Test Drive Video Game Series
One of the oldest and most famous car game series in the history of the industry. The series was created by Distinctive Software studio, but over the years such development teams as Accolade, Eden Games, Pitbull Syndicate, Monster Games, Slightly Mad Studios and Kylotonn have also contributed to its development.
From the very beginning series Test Drive was considered one of the most innovative for the car game genre. The series contributed to the popularization of such solutions as the view from inside the vehicle, the use of three-dimensional graphics and the integration of social features into the game mechanics.
A brief history of the Test Drive series
Genesis of the series Test Drive dates back to the 1980s. The first game in the series, the Test Drive, was released in 1987 for eight- and sixteen-bit computers (including the Amiga 500, Atari ST and Commodore C-64). The sales result of 500,000 copies was impressive at the time, which encouraged the developers to prepare a sequel. Subsequent games, namely. Test Drive II: The Duel (1989) i Test Drive III: The Passion (1990) repeated the success. Unfortunately, they did not save the publisher from financial problems; moreover, the decline in quality of the next installments of the series, led by moderately successful spin-offs devoted to off-road, among other things, contributed to a decline in the popularity of the brand.
The series managed to bring out of the shadows only Eden Games studio, which, on behalf of the Infogrames/Atari concern, prepared the games Test Drive Unlimited (2006) i Test Drive Unlimited 2 (2011). These productions were artistically successful and managed to gather around them a wide circle of devoted fans, but even they failed to breathe new life into the brand. Admittedly, in 2012 there was another installment of the series, a game entirely devoted to Ferrari cars Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends, but after its release, hearing of the series disappeared for many years.
The silence was broken only in 2020, when the Nacon company and Kylotonn studio announced the third Test Drive Unlimited, namely Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown. Nevertheless, fans of the series had to be patient for the next four years, as the title did not debut until September 2024.
Gameplay in the games of the Test Drive series
Individual installments of the series Test Drive clearly differ in character - from the typically arcade (Test Drive Overdrive or Driven to Destruction), through more realistic (the main parts of the series) and strictly simulation (Test Drive: Le Mans), to lifestyle (represented by the sub-series Test Drive Unlimited). Although most installments of the series offer closed tracks, sub-series Test Drive Unlimited introduced open worlds that players can freely traverse.
The salt of gameplay in productions under the banner of Test Drive are races involving a variety of vehicles; despite the fact that among them cars lead the way, motorcycles also marked their presence in the series, to which even one of its spin-offs was dedicated, i.e. Test Drive Cycles. Thanks to official licenses, the series allows us to drive real cars, led by exotic supercars..
Most of the newer parts of the series Test Drive offers both single-player (and rivalry with AI-controlled opponents) and multiplayer play over the Internet.
Test Drive Series Evolution
2024
Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown
2012
Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends
2011
Test Drive Unlimited 2
2006
Test Drive Unlimited
2004
Test Drive: Eve of Destruction
1990
Test Drive III: The Passion
Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown
Racing
September 12, 2024
The third part of the open-world racing game series that is a part of Test Drive cycle, developed by Kylotonn studio. Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown features a huge 1:1 map of Hong Kong Island and it focuses on multiplayer gameplay as a member of 1 o 2 clubs.
Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends
Racing
July 3, 2012
A spin-off to the popular Test Drive racing game series, focusing exclusively on the titular brand. The game was developed by Slightly Mad Studios - a team popular for two well-received installments in the Need for Speed: Shift subseries. The game offers over fifty Ferrari cars produced in the years 1947-2009. Apart from popular sports cars, the game also features both GTR and Formula One cars. During the campaign, divided into three historical periods, the player is given access to car models characteristic of each of them. The player participates in several kinds of racing, achieving goals set by the creators and unlocking subsequent vehicles. The game offers over 30 representations of real-existing racing tracks, such as Nurburgring, Silverstone or Monza. In terms of the driving physics, the game resembles Shift 2, combining simulation elements with freedom offered by arcade racing games. Additionally, the game features a multiplayer mode for up to 8 players.
