Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown marks the long-awaited return of a franchise that once set a benchmark for racing games – predating the likes of even Need for Speed. Developed by KT Racing and published by Nacon, the game takes its own stab at the massively multiplayer racing genre, offering players the opportunity to explore a 1:1 scale version of Hong Kong Island. Unfortunately, despite its ambitious scope, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown struggles to live up to the expectations in places – here’s our take on the PlayStation 5 version.
One of the most compelling aspects of Solar Crown is its setting. Hong Kong Island, recreated in stunning detail, offers a vibrant and exciting playground for car enthusiasts. From narrow urban streets to expansive highways and scenic coastal roads, the map is varied and full of potential to uncover. The sheer scale and diversity of the island provide a great backdrop for exploration, allowing players to discover unique locations and tackle different types of terrain. The open-world design also encourages a sense of freedom, and driving through the city can feel immersive at times. However, despite the map’s beauty, it often feels a bit lifeless, lacking the dynamic atmosphere that could have elevated the experience further. It’s not as barren as early open world games, but you don’t always feel the hustle and bustle of a major city either.
When it comes to the core gameplay, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown aims to offer something for every kind of car lover. Whether you’re into supercars, vintage classics, or off-road monsters, the game boasts an impressive collection of vehicles from iconic manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Customization is a major feature, with the ability to modify your cars in workshops and display them in your personal garage within the luxurious Solar Hotel. But while the range of cars and customization options is extensive, the driving mechanics themselves feel inconsistent. Some cars handle with precision, making for a thrilling ride, but others feel sluggish or imprecise, detracting from the overall experience – this feels like an area that needs tightening up.
One of the interesting aspects of Solar Crown is its focus on social interaction. Players can meet fellow car enthusiasts in social hubs like car dealerships and clan HQs, and the game encourages you to join one of two clans: the flashy Streets or the more refined Sharps. These factions add a layer of narrative and competition, as players participate in clan wars to climb the ranks and earn rewards. The concept is intriguing, but the execution falls a little short. Clan wars don’t feel as impactful or dramatic as they should, and the social elements, while interesting, are underutilized in a game that positions itself as a massively multiplayer experience.
The competitive aspect of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is another area where the game shows promise but doesn’t quite deliver. The ranked mode offers a chance to test your skills against other players, with a progression system that spans from Bronze all the way to the title of Solar King or Queen. Unfortunately, the competitive PvP feels unbalanced at times, with matchmaking that can result in frustratingly uneven races. This, combined with occasional performance issues, detracts from what could have been a more polished multiplayer experience – and hopefully that’s what it’ll turn into post-release.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. While the environments of Hong Kong Island are often breathtaking, with detailed landscapes and a day-night cycle that enhances the realism, the character models and some of the car designs can feel dated. There are moments of visual brilliance, but they are often overshadowed by inconsistent graphics and technical issues such as frame rate drops and pop-ins. The game’s audio, on the other hand, is competent but unremarkable. The roar of the engines is satisfying enough, but the soundtrack lacks the energy to match the adrenaline-fueled nature of a high-stakes race.
In the end, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is a game that shows flashes of potential but ultimately falls short of its lofty goals. The open-world design and car selection are impressive, but inconsistent driving mechanics, underwhelming social features, and technical shortcomings prevent it from standing out in a crowded genre. For long-time fans of the series, it may offer some nostalgic joy, but for those looking for a groundbreaking racing experience, Solar Crown feels like it’s in need of some polish.
Score: 6.7/10
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