Test Drive Unlimited drops players into the sun-drenched, open-world paradise of O’ahu, Hawaii, where the ultimate automotive fantasy awaits. After customizing your avatar—a newcomer to the island with a taste for the high life—you’ll step off the plane and into a world defined by luxury, speed, and freedom.
Your journey begins with a healthy $200,000, enough to secure your first home and a starter vehicle. From there, the entire island is yours to explore. Cruise along coastal highways, weave through lush rainforests, or dive straight into the action using the intuitive GPS—voiced by a helpful narrator—to navigate to races, dealerships, and events instantly.
With over 125 meticulously detailed licensed cars and motorcycles from manufacturers like Audi, Jaguar, McLaren, and Kawasaki, the garage of your dreams is within reach. Each vehicle handles uniquely, balancing speed, acceleration, and control to suit different driving styles. Earn cash by competing in races—including checkpoint sprints, time trials, and circuit events—then spend it on new homes, expanded vehicle collections, and even fresh outfits for your avatar.
While the core experience shines in single-player, the heart of Test Drive Unlimited lies in its online integration. Log in via GameSpy to join a persistent server filled with other players. Meet up in lounges, compare stats, and join—or create—custom races with rules you define. Set start and end points anywhere on the island, restrict vehicle types, and fill empty slots with AI drivers if needed.
Note: The PSP and PS2 versions offer a scaled-back experience, lacking features like manual transmission, motorcycle options, avatar clothing customization, interior camera views, and certain vehicles. Some elements—like Master Points and Auto GPS—remain intact, but for the full immersive sim, the Xbox 360 and PC editions deliver the definitive version of this automotive sandbox.
