Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown is an ambitious racing game developed by Kylotonn that attempts to blend high-octane racing with a luxurious lifestyle simulation set on Hong Kong Island. As a new racer in this vivid world, you're immediately thrown into the high-stakes environment of the Solar Crown competition, tasked with making a name for yourself amid the glitz and the gritty underground street scene.
The game differentiates itself from other racing titles like Forza Horizon 5 by emphasizing a deeper connection with your vehicles. Unlike games where cars are plentiful and frequently swapped out, here every vehicle purchase is significant due to their high cost. You start with one car and must save up a lot from races before you can afford another. Each car has a unique feel on the road, encouraging players to thoroughly test drive multiple models before committing to a purchase, adding a strategic layer to the game’s progression.
Technically, the game leans more towards a simulation than an arcade racer. No realistic damage may be present, but the game physics react dramatically when a track car ventures off-road or hits uneven terrain, thanks to the sophisticated haptics of the DualSense controller. The different road types across the island, from narrow alleys to sandy beaches, create diverse racing experiences which are heightened by the detailed feedback from the controller, bringing you closer to the action.
Exploration is a large part of the game appeal, with the island encouraging players to seek out hidden collectibles that can unlock new cars and bonuses. Despite these detailed in-game elements, the overall setting feels lackluster. The lack of interaction across the bay to Kowloon and the sparse NPC life on crowded Hong Kong streets detract from the city’s vibrant potential portrayed in the game. Additionally, the absence of local cultural touches like Cantonese music lessens the immersion.
On a brighter note, the game's racing mechanics are a highlight. Each race is set at a predetermined time with specific weather conditions, raising the stakes and making each race feel unique. The AI provides a formidable challenge, ensuring that every victory feels earned. The diversity in race types, including sprints and domination mode (where consistency is key), offers varied racing experiences using the entirety of the map.
Upgrading your car is accessible and provides incremental enhancements, while customization options for your avatar start limited but grow as you progress and join different in-game clans. These clans, each representing a different facet of Hong Kong’s street culture, unlock unique races and should enhance the game's social aspects. However, identifiable features for clans during races are minimal, missing a chance to enrich the game's world.
Despite these engaging features, Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown suffers from technical problems, particularly noted during its early access phase. Connectivity issues are frequent, and server instability often requires multiple attempts to start races. The absence of crossplay further narrows the online playing field. Frame rate issues persist on the PS5, particularly in cockpit view, diminishing the smoothness of gameplay.
Ultimately, Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown offers a mixed experience. Its attempt to merge lifestyle elements with intricate racing on the beautifully rendered but underutilized map of Hong Kong Island is commendable. Yet, technical setbacks and a lack of deeper cultural immersion hinder its potential to fully captivate. For fans of racing simulators looking for a game with high investment in vehicle attachment and diverse racing challenges, Solar Crown could still be worth exploring, provided future updates address its current shortcomings.
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