Test Drive Unlimited Oahu vs. Real Life Oahu
The accuracy of topographical 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 life counterpart you will be very impressed at how close it is.
If you’ve ever seen Lost, you’ll recognize many of the terrain features and mountain range areas. 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 similar to those in Lost as well. The biggest difference is that the long straight road on Test Drive is a dusty gravel road in real life.
Apparently, all the buildings in the city of Oahu are exactly how they are in real life. All buildings in downtown Honolulu are on Test Drive Unlimited. The biggest difference is that many of them at TDU lack proper company advertisements and logos, which is understandable and not really a problem. Imagine trying to obtain the rights and permits of all businesses and companies based in the city of Honolulu. It would take years, maybe years and it’s just not worth the effort.
As you zoom in and cruise around Oahu, you never get a chance to appreciate the accuracy. There are photos on the internet that compare the TDU scenery to the real Oahu. It really is identical. The biggest difference is that it can be said to be a game, but one with beautifully rendered graphics.
The most accurate, yet challenging, rendering piece goes to the Honolulu International Airport. You can see the runways, terminals, and aircraft hangars, all there just as it should be. Just outside the airport is the race track, and from the videos I’ve seen, that’s probably one of the most realistic representations of any race track. And all things considered, perhaps the most accurate race track ever seen in a racing game?… I’d defiantly say it’s a strong contender.