Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Test Drive Unlimited 2: Review

2010 Pagani Zonda F Roadster
Test Drive Unlimited is back, and this time, things get a lot more exotic. Last time, we were in Hawaii trying to make a name for ourselves in some of the fastest cars in the world. Now, were in Ibiza for the Solar Crown Racing Tournament were the best racers compete for big prizes and lots and lots of money. Wow, I sounded like Tess Wintory back there. Anyway, TDU is back bringing some of its exclusive cars and winding roads with it, and i must say, it has gotten a lot better.

2011 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro Coupe
Besides the lack of some manufacturers such as Wiesmann, Lamborghini, and BMW, the car list is actually legit, with up to 100 cars in game, and some DLCs coming soon. Eden Games really did a fantastic job with the cars. All the details are just right, even in the interior. The leather looks absolutely real, it's breathtaking. As for engine sounds, they worked on that as well. Most of the cars in this game sound like the real ones, especially this R8 V10 Coupe. If you just listen to the sound at 7000 RPMs, it'll be so good that you'll be having a crisis.

Ferrari 308 Challenge
As for the environment, it is astounding that they can use satellite images and pure design to make both islands, Oahu and Ibiza, so beautiful. The roads look realistic. The trees are sensational. The homes that you can own look absolutely real. This game just pushes all the right buttons. Whenever you're driving, there is a moment that you'll just stop and take everything in and see just how beautiful exotic islands are. They really did a good job visualizing this.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG
Gameplay has been improved as well. Now, there's a day and night cycle which seems pretty good and only lasts about 48 minutes for each shift. What's also impressive is the dynamic weather that happens when you least expect it. It could be in the middle of the night when you think that all has gone well. Or, it could be in the morning when you just get up. Now, if you remember the last game, you'd know that the convertibles and roadster weren't able to put their hoods up at all. This game allows you to do that in real time, no matter what convertible you're driving.

2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
I was testing this game for some time and thought all would go well, but then I discovered the elephant in the corner: handling. It's still sloppy like the last game. They might've said that they've improved, but honestly, they didn't. There are some corners where you get understeer for no apparent reason. Sometimes, when you turn too much you'll find yourself spinning in the other direction. Whenever you're in the air, be careful where you land, because you might end up in a ditch, or worse in the sea. The only way to perfect driving in this game is to adopt their driving physics, which will be hard for Gran Turismo fans.

2011 Ariel Atom 500 V8
Honestly, this game would've been the perfect Multiplayer Racing game if the handling was improved and if their weren't any bugs with it. They still need to fix those things. And, if they do create a sequel to this one, hopefully it will be brilliant. But for now, TDU 2 will get 4 out of 5 stars from me. So, in conclusion, if you're looking for a realistic racer, stick with Gran Turismo 5. However, if you want something better and more beautiful than boring and dull Need For Speed World, this is your game.


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