"Unlimited" is a bold word to use in a title. Trading standards lawyers of the world are no doubt rubbing their hands with glee at the "revelation" that, actually, Test Drive isn't "unlimited" at all. However, when there are this many challenges to complete, so many novel side missions, vehicles, things to buy, items to find, some 3000km of roads to explore and, no doubt, hours of downloadable extras yet to come, you can forgive a certain amount of artistic licence.
After the cultish success of Test Drive Unlimited, the makers discovered that what people liked most about the game was its level of interactivity – the fact that it became an online social hub, where friends could hook up irrespective of real geography, go for a "drive", listen to some music and have a chat.
That aspect is here and has been tweaked to the nth degree: this time you can set up race clubs, compete in group challenges and hang out at each others' virtual apartments – all of which adds many hours to an already deeply-involved game. That takes care of the 14-year-olds looking for a Facebook alternative, but what about the rest of us?
Well, from a solo perspective there's much to recommend TDU2. At the start of the game – after a dream sequence that gives you a little taste of the vehicles to come – you're an Ibiza-based car valet with a dream and a bit of driving ability who gets a shot at the "big time" – a series of race events called Solar Crown.
This throws you into various road races, time trials, speed tests – where you have to maintain a minimum speed for as long as possible to rack up points – and assorted other challenges. Win those, collect cash, buy new cars, enter next race ... you know the drill.
Here though there's considerable variation, where you can ignore challenges and just cruise the island, discovering new shops, real estate agents, car dealerships, car washes, etc. Plus, in order to enter the next class of race, you'll first need to perfect some new skills and obtain the relevant licence. And once you've finished Ibiza and have earned enough money to buy a yacht you can sail to Hawaii and start a whole new island full of challenges.
Graphically, TDU2 isn't the most elaborate thing you'll ever see; the hardcore driving gamer will find it childish and unrealistic and yes, the car-handling isn't as crisp and researched as, say, GT5. You'll also probably find the odd glitch in animation and environment (particularly if you head off road) but in terms of depth of play and regular jaw-dropping moments (sunrise or a thunderstorm for example) this is a game that will keep you occupied for weeks.
Thanks to three skill settings, it's instantly accessible whatever your experience level, features tons of little touches for the completist and isn't shy on humour either. I was particularly taken with the stoner who pays you just to drive fast and the way any changes you make to the look of your avatar require: a) the discovery of a plastic surgeon; b) a visit to said plastic surgeon; and c) an hour of post-op recovery during which your avatar will be wearing bandages.
At the moment – three weeks of regular play and barely scratching the surface – I'm erring on the side of caution with this score. Ask me again when I've made it to Hawaii and I suspect it may creep up a little.
• Game reviewed on Xbox 360
