Game: Test Drive
Platform: Playstation 2
Written By: XPLICIT187
Originally Written On: August 01, 2002
Updated Last: August 09, 2002
Version: 1.1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Controls
3. Racing Basics
4. Race Descriptions + Strategy
5. Street Descriptions
6. Underground Mode
7. Car Stats
8. Tips
9. Secrets
10.  Credits
11.  Conclusion
===============
1. Introduction
===============
Unless you've been living under a rock, you have probably heard of the Test
Drive series. Test Drive for PS2 is an arcade style racing game with several
great features and cars. To be very good at this game you need two things -
speed and a fully working brain. The first is obvious but why do you need a
brain? Because you need to develop a strategy to do good. Although this is an
arcade style racer, there are several things in this game that need explaining.
That's where I come in. The reason why I wrote this guide is to provide every
Test Drive player with a great reference to this game so that you can unlock
ever car, beat all of the top scores, and beat your friends so badly that they
actually cry! Okay, that sounded pretty lame. But anyways, enjoy they game and
the guide, and, as always, e-mail me if you have any trouble at all with this
game. My contacts are listed at the bottom of the guide.
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2. Controls
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In Game Controls:
X - Accelerate
Square - Brake (Reverse If Already Car Is Stopped)
O - Look Back
Triangle - Change Camera Angle
L1 Horn
L2 - Hand Brake
L3 - Headlights On/Off
Start - Pause Menu
Select - Change Camera Angle (Replay Mode Only)
Select - Map On/Off (Cop Chase Mode Only)
R1 - Gear Shift Up (Manual)
R2 - Gear Shift Down (Manual)
Controls While On A Menu:
X - Accept Option That Is Highlighted/Displayed
Triangle - Cancel & Go Back
O - Go To Options Menu (Can Be Done From Anywhere)
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3. Test Drive & Racing Basics
=============================
Arcade Style - Test Drive is an arcade style game. That means that is not
realistic. It is not a simulation style racing game.
Checkpoints - When you start a race, you will be given a certain amount of
time. The time is usually 60 seconds. If the time runs out before you complete
the race, you loose. But when you go through a checkpoint, 40 seconds will be
added to your time.
Ramps - Ramps not only provide you with a cool looking jump and a good way to
over-take a fast opponent, but they also add time to your um, time. If you go
on smaller ramps, you get 2 seconds added on. If you go on larger ones you get
5 seconds. However, you must go on it the right way. That mean straight down
the middle. And you have to have a hang-time of at least 1 second.
Aggressive Cars - Just like in all arcade style racing games some cars are
aggressive, too aggressive if you ask me. Some people will try to ram your car
off the road just to over-take you. Don't take it personal! Hen someone tries
to do that, simply move out of the way. Odds are that if you don't know what to
do and you just get caught up in the moment and try to ram their car, they will
be to strong and your car will flip.
Police - Police will sometimes try to make your life a living hell, in this
game I mean! They will try to stop you so if you see a cop car, drive away like
hell. If you get arrested, you will get 3 seconds in jail and then you get to
race again. Seriously!
Speed Isn't Always A Good Thing - You can have the fasted car on the block but
without skills, you are nothing. That's why if you are driving a very fast car,
don't think that you will win the race. And sometimes if you go to fast and
crash into something, your car will skid and stop. Sometimes your care will
flip right over!
Use The Brakes And Hand Brakes - Just because the objective in this game is to
go fast doesn't mean that you can't stop when you need to. Say you are about to
go on a very sharp turn and you know you can't make it going full speed: slow
down (using the brakes) and then make the turn! If you try to go to fast on a
sharp turn you will probably loose control of the car and something bad will
happen (like you crashing into the sides).
==============================
4. Race Description & Strategy
==============================
Linear - A start to finish race.
Strategy: Just go out there are get into the number one position. All you have
to worry about for the rest of the race is maintaining that position. Do that
by checking the map frequently so that you know where you are ad where everyone
else is at.
Circuit - Very similar to linear except you go in laps (usually 3)
Strategy: Since you have two test runs and then it's all or nothing, use the
first lap to get to know the track. Know where the turns are and where the
shortcuts are. On the second lap, use that to find more shortcuts and sharper
turns. Before you get to the end of the second lap try to get into a good
position so you get a head start on the last lap. On the third lap, just do
what you would do in a linear race; get into first and maintain that position.
Cop Chase - You are a cop and you have to arrest 6 drivers before they finish
the race. You arrest them buy ramming your car into their side until they give
up.
