Atari has announced Test Drive Unlimited 2.
The original game pioneered the first console attempt at merging racing with MMORPG-style online play, and Test Drive Unlimited 2 will build on that with Massively Open Online Racing.
It will feature vehicle damage, weather effects, day and night cycles and a brand new island to race around on.
WAHT?! they've only JUST released Unlimited 1 ... like 5 years ago!
I've still not properly played the first game, had it for ages too.
I have this for the PC. Its pretty cool
I really liked test drive 4 and 5, bought 6 for the PC and didn't really care for it. Bought TD4 for the playstation and don't really care for it because it doesn't have the graphics that TD4 for the voodoo card in a PC had.
Two islands in Test Drive Unlimited 2
Atari and Eden Studios have revealed that Test Drive Unlimited 2 takes place in Ibiza, but that at some stage you unlock the airport and get to fly to the Hawaiian island of Oahu from the first game.
The open-world racing game's due out for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 this autumn.
Eurogamer contributor Christian Donlan - who is in Barcelona at Atari's ongoing press event seeing the publisher's 2010 line-up - reported that Oahu "has been filled with new roads and new challenges and missions - i.e. game is huge!"
Ibiza is huge as well, with off-road networks to complement the miles and miles asphalt, and you can now make progress in the game's career mode through a mixture of competitive racing, exploration, social activities and collecting stuff.
It all adds to your global levelling up, but Test Drive Unlimited 2 is still largely about completing challenges, earning money, and buying fancy motors in a huge open environment.
On the social side, you can now get out of your car, at which point you discover you have a customisable PlayStation Home-style avatar, so you can wander around your house, buy and tweak furniture and chill out here on the deck etc.
Online and offline blend together seamlessly, but online you can form your own racing clubs with friends, customise a clubhouse and take on other clubs to buy more impressive stuff for, er, your clubhouse and cars.
As you've probably observed in the trailer below, released yesterday, it's a much prettier game too. There's also procedural damage modelling, but it doesn't affect car physics, only visuals. The handling has also been refined so every car has its own personality.
Test Drive Unlimited 2 director reveals plans for beta and bikes
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There's a lot of news on Eden Studios' sequel, Test Drive Unlimited 2, coming out of Spain today. VG247 attended the event and spoke to the game's director, Alain Jarniou -- he had a lot of new information to impart. As you may have guessed by the title of this post, three very juicy tidbits were dropped.
First, players will not longer find themselves bound by their automobile. In the sequel, it will be possible to run around on foot and interact with the game world "in specific places." An example given by Jarniou is the pre-race: in the first game, there was simply a lobby for players to interact in before they got down to business. In the sequel, it's an in-game place where avatars stand around and interact.
But Jarniou didn't stop there. He also revealed that plans are underway to offer an open Test Drive Unlimited 2 beta. "Right now, the plan is to have an open beta of TDU2. The difficulty of having a demo for a game like this is the fact it's a huge island, and a huge amount of data. It's not the best way to show the game. So yeah, for now the plan's an open beta."
Finally, Jarniou promises bikes will be available in the game -- just "not for the day one version." He says that the developer rebuilt the way cars handle from scratch, as Eden Studios wasn't totally pleased with how that worked in the first game. "So we decided to start from the beginning," he said, "and we now have a new handling for the cars, and we want to, of course, [do the same] for the bikes."
Test Drive Unlimited 2 accepting beta applications
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If you're one of those cautious, try-before-you-buy types, you may want to check out the recently posted beta application (http://www.testdriveunlimited2.com/beta) for Atari's online racer, Test Drive Unlimited 2. It's pretty much your basic application: Name, gender, address, computer specs, which consoles you own, how long you spend playing games each week, and detailed report on your sexual history over the past eighteen months.
You'll need to register for an Atari account to fill in these parameters, though if you've already got a Champions Online or Star Trek Online account, you should already have access to the application. Also, we were kidding about the whole "sexual history" thing. They only want to know about the past six months. Whew!
