Test Drive Unlimited 2

Immense fun, very addictive. [Apr 2011, p.104]

However you play TDU2, you're likely to miss out on something Eden Games and Atari did extremely well. Whether that's vehicle paint and decals, avatar fashions, car interiors, a surprisingly robust casino experience, or just some gorgeous scenery in certain out-of-the way places, there's just way too much good stuff going on in this game to have anyone yawning with a cursory playthrough.

With two islands, a good number of luxury cars, cool environments and lots of races, Test Drive Unlimited 2 follows the path of the previous installment, and improves on it, although it doesn't change the formula.

Don't get us wrong, Test Drive Unlimited 2 is a very decent game. With a massive island to explore, beautiful cars and scenery that can take your breath away, it's an absolute eye candy. Still, almost every aspect of the game can use some polish. [Mar 2011, p.99]

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is an ambitious and fun racing game that offers a great multiplayer experience to racing lovers. Unfortunately, the not-so-great driving keeps it from being a classic of the genre. Truly a shame, considering the amazing potential the title had.

TDU2 has insane potential and offers a truly unique gameplay-experience, that's nowhere to be found elsewhere. But it's not free of flaws - like the extremely dull single-player story and the mediocre graphics and sound effects. Still: If you consider yourself a gearhead with a thing for socialising, go get it!

Though the production value leaves a lot to be desired, Test Drive: Unlimited 2 has a lot of content, and maxing out your stats and gaining levels in the game provides a fresh take on progression in the automotive genre.

At it stands, Test Drive Unlimited 2 is like a used Ferrari with a broken passenger seat - a solid ride as long as the player doesn't mind some of the nicks and bumps and is willing to drive mostly alone.

Enormous and ambitious, Test Drive Unlimited 2 is a good game and a truly unique gameplay-experience. It's a step forward for the series.

Ignore the story and there's a very enticing world to explore. [Apr 2011, p.64]

TDU 2, like its predecessor, is a very self-absorbed and meditative game. It doesn't force you to dash through all the championships, to fly to the final race... But there comes an inevitable moment when you start pondering what to do next. All tasks have been completed, all cars have been tested, and you're the best in your club... And that's it?

Please Eden, next time just focus on the driving.

The developers just ignored the releases of the last four years, so everthing in this game is way out of date: AI, mission designs, physics and online mode. Get Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit instead.

The joy of the open road in a game that probably shouldn't get away with feeling as fun as it does. [Apr 2011, p.86]

Racing game pretends to have a lot of features and extras at first glance. Fact is, this just has some boring races and dusty graphics. [Mar 2011]

I'm a fan of games that give you control of your character's life (see: buying houses, decorating, pimping sweet rides), but the driving is missing the raw energy it needs to stay interesting and the rest of the experience is bug-ridden.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 will most likely receive a cult following for its kooky characters and general offbeat atmosphere, and the solid multiplayer options will keep many coming back. A word of warning, however - give this one a rent before you go the whole hog, as the baffling physics and numerous technical oddities are sure to kill this ride for many.