Yo drivers! We’ve finally got our hands on Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown, the new cash-and-carry game that promises to let us relive the sensations of the cult series. So, is it worth cracking open your PEL to treat yourself to a virtual Ferrari? Verdict: it’s not that simple…
Hong Kong, it’s a blast, but…
First impression: wow! Hong Kong is truly magnificent. The developers have done a superb job of reproducing the city. You’d think you were there, between the huge buildings, the busy little streets and the tire-squealing mountain roads. What’s more, with the changing weather and day/night cycle, it’s downright immersive.
When it comes to cars, it’s all about the heavy lifting! Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche… all the dream brands are here. And you can customize them to your heart’s content, from the color of the rims to the engine. We’ve spent hours tuning our cars in the garage!
Some things are a pain…
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The first is that the open world is a bit empty. Okay, it’s big and beautiful, but you get bored very quickly. There’s not much to do other than drive around and admire the scenery. As a result, you have to make endless journeys to get from one race to the next.
Secondly, the AI of the other cars is really weird. They don’t know what to do, they take improbable trajectories… In short, it’s not very realistic and spoils the fun of the races.
And finally, there were a few bugs and slowdowns. It’s a shame, especially for a game like this where fluidity is so important.
So, should we buy it or not?
Despite its flaws, Solar Crown does have some cool stuff. The progression system is well thought-out, and you’ll always want to unlock new cars and houses. What’s more, the multiplayer system promises some great evenings out with friends.
Basically, if you’re a fan of the series or love open-world cash games, you’re in for a treat. But don’t expect a revolution. We hope the developers will quickly fix the bugs and add new content to make the game even more fun.
