Test Drive Unlimited 2

[Art Blade]

Alright people :)

As to screenshots, there are JPG files in my folder but they're encrypted or at least not a common file format (they're NOT jpg pics). I can't create regular screenshots (like most games these days, it just presents you with a black nothing). So apparently I can't share screenshots outside the game.

You may have noticed that I haven't posted for a while.. because this game is fricking awesome and addictive, at least for those of you who already liked TDU1, this here is just about the same thing. Of course the graphics aren't Crysis-style but they're better than before.

Day and night with nice sunsets and sunrises, beaches and the sea, reddish mountains with desert-like ambiance as well as some light forests are pleasing the eye while cruising around. The cars have nice cockpits and are shiny from the outside, just really nice :) Exploring the area and driving around in your first car is fun. Cars can be tuned for money, you buy upgrade kits for acceleration, brakes, and erm, I forgot.  ^+-+ Too much input there to remember every little bit, I still need to get used to some stuff and I have only upgraded my car twice (like quickly clicking on whatever it was to make it more powerful without actually paying attention to what it really was the second time I did it). There are four upgrade levels, they get unlocked depending on how much territory you explore. The more you drive on streets you haven't seen before, the more terrain you know, the sooner you level up and may buy a new upgrade. I've seen a few cars that used to belong to the DLC of the first game, now they're vanilla (like a 1957 Chevrolet). Cool :)

Not so cool yet it had to be expected, because they never learn, is the servers of TDU2 are not accessible for quite some time now. They used to be but folded rather soon. I mean, if you release a game close to a weekend and force everybody to go online (you may create an offline career but will miss 25% of the achievements and options which are strictly MP or online features) what do you expect? They'll of course all go online and connect to the server. I bet they didn't expect it and are now feverishly working on it to get the servers sorted. Sometimes I couldn't start my game because I couldn't connect to the servers, and when I managed to connect, there were still errors telling me that the servers were currently not available. To me that means that they probably have two sorts of servers, one for the game play, and one for certain data. The game environment seems to w@&k, I can see other people online, but certain things don't w@&k like editing my profile. My mate was really unlucky, he received an unknown error and couldn't launch the game at all (initially he could, but after a while it refused to w@&k for him). He reinstalled the game and got the same error. Now he's really p****d and created an offline career so he can at least play a little.

We're paying beta-testers.. I am sure that Eden will do their best to solve those issues and given that the game is only just released, it is quite normal (unfortunately) that things don't run smoothly. We'll see.

But IF the game is up and running then it is great. I don't care about how weak and poor the story is, in the end it is racing and cruising (free roam) and whatever else you do is up to you, like if you want to purchase clothes, haircuts or beauty surgery, houses and decorations for it like different types of floors and furniture.. all your decision. The good thing is that you buy stuff with money and no more stupid coupons you needed back in TDU1. You keep earning money by stunt driving on the streets, like just speed a bit and overtake cars, ding, 100$. Cash in or rise the bets.. your choice :)

More later :)

[PZ]

Too bad about the screen caps, but it sounds like you're having a great time  :-X

[Art Blade]

indeed :)

Oh, one more thing.. there IS an option to invert the y-axis for the mouse. If you know where to look  ^+-+ (the mouse has a separate tab to configure, it is not part of the keyboard mapping)

[PZ]

 :-X

[deadman1]

Wall of text

You might try to use Fraps for those screenshots, I use the unregisterd version of Fraps to take screenshots in BFBC 2 and it´s works a treat. BC2 have the same problem asTDU with getting blank pics when using the Print screen button.

[Art Blade]

lol at "wall of text"  ^+-+

That's a good tip, I didn't know the unregistered version can take screenshots. Will consider it, thanks  :) :-X


Well, the game.. can't connect = can't play (online career).

I just checked their official forum. All servers are down, PS3, PC, 360.

The responsible Admin, GMDestra (Atari), simply stated

Yes, that means that they are down. Sorry for the inconvenience. We're actively working to get it fixed.
__________________
GMDestra - Community Team Lead

[Art Blade]

here is a more detailed statement

We're still seeing reports from players stating that they can't log in. Getting this fixed is a high priority issue for us and we hope to have it fixed soon.

