a, well, car yard ... Test Drive Unlimited is one of the best examples of true online integration and a fantastic car game to boot.

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90

AceGamez

if you're a 360 owner in the market for an awesome racing experience that truly lets you hit the open road and live the dream life, you've got nearly Unlimited possibilities with this latest Test Drive.

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90

Thunderbolt

Despite the story at the start of game urging you to be the best and beat everyone else, Test Drive: Unlimited is more about relaxing, having fun and enjoying the scenery than getting in a sweat at completing every challenge.

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90

GamingExcellence

While the online aspect truly adds a completely new dimension to the game, Test Drive Unlimited, at its core, is simply one of those rare games that must truly be experienced by all.

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90

Play Magazine

Massively Open Online Racing has arrived. [Oct. 2006, p.60]

90

Official Xbox Magazine UK

As good as we were expecting and hoping, it delivers on its promise to make an 'always on' Xbox Live race world, plus the car handling, sheer size of its island and the way you're left to make your own fun in your own way makes it a breath of pine-scented air in this world full of bland race games. [Oct 2006, p.108]

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90

X360 Magazine UK

The most detailed, realistic, sprawling, long-lasting, and satisfying racing game ever - Eden has actually pulled it off. A must for any high-definition petrolhead; it's absolutely stunning. [Issue 10, p.80]

90

Boomtown

It's not perfect, but for me it's the racing and driving game I've always dreamed of playing. Well done Eden.

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90

eToychest

Despite the flaws, this game is impressively large and open ended, and offer a wealth of fun and addictive content - two of the most important qualities of any game.

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88

Games Master UK

In pure racing terms, TDU fails to scale the Everest-like peaks of "Project Gotham 3", but as a driving game it's in a league of its own. [Oct 2006, p.69]

88

GameZone

While the cars don’t control realistically and motorcycles feel slightly awkward, the wonderful terrain and the entertaining racing challenges make this an Xbox 360 game racing enthusiasts will definitely enjoy.

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88

Gamezilla!

Aspects such as the control of the different cars which are rewarding to drive, the different cars handling noticeably, well different, and the AI reacting to your movements all gives the races some flare.

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88

Pelit (Finland)

The fusion of free driving in a huge, realistic game world and the mixture of single and multiplayer challenges works really well, even though many things could have been improved. [Oct 2006]

87

TeamXbox

The online and offline integration is well done, the car lineup is solid, and the graphics are above average. There’s also a good amount of gameplay jammed onto the disc.

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87

PGNx Media

Test Drive Unlimited succeeds in reasonably blending the single- and multi-player experiences into one cohesive package.

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87

IC-Games

Nothing even comes close to matching the appeal of Test Drive Unlimited. You’ll be hard pushed to play a more involving, evolving and down right enjoyable racer this year. Eden have pulled out all the stops to make Test Drive Unlimited the most polished and realistic racer the Xbox 360 has seen to date.

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86

XboxAddict

Vehicle sounds are done extremely well right down to there being a difference between different car makes and whether the windows are up or down.

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86

Da Gameboyz

With such a huge open world, tons of cars and events plus future downloadable content, the longevity of Test Drive Unlimited is quite high.

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85

Game Almighty

The innovations and online aspects have shown that this series is once again a force to be reckoned with.

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85

Gaming Target

The annoying police system, relatively lifeless environment and weak engine sounds hurt the illusion of living the dream life but luckily, don’t destroy it completely.

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85

Official Xbox Magazine

Don't let its modest $40 price fool you into thinking this is bargain-bin junk: Test Drive Unlimited is an A-list driving game on every measurable level. [Dec. 2006, p.76]

85

MS Xbox World

Test Drive Unlimited offers a great racing/driving experience combined with a fantasy exotic lifestyle gamers can lead, something that hasn’t been done before as far as I can recall.

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85

PALGN

Test Drive Unlimited breathes quality in almost every area and is arguably one of the biggest surprises of the year.

