In the online world of Test Drive Unlimited, players are able to drive both on-road and off-road in free-roam mode, challenging other players in real-time anywhere on the drivable map. It is also possible to drive on small islands outside of the main island. The Xbox 360 version has supported steering wheel controllers since launch. Following the third free update, Test Drive Unlimited supports force feedback wheel controllers such as Microsoft's Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel.
The roads are modeled after satellite images of the island of Oʻahu. There is a spectrum of different terrains including rain forests, mountains, sandy beaches and urbanized areas (featuring the city of Honolulu).
Single-player game
The game begins by purchasing a car and a house. The player is then free to explore the island; as this happens, key locations on the map are revealed.
The multiplayer component (branded as M.O.O.R. or Massively Open Online Racing) works as an extra layer on top of the single-player game: all activities available in single-player are also available in multiplayer.
On Xbox 360, Eden Games was allowed to add unique features to the Xboxlive in order to bring a new seamless Online experience.
The following challenges are also available in multiplayer only:
Race against other players
Challenge players to complete tasks
Attempt other player challenge
Custom services, added to the XboxLive by Eden Games:
Unique Free Roaming system.
ETrade system: Players can buy and sell their cars.
Drive-In: Player can Edit its own track, do its best time and publish it to a Drive-In spot and challenge other players to beat him in a lapse of time with participation fee. The best player wins the lot.
Live Island map: Allow players to set filters, see other players updates and join their game sessions
In Game news system, using live notifications
Clan system + Intra and Inter Clan matchmaking
Online services for Test Drive Unlimited were shut down on September 29, 2012
Special NPCs in PlayStation 2 version
There were 1500 total beta testers in Atari's closed beta for Test Drive Unlimited for PlayStation 2. At the end of the testing period, Atari awarded 30 of the most active testers with "immortality" in the PlayStation 2 version of Test Drive Unlimited. These 30 beta testers were allowed to name one of the non-playable characters (NPC) in the game. Some chose to use their first and last name; others chose to use their screen names. These 30 special NPCs can be found spread throughout the virtual island of only the PlayStation 2 version. Atari and Melbourne House ensured the Beta Testers were given prominent positions as NPCs. Among the play testers were also friends and family of staff at Melbourne House, including staff members themselves, who are included within the different motoring clubs featured within the game. Most were granted President or Vice President status in the car clubs and were put in highly desirable performance cars.
Development
Beginning development circa 2003, the game's budget was between $15 million and $25 million.
Test Drive Unlimited received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.
411Mania gave the Xbox 360 version a score of 8.6 out of 10 and stated: "Even if you own a next-gen racing game, this is a title that you MUST try out. This is such an open ended game that never actually ends ala [sic]World of Warcraft and feeling like you're a part of the Island with your homes, vehicles and club is too much of a cool thing to pass up." The Sydney Morning Herald gave the same version a score of four stars out of five and called it "a car aficionado's paradise and a novel concept in driving games. Unlimited's online world is certain to be mimicked." The Times also gave it four stars out of five and claimed that it "comes closer than most games to re-creating the freedom of real life." In Japan, where the Xbox 360 version was ported and published by Microsoft on 26 April 2007, Famitsu gave the game a score of 34 out of 40.
↑Bramwell, Tom (8 September 2006). "Test Drive Unlimited (X360)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
