Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown holds promise, but there’s a caveat that might deter potential players: its mandatory online connectivity. Set for release in 2024, this racing game places a strong emphasis on multiplayer interaction within its sandbox environment. Set in the scenic landscapes of Hong Kong Island, players can explore its intricacies, including off-road driving, all rendered at a 1:1 scale to the real-world location.
The game revolves around Radiant, a mysterious organization renowned for its affinity for prestige, cars, and competition. They sponsor the Solar Crown racing competition, which serves as the centerpiece of Solar Crown’s campaign. This ambitious project aims to offer a sprawling experience across the island, utilizing the open-world format to showcase a diverse array of vehicles and high-speed thrills.
Moreover, Solar Crown boasts a multiplayer component that injects unpredictability into the gameplay. The Explorer trailer hints at the possibility of impromptu races, underscoring the dynamic nature of encounters on the road. While the concept is ambitious, previous titles like Death Stranding have demonstrated the viability of similar mechanics in different genres, suggesting that Solar Crown’s vision could indeed come to fruition.
The requirement for an online connection in Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown extends beyond accessing online features—it’s necessary for the game to function at all. This stipulation raises a red flag for some potential players, particularly those with current-gen systems but inconsistent or subpar online access. Consequently, this singular requirement may prompt some prospective players to opt for a different racing title.
The trend of mandatory online connectivity in newer games is evident, as seen in titles like Arkane’s Redfall. Notably, Arkane responded to fan feedback by working on implementing an offline single-player mode. Similarly, Solar Crown’s developer, KT Racing, is currently prioritizing the game’s performance and stability. However, it remains to be seen whether the studio will address concerns about the always-online nature of Solar Crown.
Despite these reservations, the gaming landscape has been evolving towards a new norm for some time. With internet-reliant devices becoming increasingly prevalent and internet accessibility improving in many regions, it’s inevitable that some games will leverage this reliance to their advantage.
