Racing games come and go. Some we play, hate or forget, others we love and remember and anxiously await a follow-up upon completion. In the past, you can pass fair judgment to say that the Test Drive series lies in the doomed hate or forget column due to poor physics, uninteresting game play and visuals, and very little innovation compared to other racing games. Well like it or not, the series is back, but in a surprise move, has reinvented itself as a fantastic racing game that is not only deep and addicting, but actually makes earning achievement points and online racing make sense.

Set in Oahu, the heart of the Hawaiian Islands, you will race in the very first M.O.O.R. or Massively Open Online Racing title. What this means that there is not a need for mode changes, loading screens, or main menu kickbacks in order to play online. You may drive freely through the land of Oahu completing single player tasks, then instantly jump in a race against a real life opponent online either in a one on one challenge or by joining them in a numerous amount of multiplayer races. While only eight players seems a bit low for multiplayer excitement, the number of drivers is suitable for this title. The roads in the game are generally very narrow and twisty, and too many cars would prove to be annoying more than anything.

Even more impressive is the fact that the game is set in real mileage (or kilometers depending on your region) which means you may be in for a very long ride if your race spans over 100 miles. With over 1000 miles of terrain, you will be driving well over 100 hours if you want to do or see everything in the game. What's more, the game looks very nice as well. While lacking nighttime driving and weather effects such as rain, the day and dusk effects are done quite nicely. Not to mention the clouds drift by realistically, and when a storm is coming, you'll know as the wind begins to blow debris around. But alas, no rain ever comes, which takes a bit off the effect. It is still impressive nonetheless. In addition, is there a ton to do as well. You have in Single Player alone, multi car races, speed challenges, time trials, courier deliveries, taking hitchhikers and models to their destinations, buying clothes, buying a home, buying, painting, and tuning up cars, and much more. In multiplayer, you can race, create and participate in custom challenges, buy, sell, and trade cars online, join others in car clubs, and more.

Of course, what good is all of this if you do not have the vehicles to enjoy the ride? Well fear not as there are tons of top car developers who have issued fantastic licensing to this title for new and classic models. Choose from AC, Alfa Romeo, Ascari, Aston Martin, Audi, GM, Caterham, Chrysler, Dodge, Edonis, Farboud, Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, MV Agusta, Nissan, Noble, Pagani, RUF, Saleen, Shelby, Spyker, TVR, Volkswagen, and Wiesmann. Not to mention there are bikes in the game as well including Triumph, Ducati, and Kawasaki. Sadly, your vehicle does not see any visible damage, even though you can dish out the punishment to CPU cars and trucks complete with damaging effects. I guess these carmakers gave Atari the same old "we do not want our precious cars damaged" excuse. What is impressive is the detail and handling of each vehicle is unique and accurate. This includes an in the car view that allows you not only to see from a steering wheel perspective, but also the ability to look up, down, left and right in the seat of your car admiring your leather upholstery and dashboard. Speaking of handling, even though you have the ability to adjust and tweak the game's sensitivity, each vehicle has various ranges of handling ratings. If your car has great handling and braking, expect to stick to the road like glue, with the opposite effect for cars with lesser grades. It is true that some of the game's Havoc Engine-driven physics and aggressive A.I. can be nerve racking at times, but for the amount of content this game provides and the ability to tweak controls, this is forgiven very quickly.

Did I happen to mention Test Drive Unlimited is only 40 dollars? That's right you get a ton of licensed cars, huge terrain to drive around, tons of race types, plenty of game variety, online racing on the fly, and above average controls for a cool $39.99. Not sold yet? How about if I told you that your achievement points actually make sense? Every achievement you earn in the game reflects not only in your precious Gamer Score, but also determines your skill level and what you open up in the game. Finally a game that incorporates achievement point into the game itself.

If all this doesn't impress you than this game just isn't for you. I say, at least give it a shot as it will at least suppress your appetite until Forza 2 is released. Heck I am over 20 hours in and only at 25% complete and I cannot wait to go back for more. For me, this title is a must buy for racing fans, arcade and sim alike, as it is the best of both worlds.