“Test Drive Unlimited” was one of the first racing games to combine open-world exploration with online multiplayer gameplay, a groundbreaking step at the time. Later games like “Forza Horizon” and “The Crew” were inspired by it. After being absent since 2011, the series made a comeback with “Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown,” announced in 2020. Fans were excited for its return, but the journey wasn’t easy. The game faced multiple delays before finally releasing in 2024.

A controversial aspect of the game is its always-online requirement, even if you want to play solo. This raised doubts about whether players could truly enjoy it. Does “Solar Crown” successfully restore the series to its former glory, or will it cause fans to forget about it entirely?

Story

The story in “Solar Crown” revolves around a rivalry between two factions: the “Sharps” and the “Streets.” These two groups have entirely different lifestyles, reflected in their choice of cars and hangout spots.

The Sharps prefer elegance and luxury, driving high-end cars and living in posh houses. Their gatherings take place in sophisticated venues.

On the other hand, the Streets are all about modified cars and street racing, thriving on speed and excitement in urban areas.

You begin the game by joining one of these factions and competing in the “Solar Crown” tournament, held on Hong Kong Island. You can customize your car, participate in various races, and interact with other players at places like the “Solar Hotel.”

As you progress, you’ll uncover more details about each faction, face challenges, and complete side missions that add depth to the story. Your ultimate goal is to win the “Solar Crown” and prove yourself as the best on the island.

Gameplay

The game features around 99 cars, which is relatively low compared to other racing games like “Forza Horizon.” The focus isn’t on frequently changing cars; instead, you start with three basic cars that you can upgrade gradually. Stronger cars and higher-tier upgrades become available as you increase your reputation, meaning you’ll spend the early hours familiarizing yourself with your car and earning money for a new one.

Buying a new car isn’t as straightforward as in other games. You can’t just open a menu and select your preferred car. In “Solar Crown,” you need to visit car dealerships, view each car, learn about its specifications, and check the required reputation points to purchase it.

Every time you start the game, you begin in your hotel room instead of in your car, as in most racing games. You have to go to the garage, choose your car, and then head out, which makes the start of each day repetitive and tedious.

To join a race, you must drive to the event yourself, encouraging you to explore the island. Hong Kong Island is beautifully designed with a large map full of details, making exploration enjoyable.

However, the reward system could use some tweaking. Even if you don’t place first in a race, you earn a significant amount of experience points, while winning gives only slightly more—a surprising imbalance.

Driving physics are on the heavier side compared to other racing games, which isn’t necessarily bad as it adds realism in some situations.

AI opponents are challenging but sometimes unfair. If you reduce driving assists, the game becomes even harder but more rewarding. However, cars don’t sustain significant damage, even after high-speed crashes, which reduces immersion.

Most of the time, you’ll encounter real players instead of AI, as the game is always online. Stable internet is essential, but server issues, like “server errors,” can ruin races, even with a good connection.

The island is bustling with players, making the game feel lively. However, cars sometimes disappear, and there are no pedestrians, which feels odd for a setting like Hong Kong, known for its crowded streets.

Graphics

Graphically, the game tries to mix “Forza Horizon” and “Need for Speed.” Oddly, visuals look significantly better at night with improved lighting and reflections. Daytime graphics feel less polished, with blurry edges and fewer details.

Overall, the graphics feel dated, with cars resembling toys at times and poorly designed character models.

Final Rating

6/10

In conclusion, “Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown” fails to meet expectations. While the concept was promising, the execution was disappointing. The always-online requirement is frustrating, graphics are outdated, and the driving physics, while decent, are hampered by a lack of car damage. Repetitive routines and technical issues like server errors and disappearing cars further detract from the experience. Unfortunately, this entry does little to restore the series’ glory and instead places it in a tougher spot.