Test Drive Unlimited 2
Racing
February 8, 2011
A sequel to the bestselling Test Drive Unlimited - a game that managed to reinvigorate the classic racing series launched by the Accolade company in 1987. The game is set in two locations, namely the islands of Ibiza (Spain) and Oahu (Hawaii) - the latter appeared in the first Test Drive Unlimited where it is accessible later in the game. The player can freely explore both islands, taking on subsequent racing challenges. Alongside the game's progression, the player purchases new luxurious cars, but also villas and other properties. The game introduces several changes to the mechanics. Instead of individual races, the player takes part in racing tournaments. Also, the player obtains special licenses, which unlock subsequent challenges. Although the single-player mode was supplemented with a storyline, the game focuses mainly on multiplayer competition. Thanks to the improved game engine, the player can drive in daylight or at night. Dynamic weather conditions were implemented as well.
Test Drive Unlimited
Racing
September 5, 2006
A new incarnation of the popular racing game series launched back in 1987 by Distinctive Software and Accolade. Test Drive Unlimited was developed by Eden Games, the creators of the V-Rally franchise, under the aegis of Atari. The main change in relation to its predecessors is the vast open world set on the faithfully recreated Oahu island, which can be freely explored. The players can undertake a number of various racing challenges to earn cash that lets them buy new vehicles for their garage. In total, there are over 90 licensed cars and motorcycles to choose from. In the game, we can modify our avatar by dressing him in designer clothes and even buy a new house with a bigger garage. The title features an innovatory multiplayer mode that, similarly to MMO productions, enables thousands of players to compete at the same time.
Test Drive: Eve of Destruction
Racing
August 24, 2004
The next installment of the cult series of races, this time focusing the player's attention on the title destruction. You can choose from an extensive career or a wide range of multiplayer modes (up to 4 people).
Test Drive Overdrive
Racing
May 27, 2002
The next installment of the famous series of car races, which began in 1987. TD Overdrive is not a realistic simulation - it has an agility model. The races take place in four main cities and there is a choice of approx. 20 sports car models.
Test Drive Off-Road: Wide Open
Racing
August 24, 2001
Dynamic and at the same time quite realistic car races, in which we sit behind the wheel of one of several dozen licensed off-road cars. The game offers a diverse range of gameplay modes.
Test Drive Cycles
Racing
August 30, 2000
Spin-off racing series Test Drive created for enthusiasts of two wheels. We race against opponents on one of more than thirty licensed motorcycles on eleven dangerous routes scattered around the world.
Test Drive: Le Mans
Racing
March 31, 2000
Test Drive: Le Mans is a simulation of the famous 24-hour car races. The game was produced by Eutechnyx studio and is licensed by Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the organizer of 24h Le Mans. Players have the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of more than 50 faithfully reproduced cars and take part in the competition on 8 authentic tracks. The creators took care of realistic driving physics and attractive visual setting of the races.
Test Drive 6
Racing
October 31, 1999
Sixth installment of the Test Drive series and third installment prepared by Pitbull Syndicate studio. Players have the opportunity to chase more than thirty super-fast cars in a highly arcade style.
Test Drive: Off Road 3
Racing
October 27, 1999
Test Drive: Off Road 3 is the third spin-off branch of the Test Drive series. The game was produced by Infogrames development studio with fans of off-road vehicles in mind. Players can try their hand at races in difficult terrain, sitting behind the wheel of, among others, the powerful Hummer.
Test Drive 5
Racing
November 30, 1998
The fifth installment of the popular series of racing games characterized by a large dose of realism. We try to beat our rivals on the eighteen tracks available in the game, while avoiding contact with the police patrols, or we sit behind the wheel of a radio vehicle and try to stop the vehicles of the opponents.
Test Drive: Off-Road 2
Racing
October 31, 1998
The second edition of the Test Drive spin-off series addressed to fans of cross-country skiing. We sit behind the wheel of one of the licensed cars headed by Hummer and try to surpass our rivals on several routes covered with mud, snow or sand.