Screens of the Ferrari California in Test Drive 2, they look pretty. :)
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Test Drive Unlimited 2 dated
Due for release in February 2011
Atari has slapped a February 8 US release date on Test Drive Unlimited 2.
Pre-order rewards for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC racer include collectable limited edition vehicles, exclusive cars, and even a playable casino.
Here's the full rundown of what's on offer:
Amazon
Amazon.com pre-order shoppers will receive the iconic Aston Martin V12 Vantage Carbon Black special edition, exclusive avatar apparel and an additional bonus of Amazon Video Games Credit. The carbon edition features a bespoke Carbon Black color scheme, distinctive carbon fibre details, black mesh components, and high polish black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grill and front parking sensors complete the exterior detailing of this hand crafted masterpiece. Amazon customers receive an exclusive apparel item for their avatar to compliment the Carbon Black package on their Vantage V12.
Atari.com
Customers who pre-order on Atari.com will unlock the impressive Ford Shelby GT 500. The rebirth of a legend, this reinvented Shelby delivers classically inspired styling and a supercharged engine. The rear-wheel-drive Ford Shelby GT500 is one of the all-time greatest muscle cars ever to hit the pavement. Draped in prestige, and history, tame this masterpiece of modern American muscle and tear up the roads of TDU2.
Best Buy
Best Buy pre-order consumers will be rewarded with the Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black special edition - Aston Martin's ultimate sports car, and a Carbon Black themed apparel item for their avatar. Featuring bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels and the iconic Aston Martin side strake fashioned from carbon fibre. Customers will also receive a piece of exclusive Avatar apparel to compliment their new ride. Best Buy Reward Zone members also receive a significant bonus in reward zone points with their TDU2 pre-order.
Direct 2 Drive
Atari fans that pre-order from Direct 2 Drive will receive the Jaguar XKR with Speed Pack and Black Pack. The XKR speed pack increases maximum speed from 155 mph to an awe-inspiring 174 mph. In addition, the Black Pack is a sleek, black custom package that includes a unique, aerodynamic body kit with front splitter and larger rear spoiler, body colored rear signature blade and diffuser, side sill extensions, gloss black front grilles, air intakes and 20" Kalimnos gloss black alloy wheels. An "XKR" side graphic has also been added. Pre-order customers will receive an exclusive shirt for their avatars that compliments the jet black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console.
GameStop
The TDU2 Casino Online is a fully functional add-on product for Test Drive Unlimited 2, this valuable game mode is available as a pre-order bonus exclusively to GameStop customers. Unlock this fully interactive in-game environment to play popular casino games, meet up with friends, and more. Players who master the table games in the casino can unlock TWO unique vehicles, the Audi R8 Spyder and the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. Casino owners can even win additional money to spend on your cars, properties, and avatar in the world of Test Drive Unlimited 2.
K-mart
Pre-orders at K-mart will unlock the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. The design, especially the large side scallops and the headlights, pay homage to the custom 1954 Ferrari 375 MM that director Roberto Rossellini had commissioned for his wife, Ingrid Bergman. The car is capable of speeds up to 196 mph and can reach 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. This grand tourer is unique as a true 4 seater with adequate space in the rear seats for two adults. Only sixty of these rare masterpieces were built (60 units) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the company.
Steam
Steam pre-order customers receive the special edition Pagani Zonda Tricolore. The Pagani Zonda Tricolore is a high end performance coupe produced in extremely limited numbers by revered Italian manufacturer, Pagani. The ultra-exclusive Zonda Tricolore is both a savory treat and a spectacular sports car, built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Italy's Frecce Tricolori, the nine-plus-one aerobatic training squadron based at Rivolto Air Force Base in northern Italy. Steam customers will also receive a stylish pullover to wear when driving this exclusive masterpiece, highlighting the unique design features and striking coloring of the Zonda Tricolore.
