Test Drive: Eve of Destruction

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Atari
  • Release Date: Sep 7, 2004
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
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  1. GamePro
    90
    Instead of just slapping together a string of mayhem-filled events, Monster created an absorbing and surprisingly unique Career mode that makes the game worth playing for a good while. [Oct 2004, p.78]
  2. Thunderbolt
    90
    The one thing that would have made this game a true gem would have been some online play, but the multiplayer is so entertaining that it’s easy to overlook.
  3. AceGamez
    90
    The best budget game I've played on the PS2; it's so good it even gives "Burnout" a run for its money.
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  5. Frictionless Insight
    90
    A great game to pull out if you have a few friends over, but online multiplayer would have made it worth keeping close to the console, to pop in for regular, online smash-'em-up racing. Even without online multiplayer, it's still worth checking out.
  6. XGP Gaming
    88
    The game packs plenty of playability, with easily 30 hours of gameplay under the hood, along with the expected mass hysteria whenever a gaggle of players shows up at your doorstep.
  7. BonusStage
    86
    One thing that’s subtle-yet-striking is that you can tell the difference when you hit someone and when you’re getting being hit by the way the screen shakes.
  8. Game Chronicles
    85
    And while the whole demolition derby thing may have been done before, it has never been done this well – with this much care.
  9. Stuff
    85
    If you get three other players involved and a nice warm bottle of Mad Dog or a fifth of Ripple for the discerning 'neck, you’re looking at days of game play.
  10. GameZone
    83
    While it may not be for everybody, EoD provides a great wrecking racing experience that I personally think is better than any other one out to date.
  11. Next Level Gaming
    83
    The gameplay is tight and solid.
  12. Yahoo!
    80
    Bears the gift of immense replayability, lending itself to quick, low-commitment gameplay sessions.
  13. Maxim Online
    80
    Drivables—from hearses to school buses to muscle cars—all handle differently, but their arcade-style ease nicely compliments an overall dumb-ass experience that’s as fun as getting a bellyful of corn liquor and chasing a greased piglet.
  14. PSM Magazine
    80
    The best part, however, is the career mode, which lets you work your way up from lowly demo derby wannabe to Czar of Demolition. Check this one out. [Dec 2004, p.90]
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  15. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    It's not "Burnout" by any means, but the way the whole experience revels in its country-boy demeanor oddly satisfies. [Oct 2004, p.100]
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  16. Game Informer
    78
    The racing genre has been loking for a new hook for a while now, and I htink that Monster has started its own fun method of mayhem. [Oct 2004, p.123]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. GameBiz
    77
    The best game of its kind on the console, primarily due to its excellent free-roam career mode that adds extra realism and enjoyment, doing away with the standard menus that some other games still employ.
  18. PSX Extreme
    77
    The career mode while a nice idea, is boring, the physics are questionable, and while there is multi-player, the lack of online support is sorely missed. If you can pick it up for a good price, and you know what you're getting into, then it could be worth a purchase.
  19. 3DAvenue
    75
    It may be a little cheaper but its worth forking out the extra for "Flatout" unless the modes unique to this game really impress you.
  20. PGNx Media
    75
    While there is nothing particularly wrong with it, it just doesn’t do much beyond what is expected in terms of actual gameplay.
  21. TotalPlayStation
    75
    Impressively addictive, and manages a quiet grace about itself in presentation -- despite being about smashing the crap out of every moving thing in sight. It's just that without any online options, very little in the way customization and a set of races that towards the end of the game begin to feel a bit stale, it's hard to recommend this as a full-price option.

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Best PS2 Game of 2004
69
#69 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
99
#99 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 37
  3. Negative: 4 out of 37
  1. THEPOSTMANFROMT
    Apr 21, 2015
    10
    12 years after its release this is plain and simple the best destruction derby simulator ever made. The cars are all beater types, there are12 years after its release this is plain and simple the best destruction derby simulator ever made. The cars are all beater types, there are buses, ambulances, trailer races, flag pole races on and on and on. If its at the derby its in this one. No one has made a racer dedicated exclusively to the derby since this one. Sometimes the critics don't GET a type of culture. If you like derby this is your game.… Full Review »
  2. GabrielGBR1933
    May 28, 2023
    8
    Maybe nostalgia is playing a big role in my opinion,but this is a gem lost in time,as it was released in 2004,year that games like BurnoutMaybe nostalgia is playing a big role in my opinion,but this is a gem lost in time,as it was released in 2004,year that games like Burnout 3,NFS underground 2 and GTA:SA were released,it was very over shadowed,but this definitely holds up in various points,like the graphics,wich were actually good for a 2004 game,the car models were good,and the damage model was good too,the soundtrack is very good,the game had a first person(very rare in this period) mode,with the car interior working perfectly,pedals,wheel and speedometer,and one of the best parts,a story mode,in wich you could buy cars,upgrade it,and even create a custom livery (not even NFS U2 had that,and years before NFS or Forza make it a thing),and one of the biggest points,a open world,that you can explore for missions,races,etc...But in my opinion,the best part of this game is the environment,and how real it seems,the objects dont look out of place,or dated for todays stardard,and the background is amazing,while some games just add trees or mountains so you cant see far away,or add some blank enviroment,this game feels alive,the background being a amusement park,a city or just a plantation field,there is always something everywhere,some objects scattered around,npcs,some cars passing,things that make it appear that youre not in a simulated reality in wich the only thing there is,is thr racetrack youre in,instead,there is a whole world out there,existing without you needing to be there.
    So,if you want a very good racing game about destryoing cars,this is a VERY good pick,Monster Games did a very good job in this game.    … Full Review »
  3. The_D4RknesS
    Sep 23, 2022
    6
    Repetitive game and with a **** campaign still and fun to play especially if it's 2 players. Car destruction is reasonable but fic RealisticRepetitive game and with a **** campaign still and fun to play especially if it's 2 players. Car destruction is reasonable but fic Realistic if you hit someone using the bus… Full Review »
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