Test Drive 6
- January 01, 2000 00:00 AM PST
The Dreamcast is still in search of a top notch, realistic racing game, so Infogrames tries to fill that gap with Test Drive 6. But will it keep Dreamcast owners from being envious of Gran Turismo 2? Very doubtful.
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Here We Go Again
The Test Drive series should be familiar to all racing fans by now, either from years of playing the series or just from knowing its competition. What's more, the sixth iteration of the series has already been out for a month on the PlayStation. So you probably know it's a street racer with dozens of international tracks and sports cars (ranging from brand new 2000 models to 60s and 70s muscle cars), and also there's the constant threat of being caught by the police (and even a mode where you ARE the police).
What sets this version apart from its PSX counterpart is obviously the hi-res Dreamcast graphics, definitely an improvement over the lackluster PSX visuals. But also there's an unfortunate physics difference between the games -- unfortunate because the Dreamcast controls really lack the realistic feel necessary to compete in today's racing market. Overall, TD6 is a disappointment, because it really had a chance to take the checkered flag.
Better Is Not Always Better
The PSX version of Test Drive 6 really needed some help graphically, so you'd expect that the Dreamcast would provide the muscle necessary to make a visually stunning racer. While this version is massively improved, it still looks rather sterile. Cars models are smooth and glossy (probably too glossy even after crashing them a few times) and the far background elements of the tracks look great, but the tracks themselves are too constrictive. Oddly enough, there is noticeable frame-rate slow down in certain parts of the game.
The game sounds exactly like the PSX version, with high-RPM engine noise and radio-friendly hard rock tunes that keep your feet tapping as you drive. The constant shriek of the cops' siren gets really old quick, especially if you're playing as the black-n-whites in Cop Chase mode. Unfortunately, the siren is necessary, as it helps let you know when you're about to get nabbed or make an arrest.
The controls are a little less responsive and less realistic on the Dreamcast version. Powersliding is hard to master, and the awkward feeling of speed (thanks to the fluctuating frame rate) makes it more difficult to judge turns and fend off tough competition. You get the feeling that your car weighs about four tons and is jet-propelled.
Still In Search Of the King Of The Road
Without breathtaking visuals, but with control problems, Test Drive 6 is not poised to be the leader of the Dreamcast racing pack, and the system desperately needs a good racer. Dreamcast owners should keep holding out for the next big racing title.