Additionally, we are also seeing intermittent connectivity issues with the PC platform. These issues are being looked into as well.

We'll continue to w@&k on updates throughout the night, which should continue the steady increase in performance that we've been seeing thus far. Our hope is to get all our PC users in the game as quickly as we can. We'll provide you guys with an update on the progress Sunday morning, around 10AM PST (1800 GMT).



PC

    * Online Play – Online, being monitored
    * DLC Purchasing – Online
    * Pre-Order Code Redemption - Online
    * Pre-Order Casino Code Redemption -Online
    * Getting pre-order cars and Casino in-game - Some users are reporting that their cars don't show up in the Used Car Dealer after the code is redeemed. If this affects you, try playing the game in Offline Mode to see if the cars show up.
    * Casino Access - Offline
    * Clubs - Offline to fix an exploit


Issues Being Investigated:

    * Manual Unavailable - Some users have reported that the PC install did not come with a PC manual. We're working on a solution for customers affected by this issue.
    * Changing your account password locks out your profile - This has been escalated for investigation.
    * Can't take off sunglasses? -Some users are reporting that they can't remove certain clothing items. If this affects you please post here.
    * Disappearing friends list? - This is an intermittent issue with the server. Sometimes the friends service will go down briefly, but your friends are not lost.
    * Wheel control issues? - Wheel control issues will be tackled once the major service items are smoothed out.
    * Non-Functioning Car in Used Car Dealer - There is a Lancia-looking car with purple wheels in the Used Car dealer (purple wheels). Do not purchase it, it may negatively affect your game. We are working on getting this fixed ASAP.


Resolved Issues:

    * Some users did not receive a GT500 bonus code - Should be able to claim your bonus here using your SECUROM code: www.testdriveunlimited2.com/redeem.
    * Wrong car image for Ferrari GTB China Ed. - This is fixed now. The correct car image now appears.
    * Amazon not listed at /redeem - This should be resolved now.
    * The build title contains "QA" and "Review" - Known issue. Future versions should no longer contain the inaccurate label of "QA," but as expected the disc name will remain the same for the near future as they have already been printed.
    * Version Discrepencies - This is working as designed for the moment. Depending on where and how you get the game, you will be provided with a different version number. While the version numbers differ, the game is identical. Future patches should bring all games to a unified version number.

__________________
GMDestra - Community Team Lead

[PZ]

You might try to use Fraps for those screenshots, I use the unregisterd version of Fraps to take screenshots in BFBC 2 and it´s works a treat. BC2 have the same problem asTDU with getting blank pics when using the Print screen button.

I can echo that - Fraps works so well I purchased the registered version, and it has never failed me in taking movies or stills.  :-X

[Art Blade]

I had trouble getting online and created an offline career in addition to my online profile. I kept trying to connect switching between both careers and "got lucky"  :) It's a shame if you are advanced but can't use it, so I'm happy that I was able to continue. Apart from some online content, the game is currently working.

Here's a heads-up:

ATARI has updated their post, as of now it's the latest:

Hey Everyone,

We're still seeing reports from players stating that they can't log in. Getting this fixed is a high priority issue for us and we hope to have it fixed soon.

Additionally, we are also seeing intermittent connectivity issues with the PC platform regarding multiplayer connectivity within the game. These issues are being looked into as well.

We'll continue to w@&k on updates throughout the day. There are several fixes in the works that are scheduled to go live soon, once they have been finalized and tested by QA. The ETA on these updates is Monday evening, Pacific time at the earliest. Before these updates go live, I do apologize that some players may continue to experience login troubles, along with intermittent outages of multiplayer functionality and Casino games. Thanks very much for your patience in this matter. We're working as hard as we can to make TDU2 a solid experience for our PC players.