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85

Extreme Gamer

The ability to cruise or race, online or offline in a free roam fashion is refreshing and Eden has picked the perfect local in Oahu, Hawaii.

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84

Gamers' Temple

If you like your arcade racing to be intense or prefer more concrete goals in a game beyond simply accumulating cars, you’d be better off renting Test Drive Unlimited. You’ll have enough time to marvel at what it’s accomplished, but not enough to grow bored with it.

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84

GamingTrend

The driving model takes a little getting used to, but once you do the variety of vehicles will keep you racing for a long time to come.

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84

My Gamer

Don't worry about hesitating to spend the $60, you will spend more time than you think playing this game.

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83

Game Revolution

Unless you already happen to live in a beautiful tropical paradise with your mansion and fancy cars, take my advice: put on a bathing suit, crank up the heat, pour yourself a frosty rum drink with a little umbrella, queue up some Dick Dale and meet me on the road.

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83

GameShark

One of my biggest gripes with the game is the police. You hit a couple cars in traffic and the police are all over you.

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83

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Complete with its stunning re-creation of Oahu, Test Drive lets you live the fantasy of driving the tires off exotic cars better than any prior attempt. [Nov. 2006, p.118]

83

Game Informer

Overall, there's a lot to like in Test Drive Unlimited, and its positive aspects far outweigh the few issues I had. I definitely recommend taking it for a spin. [Nov. 2006, p.136]

83

DailyGame

Technically, graphically and aurally it's impressive, but if you're not into the act of driving or not on Xbox Live, it's best suited to be a rental. The multiplayer socialization and implementation is really where it shines.

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82

Cheat Code Central

Taking place on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, the environment is huge. There are literally hundreds of streets to traverse in the city.

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82

Digital Entertainment News

Offers a few new welcome twists to the racing genre. The fully-realized island of Oahu is fun to drive around in and beautiful to see, and the many different missions make the game fun for different types of players.

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82

Worth Playing

With so many challenges to complete in single-player mode, vehicles to purchase (with motorcycles rounding out a solid selection) and the inclusion of one of the best multiplayer modes anywhere inside or out of the racing genre, Unlimited is a fun title.

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81

GameTrailers

It’s all about dropping the clutch, and as unique as the concept is, some lackluster execution keeps this one from reaching the level cap.

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80

Gaming Horizon

A solid product that features stunning graphics and a tremendous open-ended online experience. Though the game has a slight drawback in the sound and single-player campaign, the multiplayer more than makes up for it.

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80

Times Online

And with 1,000 miles of road to roam, it comes closer than most games to re-creating the freedom of real life.

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80

Operation Sports

Without a bustling online community, Test Drive Unlimited is a pedestrian entry in the racing genre, but for those who are willing to invest the time into it’s multiplayer world this could turn out to be the most bang for your buck the Xbox 360 has yet seen.

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80

Jolt Online Gaming UK

A game with an aspiration to create a real online community around a racing game. For the most part, it achieves this and becomes a shining example of real quality on a format still in its infancy.

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80

Console Gameworld

Its slower pace might put off the usual crowd, but those with the patience to explore the immense island and unlock its many secrets won't be disappointed.

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80

VideoGamer

Its faults are there to be seen, and some - like the frame rate and lack of tuning options - could be seen as game breaking faults, but if you're not bothered about the technical side to driving, Test Drive Unlimited is simply wonderful.

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80

Total Video Games

The most original and ambitious racer for years, Eden's first title for Xbox 360 is sure to have gamers demanding more in the future. Hopefully the patch won't be too long in coming either.

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80

Games Radar (in-house)

Though players looking for straightforward, hardcore racing might be let down by TDU 's laid back attitude, the instant online world and impressive attention to detail make this tropical driving game unique and enjoyable.

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80

1UP

Offline, its hundreds of challenges and miles of roads will keep you satisfied for quite a while. But it's that moment, weaving through traffic in a Maserati, closing in on a TVR, with a Ferrari hot on your heels, all of them driven by real people -- who you're talking with at the same time -- that takes this game past its rivals.

