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Heading to the local garage in order to snoop around the glistening beauties inside can be seen in first person, as you can hop inside the car to inspect the detailed interiors, hear it's monstrous roar with a test drive, and even dry hump the bonnet when it all gets too much. If you need a second opinion, invite your friend along to sit in the front with you, as boasting about buying a better car than them is more satisfying than ever. With these advancements, your buddies can witness you handing over the virtual cash and almost inhale the new smell of leather as you get comfortable.
Although only a minor tweak, the first person viewpoint is fully justified, especially as both Ibiza and Hawaii look stunning. The addition of a day/night cycle and different weather types means that the journey through either island isn't always going to be one of unequivocal beauty. In fact, the hosting mistress can kick up quite a storm, changing the way your car handles and forcing you to adapt. Quite neatly, the rain will even wash any mud or dirt off your car, meaning it can be a godsend if you're on your way to an important meet.
One of Test Drive Unlimited's downfalls was that it didn't reward players for simply going where they wanted. It was remarkably fun to go off-road, traversing endless hills in order to see what lay beyond the asphalt. Unfortunately, nothing much ever did, as endless trees and shrubbery meant the appeal didn't last long. This time round, things are different. Specific off-road tracks have been added for the inquisitive, and will also lead the way to exclusive vehicle parts. Collect enough 'wrecks' and you'll unlock a car that isn't available anywhere else- exactly the kind of temptation we need to push us off the hard stuff. More excitingly, players can now advance their driver and receive money by simply performing chain drifts, relentlessly speeding and other trivial tasks. Eden Games want to reward you for playing the game, no matter which direction you decide to go.
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Of course, a lot of gamers get involved in Test Drive for the competition, and it's easier than ever to do so. Instant challenges now need little preparation, as a random track is selected after you and your opponents have agreed on betting values. Challenges can also be posted for other users to try their hand at, with their score slotting into your inbox as soon as they're done. The big drawing point here is setting up or joining a racing club; the ultimate human competition in the game. Players are able to work towards a common goal, host inter-club races, and even battle against rival clubs for bragging rights. The more impressively your group performs, the better clubhouse you'll be able to afford. As they say, with money comes power, and asserting your team as the best will be a tough task indeed. If winning isn't coming easily, recruiting a rich member and convincing them to donate funds may be the way forward.
As Test Drive Unlimited 2 begins to purr, it's got more competition than it could have foreseen this year. With Split/Second, Blur and Gran Turismo arriving, Eden Games are offering something a little more glamorous and refined. Our presentation came to an end with a fully-personalised avatar chilling in a jacuzzi alongside a female accomplice, in a scene that allowed the demonstrator to take a step back from the intense racing and re-evaluate their next action. Pointless maybe, but we can't deny the lure of such confident game design.
