After a lengthy wait, the launch of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is finally imminent, scheduled for September 12. In a recent video, developer KT Racing revealed exciting plans for post-launch content, including a significant surprise: an entirely new map that will complement the initial setting of Hong Kong Island. Longtime fans are sure to be thrilled, as this new addition will revisit Ibiza, the iconic location featured in Test Drive Unlimited 2.
Ibiza is expected to debut during the game’s second season, which is set to commence in late December. While the preview footage is clearly marked as a work in progress, it’s likely that with four months to go before the addition of this expansive new open world, it is fairly close to what players can expect. Although the visual representation might not be the most breathtaking compared to other racing games, it offers a distinct atmosphere compared to Hong Kong, and fans of TDU2 will likely experience a strong sense of nostalgia. Additionally, a character from the previous game has been hinted at making a comeback in Solar Crown on Ibiza, which should excite those invested in Test Drive Unlimited lore.
The video also discussed additional content plans, including new avatar clothing, car modifications, and special reward cars available through TDU’s version of battle passes called the Solar Pass. Players who meet certain conditions during a designated period will be able to earn rewards. Initially, the first two seasons of this system will be accessible for free, even though such passes usually require payment. Furthermore, the game aims to introduce a casino—another hallmark from TDU2—and KT has expressed interest in adding motorcycles and options for purchasing homes and apartments in the future.
Personally, I find little appeal in most of these features except for riding motorcycles. The lavish lifestyle aspect of TDU was never my main interest in the original game set in Hawaii; I simply enjoyed the thrill of exploring the vast map and driving different cars. However, with these additional features, it seems that KT aims to transform Solar Crown into a more accessible version of Grand Theft Auto, particularly for car enthusiasts, minus the explicit content and violence. While there is certainly a market for this, my primary excitement lies in taking to the streets.
TDU Solar Crown will launch on September 12 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC. Although there have been rumors of a Switch version being developed, recent cancellations of last-gen ports in 2022 have cast doubt on whether the game could make its way to Nintendo’s older platform.
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