Walmart
Walmart.com pre-order customers will receive the Bugati Veyron Supersport 2010. This beloved supercar has been clocked as one of the fastest production vehicles in the world, setting a previous street record at 267.86mph. The Supersport packs an impressive 1200 HP that can launch this fireball from 0 to 60 in 2.2 seconds.
Achievements inc. DLC (http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/test-drive-unlimited-2/achievements/)
DLC already??
Quote from: Jaynestown on January 11, 2011, 09:25:27 PM
Quote from: GamerMan316 on January 11, 2011, 09:18:03 PM
Quote from: Failed on January 11, 2011, 07:33:09 PM
DLC already??
Yep, available at launch too.
Tsk tsk, then why isn't it in the main game?
Apparently it comes free with pre-orders at most stores, but you're right, it should be on the disc.
Test Drive Unlimited 2 goes gold
Eden Games' simulation racer Test Drive Unlimited 2 has gone gold, Atari Europe has announced.
The PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game will launch on 11th February.
Test Drive Unlimited 2 is based on an open world tropical island where rich people live. You'll be one of them. Through what's called M.O.O.R. - Massively Open Online Racing - TDU2 puts players in a persistent online environment, allowing them to team up and share achievements and creations. The game is always live and updates automatically. The new single-player "narrative mode" can be played offline or as part of the multiplayer.
TDU2 boasts realistic vehicles, vehicle damage, weather effects and a day and night cycle. You can customise your vehicles, acquire property, clothing and "all the accoutrements of a luxurious car-based lifestyle'. Ah, what we wouldn't give for a car-based lifestyle.
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Eden working to eliminate TDU2 bugs
Atari has promised Test Drive Unlimited 2 owners that developer Eden is working as hard as it can to fix game breaking bugs.
The PC version reportedly suffers from a long list of technical problems that prevent players from logging in. Console owners have reported similar issues and in-game glitches.
In-game currency is disappearing and car wheels are the wrong colour, Blue's News (http://www.bluesnews.com/s/118553/test-drive-unlimited-2-issues) reports.
TDU2 is a free-roaming racer that is always connected to the internet – where available.
In the game's official bug progress thread (http://forums.testdriveunlimited2.com/showthread.php?t=23911), Eden moved to reassure disgruntled fans that fixes are on the way.
"We're still seeing reports from players stating that they can't log in," said a community administrator. "Getting this fixed is a high priority issue for us and we hope to have it fixed soon.
"Additionally, we are also seeing intermittent connectivity issues with the PC platform regarding multiplayer connectivity within the game. These issues are being looked into as well.
"We'll continue to work on updates throughout the day. There are several fixes in the works that are scheduled to go live soon, once they have been finalized and tested by QA. The ETA on these updates is Monday evening, Pacific time at the earliest. Before these updates go live, I do apologize that some players may continue to experience login troubles, along with intermittent outages of multiplayer functionality and Casino games. Thanks very much for your patience in this matter. We're working as hard as we can to make TDU2 a solid experience for our PC players."
Buggy TDU2 apologises with free DLC
The first helping of Test Drive Unlimited 2 downloadable content - The Exploration Pack - will be free.
Why? Because a patch to remedy the game's many bugs has taken weeks to make.
"We really appreciate your patience in this matter and we would like to announce that we will be making the first premium DLC for the game free for everybody as a way of saying thank you," the developer said in a statement.
The Exploration Pack contains wrecks that need discovering to unlock a Lancia Stratos version Rallye and a 1969 Dodge Charger.
As for that patch: the PC version is live now, and the console counterparts are in certification at Microsoft and Sony. They're expected to "follow shortly".
