Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown

[SouthLand]

TDU 2 is probably one of the games i spent more hours on.

 

Driving on Ibiza really does feel like the real thing. I know a lot of people hated this game and prefer TDU1, but really, TDU 2 was a blast for that time and age. Also, the TDU 2 modding community was big and you could replace many cars and drive other cars.

 

This song still brings me Nostalgia

 

 

 

 

 

Regarding TDU3, I am quite skeptical as well. I don't know but something tells me that it's just going to suck. Also, i would be happy if they did a TDU 2 remake but adding more cars, graphics upgrade, handling upgrade and map rework.

[VercettiGuy]

TDU2 was fantastic, but sucked at what it was supposed to be good at: the driving. 

 

As long as in TDU3 you can still go into dealerships, build the car you want with original options, it will work for me. IMO that was it's greatest feature.

[Guest]

TDU 1 was good but TDU 2 was utter trash in terms of car sounds and gameplay.

Hope so there will be electric cars in TDU SC.

[IceDree]

Time for a necrobump:

 

 

Via Reddit by @eyman

Edited April 21, 2021 by IceDree

[eyman]

EymanB hahah sounds familiar

Anyway I've been looking for a place to discuss Test Drive but this is probably the best place right now. Hoping the TDU3 Reddit page will start to get a bit popular and we can talk cars, gameplay and features. Anyway as of this post only 1 hour to go. can't wait.

[VercettiGuy]

The trailer was okay. It's a logical first step in advertising, but I am not a big fan of cinematic trailers.

 

What I did like was the older Mercedes key. That has been in use from 2006 - ca. 2016, which means there might be some "older" Mercedes.

[IceDree]

 

Coming for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Playstation 4, Playstation 5 & PC.

Edited April 21, 2021 by IceDree

[IceDree]

2 hours ago, eyman said:

EymanB hahah sounds familiar

Waaaaaiiit a minute ...

 

[Jason]

Yet another awful trailer, with a vague "Next chapter, July 2021" tag which means... what exactly? Release date? Next info? Wha?

 

Hmph.

[Ivan1997GTA]

1 minute ago, Jason said:

Yet another awful trailer, with a vague "Next chapter, July 2021" tag which means... what exactly? Release date? Next info? Wha?

 

Hmph.

I'm guessing July 2021 is when the next bit of info will be revealed, since I doubt that the game will be ready by then.

 

If anything, I expect the game to be ready by fall-winter of 2022, at earliest.

Edited April 21, 2021 by Ivan1997GTA

[DOUGL4S1]

While I was expecting more, I am kinda glad that Kylotonn is deciding to play quiet, to give more focus into developing the game. They know they have the opportunity to make a trully amazing experience, and maybe cause another revolution in how racing games are meant to be played, just like the original Test Drive Unlimited did 15 years ago.

 

In a world after the Cyberpunk fiasco, the last thing we need right now is another game overpromissing and underdelivering things.

 

BTW, can a mod change the thread's title to "Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown"?

 

23 hours ago, VercettiGuy said:

What I did like was the older Mercedes key. That has been in use from 2006 - ca. 2016, which means there might be some "older" Mercedes.

Double post laa de daa

I also spotted a Nissan key on the lower left of the screen. Not a GT-R key, and it doesn't look like a newer Nissan key either.

Edited April 21, 2021 by DOUGL4S1

[trip]

Just wanna say I proudly loved playing the very first Test Drive game on my 8086.  Not joking.

 

That was 34 years ago!  That's f*cked up.

 

*I may be drinking stronger than normal beer tonight.

[Mister Pink]

I actually liked the trailer. OK, it didn't show us much but it's a teaser. I like the casino vibes and high-end style. It really reminds me of TDU2. I kind like that TDU is more plush-upmarket racing - maybe the rich types you might find doing Gumball Rally as apposed to NFS-style street guys which is bit played out. 

 

I'm excited for this also because as much as I like Forza: Horizon, H4 got a bit ridiculous and OTT. I'd prefer something a little more grounded (I wont say realistic), big maps, lots of long freeway. I actually liked the idea of driving to the different dealerships to pick up that new car instead of just purchasing through a menu.  It really felt like more of an achievement buying a car in TDU2. Something about TDU that doesn't try too hard to appeal to the youth with commercial Drum and Bass music and Fortnite style celebrations. It seems to it's own thing. 

