The sequel to the open-world racing game Test Drive Unlimited is Test Drive Unlimited 2. It is situated on Ibiza and Oahu (the Hawaiian island where the original game was also set). Oahu is only accessible after players reach level 10, after which the airport opens. There are a total of 60 stations (up to level 70 with the optional Casino DLC), which can be obtained by accumulating experience points in any of the following categories:
- Discovery (traveling on all roads and tracks, searching for concealed automobile wrecks, photographing particular areas)
- Collection (purchasing cars and residences, decorating them with furniture and stickers, buying clothing, and undergoing plastic surgery)
- Competition (racing versus A.I. or human opponents, accomplishing challenges)
- Making friends and joining clubs are examples of social activities.
You begin as a valet, fantasizing about receiving a nice car for your birthday until you are abruptly awakened by the affluent girl whose car you were supposed to transport. She then hires you to transport her to a studio where she needs to be very soon, and if you do well, she invites you to compete in a racing competition called Solar Crown. To participate in the contest, you must first earn a license, which is obtained by visiting a driving school and completing a series of activities and examinations to demonstrate your worthiness. You can explore the first island as soon as you have the license. You can obtain additional permissions to compete in other competitions. A franchise offers access to Asphalt challenges, a B license grants access to Off Road challenges, and a C license grants entry to Classic races. Each class is then broken into subclasses, such as 5, 6, 7, low high, etc. You must purchase a car from the same category to participate in the challenges and championships.
The player’s vehicle is outfitted with a F.R.I.M. (Free Ride Instant Money) system, allowing them to earn money to buy vehicles, houses, upgrades, outfits, etc. Passing other cars closely and at high speeds, jumping, drifting, and other ‘dangerous’ driving fills a reward bar, which can be cashed in immediately or left to accumulate, with the risk of losing it all if you hit something and crash. Completing races and challenges can also earn you money. Driving someone prone to car sickness home by driving carefully and not ‘jolting’ the car too much; driving a (luxurious) car to a garage for a lazy owner; following someone’s car at a discreet distance; driving someone around who wants you to stay above a certain speed and driving someone around who wants you to go dangerously to get his adrenaline flowing are all single-player challenges.
The number of cars on the road and your grip are affected by the weather system and the day/night cycle; if it rains or puddles, you will skid in bends. The offline mode features a pair of A.I. drivers you can challenge to a fast race (for a 1000-dollar in-game wager and experience points), while the online way features actual opponents. You can also participate in several cooperative challenges. There are also A.I. police officers in the game that can issue you a ‘warning’ if they spot you running a red light, driving against traffic, or causing an accident. On your screen, a ‘traffic infraction’ bar will appear. This will disappear unless you break the law again when the meter is shown. Then they come and chase you; if they catch you, you must pay a fine. The cops may occasionally call you on your cell phone to join a coop police chase. If you accept, you will be assigned to drive a police car searching for a traffic offender.
The game has numerous difficulty options, which affect things like how much assistance you get when driving, whether you use a manual or automatic gearbox, and if you project an ideal line on the road during specific challenges. Some automobiles are more difficult to drive than others, and you can test drive them at the car stores you progressively uncover on the islands. Some tuners can modify automobiles and sticker businesses where you can customize your vehicle.