What that patch does
* Logging into the game has been improved
* Once into the game the online network experience is now much more stable in all areas
* Save games no longer corrupt
* Existing corrupted save games will be repaired in many cases
* Friends lists are now populated
* Invites now work correctly
* Clubs have been brought back online
* Exploits to gain money have been fixed
* Casino access has been improved
* Players will no longer lose money because of the Casino bug
Quote from: GamerMan316 on February 23, 2011, 10:35:45 AM
Buggy TDU2 apologises with free DLC
The first helping of Test Drive Unlimited 2 downloadable content - The Exploration Pack - will be free.
Why? Because a patch to remedy the game's many bugs has taken weeks to make.
"We really appreciate your patience in this matter and we would like to announce that we will be making the first premium DLC for the game free for everybody as a way of saying thank you," the developer said in a statement.
The Exploration Pack contains wrecks that need discovering to unlock a Lancia Stratos version Rallye and a 1969 Dodge Charger.
As for that patch: the PC version is live now, and the console counterparts are in certification at Microsoft and Sony. They're expected to "follow shortly".
What that patch does
* Logging into the game has been improved
* Once into the game the online network experience is now much more stable in all areas
* Save games no longer corrupt
* Existing corrupted save games will be repaired in many cases
* Friends lists are now populated
* Invites now work correctly
* Clubs have been brought back online
* Exploits to gain money have been fixed
* Casino access has been improved
* Players will no longer lose money because of the Casino bug
Well I should bloody well think so too!!!
Test Drive Unlimited 2 360 patch out now
Eden Games has released a patch for Test Drive Unlimited 2.
Eurogamer has received reports that the Xbox 360 patch fixes corrupted saves and makes the persistent driving simulation playable again.
The patch out now is one of a two planned. Part two, which deals with problems associated with clubs among other issues, launches on Monday.
"Thank you for making TDU2 a huge success worldwide," reads an update from the development team on the official forum (http://forums.testdriveunlimited2.com/showthread.php?t=42739).
"We have worked diligently to stabilize the network and address log-in issues. Friends lists will now be populated, invites will work correctly and Clubs will be brought back online. The Casino has been optimized and the bug causing players to lose money has been resolved. We have also addressed many of the exploits in the game and will be monitoring cheating in all its forms."
The free downloadable content already promised to fans will launch soon.
Quote from: GamerMan316 on March 14, 2011, 09:44:53 AM
Test Drive Unlimited 2 360 patch out now
Eden Games has released a patch for Test Drive Unlimited 2.
Eurogamer has received reports that the Xbox 360 patch fixes corrupted saves and makes the persistent driving simulation playable again.
The patch out now is one of a two planned. Part two, which deals with problems associated with clubs among other issues, launches on Monday.
"Thank you for making TDU2 a huge success worldwide," reads an update from the development team on the official forum (http://forums.testdriveunlimited2.com/showthread.php?t=42739).
"We have worked diligently to stabilize the network and address log-in issues. Friends lists will now be populated, invites will work correctly and Clubs will be brought back online. The Casino has been optimized and the bug causing players to lose money has been resolved. We have also addressed many of the exploits in the game and will be monitoring cheating in all its forms."
The free downloadable content already promised to fans will launch soon.
i feel it's probably too late to save the game, lot's of people have already traded it in unfortunately.
So many angry TDU2 fans on the xbox.com forums & Xpert messenger over the past month.
I'm sooooo glad the nightmare is over and I can go back to listening to people complain about Xbox LIVE not being free. ;)
Test Drive Unlimited 2 - Explorer Pack (http://marketplace.xbox.com/Product/Test-Drive-Unlimited-2-Explorer-Pack/2d560af6-6342-4cc2-9afd-381b0f5d8dc4?cid=SLink) now available for free!
Free DLC
Test Drive Unlimited 2 - Mandatory 4 (http://marketplace.xbox.com/Product/Test-Drive-Unlimited-2-Mandatory-4/695316e5-9241-4710-83f1-f5f16cdc49e7?cid=SLink)
Force Feedback enhancement â€" The power and reaction time of force feedback response has been improved. Stickers Update â€" An update to the sticker board system will ensure that the correct stickers options are available to all users.