Test Drive 4
Racing
November 3, 1997
The fourth installment of the popular series of racing games aimed at realism enthusiasts. We try to control the vehicle and beat our rivals on one of the six tracks available in the game, avoiding contact with police patrols and collisions with other traffic participants.
Test Drive: Off-Road
Racing
February 1, 1997
The first installment of the series of arcade games aimed at off-road vehicle enthusiasts, released under the banner of the popular racing series. We cross difficult routes, full of mud, sand or snow, behind the wheel of Hummer, Land Rover or other licensed cars of brands known to Off-road enthusiasts.
Test Drive III: The Passion
Racing
September 20, 1990
Test Drive III: The Passion is the third installment of the legendary car simulation cycle. Unlike previous parts of the series, the game was created by Accolade's in-house development team and has a three-dimensional graphical environment. Players have the opportunity to taste the driving of three luxury cars - Chevrolet CERV III, Pinininfarina Mythos and Lamborghini Diablo.
- Test Drive III: Road & Car I December 20, 1990
Test Drive II: The Duel
Racing
July 7, 1989
The second installment of Test Drive, a cult series of games from the turn of the eighties and nineties of the last century, allowing you to feel a substitute for riding fast racing cars, unattainable for the average road user.
Test Drive (1987)
Racing
June 6, 1987
One of the oldest car races. The game allows you to choose one of the five cars and race on the mountain trails.
Test Drive Series News
TDU: Solar Crown Devs Attempt to Distract from Game's Problems with New Atmospheric Trailer
Although Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown still worries about optimization or server stability, it has a chance to win over players with its atmosphere - and this feature was emphasized by the developers in a new trailer for the game.
video games
Christopher Mysiak
July 26, 2024
TDU: Solar Crown Demo Available on Steam. Game Received New, Very High Specs on PC
As of today, you can download the demo version of Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown. The KT Racing studio allows you to check out quite a bit of the game before the release, which will be in a few months.
video games
Maciej Gaffke
June 7, 2024
Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown Finally With Release Date. Cult Series Is Set to Return at the Very End of Summer
The highly anticipated racing game Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown will be released in less than three months. The developers have announced the official release date and provided details on the preorders.
video games
Maciej Gaffke
May 31, 2024
TDU Solar Crown is an MMO Without Single Player Racing; New Trailer
A new trailer for Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown, focused on racing and car tuning, has hit the web. It is accompanied by a lengthy article by devs at KT Racing, from which a picture emerges of a game quite uncompromisingly representing the MMO genre.
video games
Christopher Mysiak
December 14, 2023
TDU: Solar Crown Devs Respond to Concerns and Show New Gameplay
The developers of Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown have reassured players concerned about the stiff camera work shown in a recent gameplay. They also informed about the date of the next tests.
video games
Adrian Werner
October 8, 2023
New Gameplay From TDU Solar Crown is Filled With Fan-beloved Immersion
A new trailer for Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown has suddenly hit the web, consisting almost entirely of gameplay footage. Using the Alfa Romeo 8C as an example, it shows the atmospheric, immersive experience the series is known for.
video games
Christopher Mysiak
September 1, 2023
Preliminary System Requirements of TDU: Solar Crown are High but Will Change
We've learned what hardware you'll need to check out Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown during the upcoming beta.
video games
Adrian Werner
July 23, 2023
First Real Gameplay From TDU Solar Crown Inbound
The TDU Connect event has been announced, where we will see the first gameplay from Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown.
video games
Adrian Werner
July 9, 2023
TDU Solar Crown With Another Trailer; Still Waiting for Gameplay
A new trailer for Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown was presented during Nacon's event. However, we still didn't see any gameplay from the game.
video games
Michael Zegar
July 8, 2022
TDU: Solar Crown Presentation Soon; Nacon Teases Game Show
Next week we may learn the new release date for Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown. This will probably happen during the Nacon Connect event.
video games
Hubert Sledziewski
June 30, 2022