Atari announced Test Drive 2 a little while back, but whilst we swiftly followed the announcement with the news that the game would be featured on the island of Ibiza, since then it has all gone quiet. Until today, mind, because European magazine GameReactor has a big feature on the open-world racer and a translation has rolled in off the hills.
“One of the unique aspects of Test Drive Unlimited,” says the translation, “was the enormous game-world. More than 1500 kilometres of road was available to drive on, located on Oahu in Hawaii. This feels like nothing compared to Test Drive Unlimited 2 which is a whole 2.5 times bigger and is based on the Spanish island of Ibiza, mostly known for its gigantic beach parties.”
One of the reasons Ibiza was chosen was the variation in the environment. There will be dense forests, big mountains, ruins and modern cities.
“The big news this time is that you this time will be able to compete together with buddies in co-op. One person is the map-reader and will steer the driver through the courses, which will give a massive advantage if you manage to negotiate the road in a good way. Otherwise much is what it used to be, you can cruise along the Ibiza streets and challenge someone to a bit of racing when you wish.”
We’re told the multiplayer lobby has been replaced with a system that lets you explore your opponent’s vehicles before the race. The end result, apparently, feels like an online role-playing game, with car clubs competing for kudos but mixed with others just cruising the streets. The game will now feature SUVs, too.
“To get anywhere in TDU 2 you need money,” continues the report, “but there is also a system with experience points divided into four sections. If you’re not a rally-ace, maybe you’re better at the social part and get your coveted points that way. So in a nutshell, you can reach success, both by daredevil driving, by being chased by the police or just by staying alive.”
“There is not a square centimetre of Ibiza that you can’t drive on.”