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80

Kombo

A decent racing game, but a great driving game. It's also the most important leap in racing game design since "Gran Turismo."

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80

Eurogamer

As an example of how Xbox Live can be put to use in the racing genre, it's unmatched. Were it not for inconsistent handling, it'd score higher - and even at that it still deserves a lot of credit.

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80

Edge Magazine

Eden has composed a beguiling, intoxicating hymn to the open road, and every car lover will want to join its chorus. [Oct 2006, p.82]

80

Yahoo! Games

Drive Unlimited has blurred the line between single and multiplayer gaming almost out of existence.

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80

IGN

Just the way that an MMORPG can be enjoyable without an amazing combat system, Test Drive Unlimited is fun without the greatest driving experience. With a little more polish, some extra customization options, and an improved driving system, you’d have a racer that could compete with the big dogs.

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80

Armchair Empire

The game’s soundtrack is eclectic and solid but small.

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80

G4 TV

Test Drive Unlimited is a triumph in packaging. It wraps a familiar suite of racing objectives in a appealing shared space and gives players the tools to socialize in this enormous setting.

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80

NTSC-uk

Test Drive Unlimited doesn’t have the same thoroughbred racing pedigree as present in PGR3, nor does it have the clinical precision of Ridge Racer 6; instead, what it provides is a complete driving experience and a real sense of ownership, seamlessly fusing both single- and multi-player gaming; it’s more than the sum of its parts.

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80

DarkStation

Test Drive turns the racing genre on its head with this superb multiplayer online racer. Great track customizations and the lower price makes this an easy choice.

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80

Sydney Morning Herald

A car aficionado's paradise and a novel concept in driving games. Unlimited's online world is certain to be mimicked.

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80

3DAvenue

Driving around Hawaii with your mates really shows the online power of the system, plus the single player is enough on its own if Live is not enabled.

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78

GamerNode

The massively open online racing idea works, but critical portions of the racing and the game itself prevent this from being the next big thing.

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78

GameSpot

It's not quite as unlimited as its subtitle might suggest, and it's got a pervasively aimless feel, but Test Drive Unlimited still succeeds by creating a fun, leisurely world to drive in.

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78

Gamer 2.0

The way it blends single player and multiplayer together into one package is nice, and is something that hasn’t been done in a console racing game to date. The game plays very well; it looks pretty, and sounds alright.

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75

Gamer's Hell

TDU will appeal most to casual racers who enjoy the freedom of GTA-like gameplay and want to create courses and drive online with (and against) their friends.

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72

Planet Xbox 360

It doesn’t try to just “blur” the line between the single player and multi-player modes; it completely takes the line out of the picture, creating a seamless experience that can be enjoyed by all with an Xbox Live Gold membership.

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70

360 Gamer Magazine UK

Falls short of being an at-home-alone single-player masterpiece. [Issue #15]

70

Gamestyle

As an overall package, there is a lot to love about TDU; the concept is sound and exploring never gets tiresome, but the laziness evident in the current build is inexcusable.

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70

GamerFeed

If Test Drive Unlimited were a car, it would probably be a nice, leisurely ride without too many fancy gimmicks- maybe a Scion without the oddly-shaped frame.

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70

GameSpy

TDU is a game for driving enthusiasts, tailor-made for those who take long drives through the countryside for leisure, and maybe even subscribe to Road & Track magazine...If driving is your passion, this is the game for you.

