Cruising Around The World Of Test Drive Unlimited 2

If Take-Two Interactive's TTWO Grand Theft Auto series was the inventor of the open-world action/driving game, then Test Drive Unlimited was the inventor of the first open-world racer. Several game publishers have tried to use that moniker, “open-world,” in their marketing materials. But with Test Drive Unlimited, it was actually true. This was a game that allowed you to step into the driver's seat of several different automobiles and cruise through a world that several other players were cruising. Players were then given the chance to challenge each other right there on the open road, producing an experience that to this day has yet to be matched.

In Test Drive Unlimited 2, we are once again treated to the open-world gameplay of the original. But this time, there's more of it; more cars, more open road, and more opportunities to engage in online battles. The game offers a bit of a story, for those who care, but most of the dialogue sequences can be skipped, allowing players to get back to the racing with minimal interruptions. This is good, because once you start racing, you won't want to stop.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 starts players off with an interesting growth system that allows us to upgrade our characters with four different skills: Competition, Discovery, Collection and Social. But rather than force the player to perform a certain task to increase their skills, the game has carefully baked these elements into the rest of the experience. Thus, when you buy new cars, compete in various races, discovery new environments, acquire new homes (which you'll need to hold your growing automobile collection), etc., you will automatically earn skill points and raise your character's level.

In the area of competition, Test Drive Unlimited 2 is very much the multiplayer racer the developers set out to create. Starting a new race is quick and easy, while the actual races are an intensely vigorous experience with points and in-game cash on the line.

Online, the races are very engaging. Offline, they are also entertaining, thanks to an increase in the number of single-player features. What's cool is that you don't have to be offline to complete a single-player objective. Test Drive Unlimited 2 allows you to log into the online world, see whoever else is playing (and compete against those other players at any time), and complete objectives at any time and in any order that you choose.

One of the biggest changes in Test Drive Unlimited 2 won't be found on the box, but it will be noticed the minute you pick up the controller: tightened controls. While they are still not as tight as an arcade-style racer (whether or not this is to ensure the game's realism, I don't know; I have yet to drive a real Camaro in excess of 100mph), the controls are noticeably smoother. Thus, you'll be able to make those sharp turns more easily, and soar past other vehicles without smashing into them. But unless you want to crash, don't plan on making a last-minute U-turn without breaking.

Available for Microsoft's MSFT Xbox 360, Sony's SNE PlayStation 3 and Windows-based PCs, Test Drive Unlimited 2 is a game that shouldn't be missed. If you loved the original or have simply been craving a racing game that's different from the pack, you will not be disappointed by this sequel.