Test Drive: Eve of Destruction Confirmed for Xbox

Test Drive is one of the longest running driving-game franchises that continues to spawn. Eve of Destruction is the latest title in the series and was recently scheduled for a PS2 release in September. Atari has now confirmed that it will be porting an Xbox version as well, due for completion around the same time. It is thought that it will be Live! enabled, because by the time of release, online play will be a virtual prerequisite for any racing game, as Outrun 2, Burnout 3, Forza Motorsport and Juiced will all ably demonstrate.

According to Atari's press release "Monster Games has reinvigorated the Test Drive franchise with this fresh departure from static road-course racing without losing touch with the core elements that have made Test Drive one of the most recognised and successful racing franchises in video game history." Although that may be partially true, it's difficult to agree that a destruction derby-style romp will resemble anything like the strict Test Drive simulation that the earliest games embraced. Nor are the additional elements, such as the inclusion of taxis and coaches, remotely fresh. In fact, such features are now quite tired and clichéd.

It will be an extremely packed grid for the Xbox's best racer of 2004. If Atari can steer this one away from the void of mediocrity and continue on the road to acceptable sales figures, it would be an impressive feat indeed.