Strategy: Just go out there any try to arrest them as soon as possible.
Drag Race - Race down a straight path using manual gear shifting. The winner is
the one to get to the checkpoint first.
Strategy: Check your meter on the right hand side of the screen. When it goes
into the red area then shift up. Keep doing that until you get to gear 4 (6 for
some cars) and you should win. There is not major strategy in this kind of
race. You just need to have a fast car to be able to do well.
Navigation - Go through a very long, special track where there is tight turns
and more traffic. Arrows appear on screen telling you where to go.
Strategy: Just stay focused and you will do well. Also, keep at a speed that
you are comfortable with so that you don't loose control of the car and end up
getting disqualified.
Underground - A story mode. More on this later
Strategy: More about strategy for Underground Mode later in the guide.
======================
5. Street Descriptions
======================
Please note that I know there are more than one course per street. However, the
courses in the same street are very similar to one another. Below is a
description of what you can find in each city:
San Francisco:
- Not many police cars
- Few major turns
- Most turns are sharp
Tokyo
- Fair amount of police
- Good deal of turns
London:
- Narrower streets
- More incoming cars
Monte Carlo
- Narrower Streets
- More incoming cars
- More turns, some sharp some not
- Pretty Hard Tracks
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6. Underground Mode
===================
Like all good racing games, there are different modes. However we can take
these different modes of game play and divide them up into two categories: a
practice mode and the real mode (a.k.a story mode). Underground mode is the
story mode of the game. It is the mode that you will be playing more than any
other of the modes (such as a regular linear race or a drag race). You start at
the bottom of the barrel. You have to drive a car in order to win cash (which
is useless), win other cars and, most of all, win the respect of the other
drivers. There are 4 cities that you will race in: San Francisco, Tokyo,
London, and Monte Carlo. If you like at the previous section, you will find
descriptions of these cities.
Before you start the race you have the option of either going right into the
race or taking a 'test drive' through the track. I suggest taking the test run
through the track because you will not only get familiar with where the turns
are but you can explore the tracks & look for shortcuts since nothing is on the
line.
As you progress through the game other drivers will challenge you in a one on
one street race. In these races the only thing that is one the line is, well
your car! So think of it this way: if you win, you get a beautiful car that you
can use anywhere in the game. But if you lose, your car collection will get
decreased.
Another thing that you should know is that, like all games, the further you
progress into the game the harder it is. This is where the 'practice' option
(see two paragraphs above) comes in handy. There is no strategy that I can type
in here. The only thing you should do is 'do your best'. This game is not
really hard (if you just want to complete the objectives and not unlock all the
cars, that is) so if you lose badly in one race, keep trying. Odds are that you
will eventually win if you practice right and look for shortcuts when you take
the practice run. If you are still stuck and need help, read through the
'Basics' section of this guide as well as the 'Tips' section. You might find
what you need in there.
============
7. Car Stats
============
Default Cars:
Plymouth Hemi Cuda
436 BHP @ 5,000 RPM
161 MPH (257 KM/H)
Pontiac GTO
400 BHP @ 5,100 RPM
187 MPH (299 KM/H)
Chevorlet Camaro Z2
430 BHP @ 5,000
174 MPH (278 KM/H)
Toyota Supra
320 BHP @ 5,000 RPM
155 MPH (250 KM/H)
Chevorlet Chevelle SS 454
500 BHP @ 6,500 RPM
174 MPH (275 KM/H)
Lotus Elise
200 BHP @ 8,200 RPM
155 MPH (EST) (248 KM/H)
Special Cars:
Dodge Viper GTS
450 BHP @ 5200 RPM
186 MPH (299/KM/H)
Aston Marlon DB7 Vintage
420 BHP @ 6500 RPM
187 MPH (300 KM/H)
Dodge Concept Viper GTS-R
833 BHP@ 5400 RPM
235 MPH (376 KM/H)
Shelby Cobra 427 SC
425 BHP @ 6500 RPM
165 MPH (265 KM/H)
Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R
385 BHP @ 5700 RPM
176 MPH (281 KM/H)
Shelby Series 1
450 BHP @ 6200 RPM
172 MPH (275 KM/H)
Subaru Impreza 22B
280 BHP @ 6300 RPM
146 MPH (234 KM/H)
Jaguar XJ220
542 BHP @ 7200 RPM
218 MPH (349 KM/H)
Ford GT
485 BHP @ 6200 RPM
217 MPH (380 KM/H)
TVR Cebera Speed
800 BHP @ 7250
210 MPH (336 KM/H)