 

I expect July to be the big reveal. It could be possible that this is the start of their marketing for a 2021 release. I mean the game was announced nearly a year ago. Makes sense that they launch it a year after new generation begins. Teaser now, Trailer in July, September,  with a release October or November. Perhaps I'm being optimistic, but would be nice. 

[DOUGL4S1]

19 hours ago, trip said:

Just wanna say I proudly loved playing the very first Test Drive game on my 8086.  Not joking.

 

That was 34 years ago!  That's f*cked up.

 

*I may be drinking stronger than normal beer tonight.

I remember Test Drive 6 pretty fondly from my childhood, probably the second racing game I've ever played in my life (first being NFS II). The intro is still embeded in my memory.

[eyman]

TDU for me was more like Life Simulator, more than car simulator. It was just a nice place to relax. I enjoyed walking around my garage seeing my collection, just as much as I liked driving them. Customizing my House was just as nice a customizing my own car. I also loved all those small details like Indicators, Windows, Clothing etc. that made the experience even better. If I had to come up with a dream game it would be probably be very similar to Test Drive. I still play it from time to time on my PC/PS3 (Might do again this week). 

I'm a little bit disappointed that we got another CGI Trailer after a year, but its assuring that they keep saying that TDU SC keeps its DNA from the first games because in my opinion there is just nothing like it today. You can argue GTA Online is probably closer to TDU than most other racing games (especially on Playstation). From experience The Crew 2 comes close, but it doesn't have the same charm TDU had. I don't know much about Nacon, but so far so good and hopefully we get some gameplay in July

[DOUGL4S1]

1 hour ago, eyman said:

TDU for me was more like Life Simulator, more than car simulator. It was just a nice place to relax. I enjoyed walking around my garage seeing my collection, just as much as I liked driving them. Customizing my House was just as nice a customizing my own car. I also loved all those small details like Indicators, Windows, Clothing etc. that made the experience even better. If I had to come up with a dream game it would be probably be very similar to Test Drive. I still play it from time to time on my PC/PS3 (Might do again this week). 

I'm a little bit disappointed that we got another CGI Trailer after a year, but its assuring that they keep saying that TDU SC keeps its DNA from the first games because in my opinion there is just nothing like it today. You can argue GTA Online is probably closer to TDU than most other racing games (especially on Playstation). From experience The Crew 2 comes close, but it doesn't have the same charm TDU had. I don't know much about Nacon, but so far so good and hopefully we get some gameplay in July

I agree. The feeling of walking into a dealership, talking to the receptionist, and choosing between a bunch of factory colors, wheels, interiors and options still remains unmatched to me. It really gave the feeling you were actually buying that dream car, and I hope they keep this aspect on TDU:SC.

 

Something that is extremelly obvious bit not many people seem to comment on is the fact the Land Rover on the trailer is wrapped in a gold effect and has different wheels than on the factory car, which already indicates car customization. One could also argue engine tuning, because they both launch at about the same pace, and why else would someone bet their car on a race between a Land Rover and an Aston Martin? (of course, take this with a gain of salt, as it could just be creative liberty from the trailer's director)

 

Anyways, I can't wait for them to show a bit more of the world, like where does it take place?

Edited April 22, 2021 by DOUGL4S1

[Standard Deluxe 59]

For the first time since Wreckfest, there's a game coming out I'm actually kinda excited about. I can't  imagine it's terribly far away from release if it's still going to be sold for ps4 and X1. 

[Guest]

Now I love TDU 2 with mods or anything, TDU 1 feels weird to me, I tried playing the first one, the driving was like handling a truck or something.

I can't love TDU 1 anymore but TDU 2 had blown me up in excitement after a very long time, since I played TDU 1 on ps2, it was good on the console, bad on pc.

I am really looking forward to TDU SC with offline play mode hopefully, also some great music and electric cars like Rimac, Pninfarina or Tesla (not Model 3, gross).

I am also relived that its coming to ps4 which means it will scale to all pcs from last decade. I should be able to run this on my pc hopefully.

[DOUGL4S1]

 

Edited June 2, 2021 by DOUGL4S1

[Jason]

Given that this was announced just over a year ago and was reported back then to be just starting development, I have the strong impression they keep hyping up TDU3 at their shows purely to bring in viewers.

 

I'd be surprised, pleasantly so, if we see anything substantial about the game before late 2022 tbh.

[DOUGL4S1]

23 hours ago, Jason said:

Given that this was announced just over a year ago and was reported back then to be just starting development, I have the strong impression they keep hyping up TDU3 at their shows purely to bring in viewers.

