Test Drive Unlimited is about as far removed from a driving simulation as you can get while still being all about driving - better described as a "dream ride" simulator because of the innumerable performance vehicles available, some bikes, cars mostly - think Lamborghini Gallardo SE, Shelby GT-3000... about a hundred in all -, all of them indestructible regardless of how much crashing, banging, careening and brick wall slamming you throw at them. Too, they're all frightfully easy to drive, with automatic transmission the only option and jump-in-and-go control of analog throttle and brake with the triggers, analog steering with the left stick, and a one-button park brake (for fish tails and powerslides). As such, the challenge is keeping each car on the road - no small feat considering the various impromptu, self-delineated and staged street races are usually done at break-neck speeds around some seriously ornery roadways littered with regular traffic and the odd cop or two.

The game plays out as a story that sees you first land in a fully mapped, true-to-life emulation of Oahu, Hawaii, with a small pocketful of disposable cash. Your first task is to buy a car then a house at which to park it (as well as "chill," check your ranking, stats, etc). Then you hit the streets and explore, aided by a supremely handy GPS navigator that talks to you, points out points of interest (like car dealers that will let you test drive vehicles you can’t afford or sell you ones you can) or known race spots or spontaneous race offers, the end result of which can net you more cash to buy more cars, upgrades and houses.

Very cool is the game's seamless integration of online multiplayer (Xbox Live Gold account required, but the game also includes a 48 hour free trial of it), which appears and feels pretty much exactly like the single-player offline experience, except some of those other cars are actually controlled by real people likewise going tourist and/or looking for a race.

For the most part, Test Drive Unlimited certainly looks lush and slick in the high definition way of the Xbox 360, but there really isn't much to it beyond numb-thumb racing and modestly engaging tinkering. Then again, the game is priced nearer to bargain bin titles to begin with, so it's clearly not pretending to be anything other than a loyal, casual companion to your racing library; a long and solid series high-octane vignettes in a soothing, sprawling, tropical setting, and there's nothing wrong with that.

• TIPS: A quick and easy way to earn cash in Test Drive Unlimited is to take on delivery missions, which have no time limit; take it slow and easy because delivering a car in perfect condition also nets you a bonus.



• Also in Test Drive Unlimited, enter the challenge that requires you to top 140 miles per hour on a winding road at the South East corner of the island, except once you cross the start line, turn around and take a left where you can cruise a straightway and hit 140 easy, then hit A to finish.