[black.penta]

i found something nice:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=212344039743811741854.00049bb0c5e0ad9d7e4b3&ct=docsearch&cd=2&cad=docsearch,cid:8152372498441777073

( i diddn`t create it, i just found it :) )

[Art Blade]

excellent  :-X Cheers, mate :)

[Art Blade]

On a quick note, TDU2 seems to w@&k now, Atari seems to have solved the major issues.

I've enjoyed the game so far, despite the problems Atari had with those servers.

I've now reached level 10 which allowed me to take a dip into Oahu, Hawaii, by plane, and I still use the same old car I started out with. So far I've done 1,500+ km (mostly by discovering 100% of Ibiza) ;D

Oahu was where the the first game took place, they incorporated it into TDU2, so basically you can go back to the isle you already know, given you played the prequel. It looks more polished now and boy, a lot more road there  ;D

I drove across the isle using the GPS marker, looks like it is better than the old one but I need to check that more in depth. :)

[Fiach]

I've been watching Hawaii 50 (2010) for a few episodes now, it brings back alot of fond memories of driving around Oahu, its a pretty good cop show too :)

[fragger]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the game, Art :) :-X Now that you're past your initial hassles, that is... :-D

Fiach, does the new main guy still say "Book 'im, Danno"? :-()

[Art Blade]

The game is awesome (if you liked TDU1) but still not fully functional. Atari are still investigating and fixing issues.

I have driven 2,000+km already  ;D :-X

[Fiach]

Fiach, does the new main guy still say "Book 'im, Danno"? :-()

Yeah mate :) They even go into great depth to explain the series "lore", like I always thought that it was -50 as the 50th US state, but it was actually McGarrets football jersey number.

The music is still the same, and the cinematic for it is pretty much the same with the different statues interspersed with the current actors posing in similar ways to the older actors.

The series is more "gritty", McGarrett is an Ex Navy Seal, Danno is a cop from new Jersey ( Noo Joisey :P), the action is more aggressive too, theres a nice relationship between McGarrett and Danno, they play well off each other.

McGarrett is played by Alex O'Loughlin, used to be a vampire private eye in Moonlight (pretty good series btw).
Danno is Scott Caan, was in the last couple of seasons of Entourage (worked with Eric (E) and played a real yuppie type).

[Art Blade]

Hey, on topic:

Yesterday I had my first online experience which is different from SP mode, and it was good:

You can actually invite someone to sit in your car (let's call it "copilot") and the copilot can give directions (like, pressing "left" causes a row of arrow symbols to pop up from which to pick something like "sharp turn" or if you stomp on your brake a red symbol with a foot stomping on a pedal pops up, you then need to confirn or cancel -- basically you're an advanced GPS or an enhancement for your driver) Cool :)

Or you just sit and watch and try not to puke across the screen if the driver races through oncoming traffic doing somersaults.

You can invite someone to your house which can be redecorated by changing wall papers and a couple of different types of furniture. You can't move furniture around but replace it. Pictures on the wall can be replaced by your screenshots. It is funny to walk around together in a house and go to the garage and check out the vehicles but you can't drive someone else's cars.

It was good fun, the guy I met helped me with a couple of questions I had and we did the stuff mentioned above in turns which also gives experience points. I reckon we drove around free-ride for like three hours enjoying ourselves while laughing about unavoidable traffic accidents, we used to wait for each other to catch up and drive on.

The indicators of your car w@&k, I made use of it once: I was leading and facing a junction, so I switched on my left indicator and the car behind me could see where I was going to go :)

I have travelled like 2,800+km now :)

[Fiach]

Hey, on topic:

On topic?  On an OWG forum? I think you need to have a little lie down Art, you are confusing us with a proper forum :)

Sounds like some cool game mechanics though :)

[Art Blade]

The on topic comment was just to catch your eye. :)

The game is fan-f***ing-tastic for everyone who already liked TDU1.

It is more polished regarding user interface and menus and so on, the visual impression regarding graphics is sort of familiar but to be fair, they did improve the graphics quite a bit, too (far from crysis style, though).

