Differences

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Differences can be found across the various versions of Test Drive Unlimited. The game's Xbox 360 and Windows iteration was developed by Eden Games, with a second iteration of the game being developed by Melbourne House for Sony's platforms PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. Content, visual and audio components were reduced due to hardware limitations, although this second version of Test Drive Unlimited also includes exclusive content.^[1]

PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable[]

Exclusive content[]

• Handling - Melbourne House used their highly specialised "Racing Engine" for car handling, the same engine used in games such as DethKarz, GP500, Test Drive Le Mans and Grand Prix Challenge. Each car has been hand-tuned by the development team.
• Master Points - Single player progression for the player's levels depends on Master Points, a system in which the player is awarded points for drifting, slipstreaming, airtime and generally driving around the island. Races also award bonus Master Points for winning a trophy;
• Rival Clubs - Clubs are scattered all over the island, and players will be invited to join in order to race against AI club members, eventually becoming the President of each club. Being invited usually requires purchasing or winning a car of a certain type, and races consist of head-to-head challenges created on the fly. There's always a reward when players become President of each club - a vehicle or free upgrade;
• Race Series - Collections of Race, Speed, and Time challenges which, initially, only the first is unlocked. Players need to win Gold to unlock the next race in the series, and upon winning them all players will win a prize, often a new car.
• Quick Race - Once unlocked, it will let players fire up the game and do a few randomly chosen races to compete in, with any random car;
• Auto GPS - A feature which automatically directs the player to the closest available challenge;
• Car Selection - Some cars that are only available in download packs for Xbox 360 and PC are available from the start in the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions. A few exclusive models such as the AC 427 and Brabus-based versions of the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG are present as well;
• Extended Soundtrack - Radio stations feature a number of exclusive Electronic instrumental tracks composed by Gavin Parker, in addition to the existing licensed music;

Missing content[]

PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable[]

The PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions of Test Drive Unlimited are missing the following features:

• Manual transmission. Although transmission is visible in options, it is permanently set to auto;
• Avatar customisation, as well as clothing shops;
• Extra mission types, which includes Hitchhikers, Top Models, Transport, and Courier;
• Rear-view and side mirrors are not functional, appearing blurred out;
• Some shops, including custom car paint;
• Manufactures such as Ferrari, Maserati, Lexus, all motorcycles models, as well as various cars from the Xbox 360 and Windows version are absent.
• USB steering wheel support;
• Secret Island. Roads are shown on the island, although no teleportational device has been found;

PlayStation Portable only[]

• Cockpit View appear only on PlayStation 2, thus being absent on the PlayStation Portable;
• NPCs in buildings appear only on PlayStation 2, thus being absent on the PlayStation Portable;
• On PlayStation Portable all race challenges contain three opponents, whilst on PlayStation 2 certain race challenges contain up to five opponents;

Trivia[]

• Atari allowed naming of non-playable characters in Melbourne House's version of Test Drive Unlimited after 30 of the most active beta testers. Most were granted President or Vice President status in the car clubs.^[2]
• Certain exclusive features would be reintroduced in Test Drive Unlimited 2, such as the Master Points which is a similar variation of F.R.I.M.

References[]