Test Drive: Unlimited is the latest installment to the Atari's Test Drive arcade racing game series. It is a cross-platform release, with versions on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PC, and PlayStation Portable. This review covers the PlayStation Portable (PSP) version. This release is a stripped down version in comparison to the bigger non-portable gaming consoles. For instance, the console versions include over one-hundred and twenty-five vehicles (cars and motorcycles). The PSP version has about half the number of vehicles, over sixty-five (only cars). However, while the game is missing content in comparison to the other versions, it is still a fun game and offers a lot of entertainment value for on-the-go gaming.

Test Drive: Unlimited uses a realistic mapping of the streets in Oahu, Hawaii. There are more than one-thousand miles of GPS data mapped Hawaiian terrain. The game's map is an interesting aspect that provides open-range control. Players can move around the huge map without restriction. This aspect is important to advancement as different races, car dealerships, homes for purchase, etc. are scattered throughout the map. When not in a race, players must navigate the map to different locations, as well as running from the cops who will chase you.

When first starting out, you have just arrived in Oahu with a wad of cash (credits) and a mission. The mission is to rent a car, drive to a car dealership, buy a new sports car, and a home. After selecting the rental car and going through the brief tutorial race, you are walked through buying a car and a home. From there, the adventure begins to experience street racing as Test Drive: Unlimited has to offer. As more races are won and credits are acquired (to buy new cars, upgrades, homes, etc.), Master Points (MP) are also accumulated. MPs are used to define your skill achievement level (Rookie, Amateur, Pro, Expert, Master).

As for the game play, it is generally good. There are over 200 different challenges to compete in, which are unlocked over time as your skill level increases, new cars are purchased, and so on. In this respect, there is a lot to do and if you enjoy racing games, Test Drive: Unlimited will keep you pretty busy.

Another plus is that the controls are easy to pick up and play. There aren't any complex controls to learn or figure out. But one ridiculous thing about the controls is the lack of reverse. The cars can only go forward, brake, and turn. The issue I have is that if you find yourself in a tight spot, you can't backup. To straighten out, there is a reset button that puts the car in the middle of the road at 0 MPH.

The game's realism is something that hinders the experience. While in a race or free-driving in the streets of Oahu, if the car being driven crashes or collides into another car or inanimate object no damage is incurred. On the plus side, while on the map the police will chase after you for breaking traffic laws, e.g., ramming into a car. This aspect is kind of cool, as they will give fines if they catch up to you. It adds some realism to the game, but also serves as an annoyance because some of the NPC controlled cars are pretty dumb and appear to try to get into accidents with you.

In general, the driving dynamics have their limitations, but feel right enough. However, when compared to other driving games like Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsports, it is not nearly as strong. On that note, it is a huge improvement over Ford Bold Moves Street Racing. The game feels good and plays out for a fun racing experience.

As previously mentioned, the game features a wide variety of control in exploration. There are many options, but some are limited. For instance, car upgrades can be purchased to increase acceleration, maximum speed, etc. However, the control of these upgrades is not nearly as detailed or fine-grained as the flagship racing series Gran Turismo.

In addition to the primary game play (single-player mode), Test Drive: Unlimited has some great multi-player mode features. Gamers can use either the ad-hoc or infrastructure wireless connectivity opens for a breath of options. It is a good aspect and I am glad that they included the ability to race against your friends with or without the Internet. Note that online game play is not supported cross-platform.

Overall, Test Drive: Unlimited is a good game that gamers who enjoy games from the driving genre. It has a large number of features, for both single- and multi-player modes. While it is not as strong as releases from the Gran Turismo, Test Drive: Unlimited is probably the best driving game out there for portable on-the-go gaming. So, until Gran Turismo for the PSP is released, this game is your best bet for a racing game.