The news that Test Drive Unlimited will be released for the relatively cheap 39.95 USD is not quite the bargain - in 360 game terms - that you may think. Monthly "car packs" will be released soon after launch which will include at least 6 cars and genre-specific radio stations. Hmm. So this is the brave new world of downloadable/episodic/whatever gaming? Developers finish a game and shave off the edges, then the the publisher flogs an incomplete title for a few pounds cheaper safe in the knowledge that the press will focus on perceived "generosity" rather than what is missing.
To give Atari some credit TDU is actually looking like a decent game - in sharp contrast to 98.2 % of their recent output - and the monthly downloads are optional rather than essential. But if this is a success you can bet even more publishers will give it a go. Horse armour and extra cars are one thing, but how long before you have to cough up extra cash to complete a game you've already bought?