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70

games(TM)

Test Drive Unlimited is occasionally excellent when racing against humans, yet remarkably pedestrian when simply going for a spin. [Oct 2006, p.116]

61

Talk Xbox

Probably the most boring racing game I’ve ever played. While some folks may find driving virtual exotic cars around a bland replica of Hawaii relaxing, I find it frustrating. Especially when the cars control like they are on ice.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.0 (out of 10) based on 54 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

John F. gave it a10:
Simply AMAZING! The amount of detail they put into this Map amazes me. It's graphics are simply brilliant in a way that i find myself stopping every 5 minutes for a stunning screen shot. I also found that just exploring the island will provide you with hours upon hours of gameplay. The houses are all like dreamhouse showrooms with giant garages. I found myself laughing at the fact that every house i went to had a Big screen TV the size of my living room window. They have a wide variety of cars, houses and different styles of races with more stunning sights than most will see in their entire lifetime! They had enough map detail that my mom could even show me the places she visited when she went to the island. Some of the challenges will have you on your knees 2 feet away from the screen because you dont want to scratch this mans ferrari :P Other races will have you racing 8AI or other players online. Sometimes you'll just want to cruise around the island finding challenges and scenery or even picking up Rich hitchhikers who btw will pay well ;P. Overall this game will have you on your knees pleading for your parents to take you to the wonderful world of Oahu, Hawaii.

A. L. gave it a7:
Good driving game with a decent amount of game play, including races, online play, and just cruising. OK graphics, very large map and play area encompassing the entire sim island of Oahu, although the scenery can become repetitive. Excellent value for you money as it can now be purchased at bargain prices.

FPS Master gave it a6:
The fact that I have to spend real money to get microsoft points to unlock cars for this game, then still spend money in the game to unlock them is atrocious. I spent the money on them, real money, so I shold be able to own the cars in the game right away. But having to spend hard earned money just to unlock them for purchase in the game is by far the worst use of the marketplace and downloads yet....way worse than anything EA has done with the marketplace. I'm surprised anyone still plays this game because without spending around $100 you can not play 100% of the game. No wonder it was only $40 new, you only got about 50% of the game. They are trying to make up for that now and it should be illegal to do it this way.

Fred L. gave it a6:
Too many people have given it a 10 rating in this user review. Overall it's a fair game. Lots of fun, but the challenges are a bit to repetitive and sometimes too difficult and frustrating. But of course it’s fun to just drive around, look at places – but that get's a bit boring after a while. I’ll give it a good 8 for the graphics and sound, but a 4 for the life span. Overall, a 6 rating. If you love driving – wait for Forza, or do a run with PG3 and earn some serious achievements!

Mr. Review gave it an8:
I have always been amazed by how varied opinions are in this epic world we live in, and how I am capable of absolutely adoring this gane, yet another finds the experience infinitely miserable. With that said, do not focus on my run of the mill score of an 8, as much as the content contained in this game and the unique journey Test Drive Unlimited will offer you. 120 challenges, 100 bonus missions, and countless online races leave you being drawn to Unlimited farther than the average racer. TD has a gameplay style different than most. I would compare it to being most similar to Forza, but this opinion is rough for TD: U is in a class all by itself. Not many games successfuly capture the beauty of an environment, and Oahu is arguably the most gorgeous area to be blessed a vehicle in. This game pouns you with extra options, such as tuning your car (though not very personally). Odd, because the clothing options and purchasable houses in this agem far outclass the tuning options, which is irregular for any racer in this new generation. TD: U has a lot going for it. respectable graphics and an appealing island, 100+ hours of landscape to roam, and a host of reasonable achievements, unlocked at a nice and steady pace. The only defiant faults in this game are the inconsistencies witnessed before, such as hitting a lightpole stops you as if hitting a brick wall, and the plants are often built of steel and invincible concrete (resulting in an immediate and annoying stop). No damage is as expected as well. But with that considered, this game has appeal out the ass, plenty of challenge and a unique and blended online experience unlike any other racer. Roughly 90 cars to own, another 35 or so homes, and 1000 miles of open and enthralling roads welcome you to your new home called Oahu, Hawaii.

Barry Q. gave it a1:
I love driving games, but this one is just boring. I can't put my finger on it because it looks great, drives great but is ultimately not exciting. Stay away or play Forza on your old box.

Randy M. gave it a9:
This game has everything I'm not fond of - traffic, no closed road courses with great red/white curbing, too much emphasis on supercars, and yet , I can't stop playing the bloody thing!

Read more user comments >

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