 

I'd be surprised, pleasantly so, if we see anything substantial about the game before late 2022 tbh.

Well, we don't really know how far into development they were, specially with the Test Drive series being dormant for so many years, but I agree. I hope they take their time and show us things slowly, not overpromissing stuff they might not be able to do. Making a game the scale of the first 2 TDU games is a colossal task for a small team, let alone with modern graphics.

 

And ye, I don't think we'll get much out of that show, at most I'm expecting another little teaser like that.

[eyman]

I hoping for an In-game trailer, so we can at least know what to expect but as of right now I'm more interested in hearing about the gameplay (Map, Houses, Dealerships, Cars roster etc.)

[DOUGL4S1]

Almost 3 hours to go.

https://youtu.be/IZalMSU7btA

 

Also:

https://twitter.com/kylotonn_games/status/1412074493992919043

https://twitter.com/lucasimana28/status/1412079127163813890

Why neither wants to embed

Edited July 6, 2021 by DOUGL4S1

[Jason]

If they talk about or just in general show this game in some form or fashion for a third time without a scrap of real gameplay, be it direct or in-game footage from a freecam, or without any actual info on the game then honestly, my hype is about to plummet.

 

Feels more and more that the people behind it don't care about the old fans, rather they just wanted a nostalgic IP they could milk.

[DOUGL4S1]

On 7/6/2021 at 1:07 PM, Jason said:

If they talk about or just in general show this game in some form or fashion for a third time without a scrap of real gameplay, be it direct or in-game footage from a freecam, or without any actual info on the game then honestly, my hype is about to plummet.

 

Feels more and more that the people behind it don't care about the old fans, rather they just wanted a nostalgic IP they could milk.

I'm honestly fine if they decide to take it carefully, specially after the announcement of Forza Horizon 5. I'm not really expecting a gameplay, but I'd love more info, where does it take place, a larger car list, if they are keeping it original to the premisse of the first few games, etc.

 

Developing a game the size of TDU must bê a huge task for a team that size that also has to worry about yearly IPs, and one not as experienced on the genre in current times as Playground.

 

And there's a significant portion of their target audience that is too Young to remember the TDU series, they grew up playing Forza Horizon games. Nostalgia alone won't sell this game.

[Jason]

 

Launched September 22nd 2022 - I'll be surprised if it makes that date, as that's the tail end of the year and 2022 looks packed already and TDU doesn't have the draw it once did, so I fully expect it'll slip into 2023 like a whole load of other games.

 

Hong Kong is an interesting setting, feels like they're trying to lure in all the Forza fans who have been desperate for an Asian setting - though they typically want Japan/Tokyo.

 

Still no in-engine stuff or gameplay though, despite the game now having a hard release date. Doesn't fill me with confidence that.

[IceDree]

Holy moly! A trailer and a release date too.

[eyman]

Oh man it going to be a long time from then and now. Very hyped but I need more info. completely caught everyone off guard which goes to show don't believe all rumors you see even though they show "proof". 2 CGI Trailers have been good but I would like to see some screenshots and gameplay next. 

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Website: https://testdriveunlimited.gg/en-GB

^ Has a bit more info.

Unfortunately the website makes it sound like we will only have one garage instead of garages. located in the Solar Hotel.

[DOUGL4S1]

Ok, that was... something. It was well within my expectations, so here are my toughts:

 

I fully expected their move to not want to compete with Forza Horizon 5, and I'm not gonna be surprised if they disappear for another year, see FH5's strenghs and drawbacks and try to improve with their comminity's feedback. The late 2022 release date kinda makes me glad they're not worried about having to rush that game out to compete with Forza either, they have the time to make something amaginz, even as a small studio. That release date also aliviated some of my worries about only seeing CGI trailers, if it was september this year, I'd be getting some Cyberpunk flashbacks. Thats's also probably why they didn't want to release any gameplay, would create way too many comparassions to FH5.

 

The Hong Kong setting was a really cool surprise. I'm currently playing Sleeping Dogs, another game set in Hong Kong, and it defenetly is a cool place. here is a map comparassion IRL between Hong Kong, Ibiza and Oahu (bear in mind the game only takes place on Hong Kong Island, the island on the bottom right of the blue outline):

 

So yeah, time to forget about this game for about a year now.

Edited July 6, 2021 by DOUGL4S1

[Jason]

"Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is above all about the love of cars, especially luxury cars."

 

 

Nothing on that site gives me high hopes if I'm honest. We'll see how it goes.