Even More Unlimited
Test Drive Unlimited is headed to the PS2 and PSP.
Published: May 5, 2006
Test Drive is one of Atari's biggest and strongest brands; even when they go and make it all white trash demolition derby style, the series refuses to be stomped out -- and it's a good thing, too, because it left room for a little next-gen properly called Test Drive Unlimited to come along.
Though the game is being developed by Melbourne House, the folks behind the Transformers games and not long-time series developer The Pitbull Syndicate, we're still happy to see a new Test Drive game. Then again, this was a game created to show off next-gen console and PC visuals, and the concept for it -- a massive online recreation of the island of Oahu -- was certainly something that seemed only possible on next-gen systems.
But, here we are, delivering the news that TDU is indeed coming to the PS2, and with the massive world and online component fully intact. The allure of a console with a near-twelve-digit install base means production costs can be offset rather nicely if it turns out to be a fair compromise of the hardware.
What, then, of this news of a PSP version too? Surely this high concept of an online-enabled, streaming world can't work on Sony's portable? In fact PSP gamers will get an entire exclusive Arcade Race Mode made for short burst races in addition to the online-enabled portion of the game. Yes, we're a little shocked too.
"Test Drive Unlimited is a revolution in the racing genre, and to bring all of this to the PlayStation®2 and PSP systems alongside Xbox 360 and PC is a powerful offering,” explained Rick Mehler, Atari's Director of Marketing. "Test Drive Unlimited’s unprecedented features and luxurious lifestyle feel will blow players away.”
We'll know a little more about the game once the E3 dust settles -- including what parts will or won't carry over intact from the next-gen and PC big brothers. The second we find out, we'll make sure you know too.
Though the game is being developed by Melbourne House, the folks behind the Transformers games and not long-time series developer The Pitbull Syndicate, we're still happy to see a new Test Drive game. Then again, this was a game created to show off next-gen console and PC visuals, and the concept for it -- a massive online recreation of the island of Oahu -- was certainly something that seemed only possible on next-gen systems.
But, here we are, delivering the news that TDU is indeed coming to the PS2, and with the massive world and online component fully intact. The allure of a console with a near-twelve-digit install base means production costs can be offset rather nicely if it turns out to be a fair compromise of the hardware.
What, then, of this news of a PSP version too? Surely this high concept of an online-enabled, streaming world can't work on Sony's portable? In fact PSP gamers will get an entire exclusive Arcade Race Mode made for short burst races in addition to the online-enabled portion of the game. Yes, we're a little shocked too.
"Test Drive Unlimited is a revolution in the racing genre, and to bring all of this to the PlayStation®2 and PSP systems alongside Xbox 360 and PC is a powerful offering,” explained Rick Mehler, Atari's Director of Marketing. "Test Drive Unlimited’s unprecedented features and luxurious lifestyle feel will blow players away.”
We'll know a little more about the game once the E3 dust settles -- including what parts will or won't carry over intact from the next-gen and PC big brothers. The second we find out, we'll make sure you know too.