Ford Mustang
510 BHP @ 5800 RPM
176 MPH (282 KM/H)
Jaguar XK-R
370 BHP @ 6150 RPM
155 MPH (248 KM/H)
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
385 BHP @ 6000 RPM
182 MPH (292 KM/H)
Chevrolet Corvette L-88
510 BHP @ 6500 RPM
169 MPH (271 KM/H)
Lotus Espirit V8
350 BHP @ 6500 RPM
178 MPH (285 KM/H)
Skeeter's Pontiac GTO
400 BHP @ 5100 RPM
198 MPH (317 KM/H)
Reese's Chevrolet Camero
425 BHP @ 6500 RPM
186 MPH (290 KM/H)
Skeeter's Chevrolet Chevvelle
500 BHP @ 6500 RPM
182 MPH (292 KM/H)
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8. Tips
=======
Below are some tips that can help you out if you are stuck. This section is not
really big so if you want me to add anything in here, e-mail me and I'll credit
you in the 'credits' section. My contacts are listed at the bottom of the
guide. Anyway, here are the tips:
- As the race starts, hit the gas. Then when the counter hits one (since on
three you go) let go of the gas. Then charge up half way at two and quickly
drop down and hit it as hard as you can before it get to three. This will give
you a quick start.
- Always use the inside lane while turning. This means that if the turn is
going towards the right side of the screen, go into the lane to the extreme
right while turning. This will give you a major advantage over other cars
(provided that they don't do what you are doing!) and if you skid or slide,
there is a better chance that you won't crash into the other side (opposite of
the side that you are turning into).
- Don't be too aggressive. If cars are trying to knock you off the track,
ignore them. Move away from them. Another thing to do is take advantage of the
situation. If they try to run into you then slow down so they move away from
you and then speed up right away so that you pass them instantly.
See what I mean. I can't really think right now but I will update this section
and include as many tips that I can think of. Again, if you know anything that
should be here, PLEASE, e-mail me about it. Thanks.
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9. Secrets
==========
Unlock Everything:
At the main menu, press Right, Right, Left, Square, Up, L2, L2, R1.
San Francisco Completion Bonus:
Get first place in all San Francisco tracks to obtain the Chevrolet Corvette
L-88, Jaguar XK-R, Lotus Espirit V8 & Lotus Elise. You will also receive all
San Francisco tracks in Single Race and Cop Chase Mode.
Tokyo Completion Bonus:
Get first place in all Tokyo tracks to obtain the, Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec,
Dodge Charger, Subaru Impreza 22B, Shelby Series 1, Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec
(Police Car), Subaru Impreza 22B (Police Car), Toyota Supra (Police Car). You
will also receive all Tokyo tracks in Single Race and Cop Chase Mode.
London Completion Bonus:
Get first place in all London tracks to obtain the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454,
Skeeter's Pontiac GTO, Aston Martin DB7 Vantage (Police Car), Lotus Espirit V8
(Police Car), Jaguar XK-R (Police Car). You will also receive all London tracks
in Single Race and Cop Chase Mode.
Monte Carlo Completion Bonus:
Get first place in all Monte Carlo tracks to obtain the Aston Martin DB7
Vantage, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, TVR Cebera Speed 12, Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R,
Jaguar XJ220 (Police Car), Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Police Car), TVR Cebera
Speed 12 (Police Car). You will also receive all Monte Carlo tracks in Single
Race and Cop Chase Mode.
Unlock Addition Cars:
To unlock even more cars, place first in the following events to receive a new
car:
Track 5 (Shelby Cobra 427 SC)
Track 7 (Ford Mustang)
Track 9 (Reese's Chevrolet Camaro)
Track 26 Skeeter's Chevrolet Chevelle
Track 27 (Dodge Viper GTS)
Track 33 (Jaguar XJ220)
Track 45 (Dodge Viper GTS-R Concept)
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10. Credits
===========
I would like to thank CjayC for posting this guide, as always. I would also
like to make it clear that I got some of the secrets in the 'secrets' section
of the guide from the gamefaqs.com 'Codes and Secrets' page for this game. If
you posted the secrets that I used in this guide (please note that all the
secrets I used DID NOT come from there) and you want me to credit you, e-mail
me. My contacts are listed at the bottom of the guide.
==============
11. Conclusion
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Thanks for reading my guide. If you have any question, comments, or you would
like me to add something, e-mail me at otewrestlingcjbnet.