- Publisher: Infogrames
- Release Date: Aug 24, 2001
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- Critic score
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This is the best kind of game: easy to pick up, hard to put down; simple to learn, difficult to master.
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If it weren't for the shoddy visuals and sub-par controls, this would be a really good game.
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You can expect some immense spaces to trek around, just don’t expect too many courses to race on.
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Yeah, the game is easy to pick up and generally fun to play, but it’s missing that special something that elevates games to greatness.
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You get the pick of the litter of the best real-life SUVs, 4x4s, and Hummers to take into territory more rugged than Edward James Olmos’ cheek.
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This is one instance where a lot of appeal and a sizable dose of flash and panache can make up for some simplistic control and unimpressive depth enhancements.
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Featuring excellent vehicle physics, impressive graphics, and huge, free-roaming environments, Test Drive Off-Road Wide Open is definitely worth a look for fans of racing games and fans of big-block trucks.
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The game play doesn't quite match up to the caliber of the graphics.
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A well-rounded, challenging game without much flash or innovation.
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The game excels as an extremely addictive arcade racing game filled with variety, but light on the depth and originality … or in other words, a guilty pleasure.
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The game's action is unquestionably fun and a pleasure to watch, but a plethora of minor flaws add up to nearly counteract the off-road ecstasy.
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The limited number of race modes and rudimentary career mode limit the replay value of the game. So while the game is fun, its fun is limited.
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Excellent physics and suspension, aggressive opponents, and humongous and well-planned out environments give a bit of shine to a game that is otherwise strictly last generation.
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This isn't a genre-breaker of any sort, though, and in a larger sense, it's just like most other Test Drive games: an effective racer, but not one that attempts to reach very far.
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Game InformerI found the gameplay became a bit stale after the first few runs. [Nov 2001, p.112]
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Not as bad as "4x4 Evo" but nowhere near as good as other off-road racers on PS2 (especially Angel Studio's own "Smuggler's Run").
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The arcade gameplay failed to excite, whilst the lack of depth in gaming modes, vehicle customisation and in general the whole game ensure the final nail has been placed.
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Next Generation MagazineOnce the truly tricked-out sport trucks are unlocked, the speed, fun, and Metallica-heavy soundtrack are hard to actively dislike. [Nov 2001, p.108]
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Electronic Gaming MonthlyThe tracks get harder to follow and the AI racers become aggressive and nasty. I don’t know how many times I was set to win a race only to be spun around in the last stretch by some jerk. [Oct 2001, p.146]
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Slightly above average graphics, bland and repetitive gameplay and little to no innovation combine to make this arcade racer quite forgettable.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 8 out of 16
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Mixed: 2 out of 16
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Negative: 6 out of 16
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[Anonymous]Jan 8, 2002The game is awesome!!! Easy controls, great graphics, and modes for all people...choose from career mode, single race, and free roam.
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WWSep 15, 2001Cool Game! Easy To learn, Difficult to Master...