Test Drive

like Gran Turismo but less challenging on September 28, 2007

Description: you race in 4 cities (see item description), each city has 10 tracks (40 tracks total). you race against 5 other people. you have to finish in the top 3 in each track. the exception is 3 drag races , in which you must finish 1st. after all 4 cities are complete, you race in a "final" tournament against just one person. the "final" tournament has 5 tracks (45 total for the whole game).
GAMEPLAY: the graphics are very good and realistic. you drive at night, day, and dusk. The sound track consisting of dmx etc.. is very good while you drive (not cheesy game music). the tracks are well designed and are fun to drive.
DRAWBACKS: 1)the driving challenge is poor and does not require any technical skill. All you have to do to win each race is to avoid hitting the other cars in traffic - when you hit another car, it completely spins you around and you go from 1st to last place. 2) you win money depending on which place you finish (1st, 2nd, 3rd), but There Is Nothing To Buy with the money you earn - its completely useless cash. Therefore, it doesnt matter what place you finish. 3) you cant tune the cars at all. their performace characteristics are permanent throughout the game. 4) the story line is poor and is never developed. in between each race you "chat" with the other drivers, but all they do is "tease" each other. no real communication of substance takes place - you should just skip over the conversation parts. 5) the cars sound the same with a few exceptions.
PROS: 1) you get to drive mostly american muscle cars - a nice change from the plethora of imports in games like Gran Turismo. 2) the cars handle true to their real world counterparts (from what i know about such traits (i own a '70 chevelle in real life)). 3) you can change the color of the cars.
OVERALL: i would put this game in the same genre as "Midnight Club", "Supercar: street challenge", and "Driver [you're the wheelman]" but with far better graphics. If you are looking for a true simulation like the Gran Turismo series then you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you want a fun "car" game that isnt too challenging , lets you drive some great muscle cars without worrying about tuning anything, and doesnt have a complex story line (just fun racing) , then this is right up your alley. I've played most of the other "car" games on the market and found this one to be a lot of fun. However, i think the game is too expensive...for the amount (lack) of content you recieve compared to other racing games.