Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown - A Disappointing Journey

Is Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown worth your time? Our in-depth review explores the game’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s a worthy addition to your gaming collection.

By Nora Belle || Senior Author of ADM

5 min read || September 16, 2024

Introduction

Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown, the latest installment in the beloved racing franchise, aims to revitalize the series with a blend of open-world exploration and RPG elements. Unfortunately, this ambitious endeavor falls short, leaving players with a disappointing and frustrating experience.

Core Gameplay Loop: A Lackluster Experience

The core gameplay loop of Solar Crown revolves around racing, which is a fundamental aspect of any racing game. While the handling is competent enough, the overall experience feels rather generic and lacks the excitement and depth found in other titles. The AI is often predictable and can easily be exploited, making races feel less challenging and rewarding.

Progression System: A Grindy Affair

Progression in Solar Crown is tied to a grind-heavy experience system. As players level up, they unlock new cars and upgrades, but the pace of progression is slow and the rewards can feel underwhelming. The constant repetition of races to earn experience points can become tedious and repetitive, particularly when the end goal is often just another car that doesn’t significantly enhance the gameplay.

The Open World: A Visually Impressive but Lackluster Setting

The open world of Hong Kong Island is visually impressive, but it lacks the character and variety found in other racing games. While the city is sprawling and detailed, it often feels lifeless and repetitive. There are few points of interest beyond races and car dealerships, and the overall atmosphere is lacking.

The RPG Elements: A Superficial Addition

The RPG elements introduced in Solar Crown are a mixed bag. The concept of joining one of two rival clans adds a layer of social interaction, but the impact on the overall gameplay is minimal. The clan rivalries and reputation system feel superficial and lack depth, and the story is largely forgettable.

Technical Issues: A Rough Ride

Technical issues and performance problems also plague Solar Crown. The game is plagued by bugs and glitches that can disrupt the gameplay experience. Optimization is also an issue, with frame rate drops and stuttering occurring even on powerful hardware. These technical problems can significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.

Comparison to Other Racing Games: Falling Short

When compared to other successful racing games, Solar Crown falls short in many areas. The open-world exploration and RPG elements, while ambitious, fail to deliver a truly engaging and immersive experience. The racing mechanics, while competent, lack the excitement and depth found in titles like Forza Horizon or Gran Turismo.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown is a disappointing entry in the franchise. While the ambition to combine racing and RPG elements is commendable, the execution falls short in almost every area. The gameplay is repetitive, the open world lacks character, and the technical issues are numerous. Fans of the series and racing games in general may be left feeling disappointed and frustrated by Solar Crown’s wasted potential.