ATARI are still working on some issues, one patch is out already (32 megs automatic update via game launcher) and another patch is announced and probably out already. They are actively working on issues reported by players on their forum. Not bad, compared to what Ubi does.. but that's a different story.

I am very happy with the game because I focus on driving. If you value a good story.. hehe, well.. you should play a different game. But as a driving and racing game with open world style it is just what you need.

It is so much fun to be able to take a plane and travel between Ibiza, Spain, and Oahu, Hawaii.. You'll immediately recognise Oahu and the layout and buildings but they added a whole lot of streets  ;D

[Art Blade]

another patch is announced and probably out already.

It is, downloading now, 17 megs. :)

[black.penta]

U P D A T E :

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http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=212344039743811741854.00049bb0c5e0ad9d7e4b3&ct=docsearch&cd=2&cad=docsearch,cid:8152372498441777073

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http://tdu.gameprophets.com/tdu2-map/


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http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&-msid=218081809985938592241.00049bff1df6e411c0a84&ll=21.483741,-157.986145&spn=0.766721,0.95993&z=10&source=embed

[Art Blade]

In the meantime Atari/Eden has just released their third patch and again the servers are down rendering the game useless for those who have a career based on online mode (which is the default way). Apparently they do maintenance preferably on weekends when most people decide to game so everybody notices that the servers are down while the patch is being released (at least for the PC version, console versions are yet to be patched).

However, when the game works (servers are online) it is great fun and a lot to do.. I'm now level 53 out of 60 and I can't go much higher (most of what is missing for me is club related, meaning some sort of team play, but clubs are still struggling with bugs and whatever issues).

I met a couple of nice people but also some real idiots (with significantly lower level who kept ramming me off the street using the most potent car in the game going "I just rammed a level 50 player off the street who ran for his life")

[Art Blade]

After a while now yesterday I decided to pick up TDU2 again just to do some joy driving.

Turned out to be my lucky day: I met players who invited me to join their club which already has all achievements unlocked (I spare you details, but it is not common to find those clubs let alone get invited to join them). So I was able to see and drive four cars only available to club members (can't buy them anywhere) which are (from my memory, maybe inaccurate)

Ferrari FXX Evolutione
Gumpert Apollo
Lotus 7 Eleven
Wiesmann Roadster

I always wanted to drive a Gumpert to my heart's content because as a regular player you only get to drive it once as a side mission which requires you to drive from A to B without scratching that car (or you lose money, in the worst case you need to redo the mission) and that means you drive like you were sitting on barrels of explosives. No fun. What I realised, however, was how insanely powerful the engine was particularly regarding the transition (gears) and the resulting acceleration.

So far I had been told that you cannot drive those club cars anywhere but during club races. Wrong. I met someone on the street in a Gumpert who turned out to be the club's founder and that guy invited me in.

The Gumpert.. when I drove around in it for the first time in free roam mode (not mission-bound), it was impressive. What I didn't expect was that a Pagani Zonda Tricolore can keep up with it. It just so happened that I found someone on the street who raced with me down a long straight and.. same speed. That was more impressive than the Gumpert. The only problem was that a Tricolore is a special car you cannot buy in a shop..

I already knew about that Pagani Tricolore. The data sheet is identical to a Pagani Zonda Cinque. But the transition is different which allows a tricolore to pull away from a Cinque. The top speed is the same (well, almost.. the fully tuned Cinque goes 399kph and a fully tuned Tricolore 397kph) but the driving experience is different.. the Tricolore appears to be faster because of the impressive continuous acceleration.

It just so happened that I met someone else on the street (in TDU2 of course) who had a Tricolore. We did race and chat a while and he realised how much loved to drive Pagani (the only decent racing car in that game) and how I would really  appreciate that car but he also understood that I couldn't get it (didn't have the game mag that published a redeem code for that car) and even if it became part of a DLC I still wouldn't get it (never do online business). In the end that guy was so incredibly nice and gave me a spare redeem code (he had a spare mag at home) and what can I say.. I now am proud owner of a Tricolore.  :) :-X

[PZ]

 :-X

[fragger]

Nice :-X