The accuracy of the topographic features in the unlimited test drive is second to none. It is much better and more detailed than its closest equivalent: Google Earth. When you compare a real map of Oahu to the unlimited test drive, you’ll see it right away. Then when you compare it to its real counterpart, you will be very impressed at how close it is.
If you have ever watched Lost, you will recognize many features of the land and areas of the mountain ranges. Lost was filmed on the north shore of Oahu. In Test Drive Unlimited you can see these mountain ranges along the huge straight road that runs down the north side of the island. Many of the beaches look very familiar and also similar to the Lost ones. The biggest difference, being the long straight road on Test Drive, is a gravel and dust road in real life.
All the buildings in the city of Oahu apparently hit the spot to what they are like in real life. All buildings in downtown Honolulu are on Test Drive Unlimited. The biggest difference is that many of them on TDU lack proper company logos and advertisements, which is understandable and not really an issue. Imagine trying to get the rights and permits for all Honolulu-based businesses and companies. It would take years, maybe years, and it’s just not worth the effort.
While up close and cruising Oahu, you never get a chance to appreciate precision. There are photos on the internet that compare the TDU landscape to the real Oahu. It really is identical. The biggest difference is that it can be said to be a game, but with beautiful rendered graphics.
The most accurate, though challenging, representation is that of the Honolulu International Airport. You can see the runways, terminals and aircraft hangars, all as it should be. Right outside the airport is the race track, and from the videos I’ve seen, that’s probably one of the most realistic renderings of any race track. And following everything else, perhaps the most accurate race track in a racing game? … I would defiantly say that he is a strong contender.
