Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown: A Bold Return or a Missed Opportunity?
It’s been over 13 years since the last entry in the Test Drive Unlimited series, TDU2, left us with mixed feelings. As fans eagerly awaited the third installment, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown (TDUSC), the anticipation grew even as delays and false starts made the wait seem endless. Now that TDUSC has finally arrived, it’s time to see if it lives up to the hype or falls short.
Developed by KT Racing and Nacon, TDUSC marks the series’ return with a promise of a meticulously recreated Hong Kong Island and a unique "lifestyle" twist. This new entry focuses on high-end prestige and sports cars, distinct driver clans with their own fashion styles, and a storyline set within the Solar Crown street racing contest. The game officially launches on September 12 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with early access for Silver and Gold Edition players starting September 10 and September 5, respectively.
Content and Value for Money
The standout feature of TDUSC is its 1:1 scale recreation of Hong Kong Island. This map is vast, with over 200 races scattered across the cityscape and countryside. While the location offers a rich and varied environment, the car list is notably limited. At launch, there are approximately 100 cars, which might sound impressive, but many of these are familiar from other titles, lacking fresh or debut vehicles. This could leave some players feeling disappointed, especially given the time spent waiting for this release.
Car and Character Customization
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Customization in TDUSC is quite thorough, allowing players to modify their vehicles' exterior paint, interior trim, and wheels from the dealership. However, the tuning options and cosmetic mods are familiar and don’t bring much new to the table. The character customization, while allowing for some degree of personalization, feels limited compared to other games, with a small selection of avatars and a focus on clothing once you've progressed sufficiently.
Online Features
One of the game’s most intriguing aspects is its always-online nature. Every race features real players or AI competitors, with no geographical restrictions but also no crossplay support. This means the online experience is central to the game, though it lacks dedicated online races or skill-based matchmaking. The integration of live events promises new challenges, but the core gameplay revolves around the same races with a few added modes.
Driving Physics and Handling
Here’s where TDUSC falls short of expectations. The driving physics are notably quirky, with significant understeer and an overall arcade feel that deviates from a more realistic simulation. The handling dynamics are inconsistent, with braking causing excessive understeer and off-road driving proving frustratingly slow. The AI also appears to follow its own set of rules, with noticeable rubber-banding and unpredictable behavior.
Graphics and Performance
Visually, TDUSC is a mixed bag. The game offers two modes on consoles: Quality Mode at 1440p30 and Performance Mode at 1080p60. However, even in Performance Mode, the frame rate drops significantly, and the graphics often disappoint with screen tearing, pop-in, and inconsistent lighting. The cars have a peculiar glow effect, and the environment suffers from poor draw distances and outdated textures.
Final Verdict
In summary, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown’s return is marred by several issues. While it brings a large, detailed map and a unique lifestyle theme, the game struggles with outdated graphics, subpar driving physics, and a limited car selection. The always-online requirement and lack of substantial innovations make it a tough sell for fans expecting a modern racing experience. KT Racing has promised future expansions and updates, but significant improvements are needed to justify the game’s full price. For now, it seems the Forza Horizon series and its competitors will continue to lead the way in the open-world racing genre.
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