TDU dev diary II: Hardcore Mode

The upcoming PSP version of Test Drive Unlimited (PC, Xbox360) is arguably one of the most awaited PSP games set for release next month. And to further psych up all the PSP users out there, Melbourne House has posted part II of their dev diary to give us an inside look at what’s in store for us when TDU hits the shelves on February 20.

And this time, let’s shift all gears to focus on the Hardcore Mode, which, according to Melbourne House’s Ahmed Boukhelifa, will be available at the launch of the PC version. It will also be up for grabs later on as an Xbox Live download which will be called “Patch 3.” The patch is still in QA testing at Atari, but is expected to be released real soon. So anyway, here’s what you’ll need to know about the Hardcore Mode:

• it will be available after players reach Champion status and will appear as an additional entry (next to “New Game” and “Continue”). Once selected, it will run down the following specs:
• Physics handling – handling becomes “ultra realistic” and more demanding. Increased breaking distances occur and the driver is left with less anti-drift assistance.
• Telemetry Players will have the option to activate Telemetry with the D-Pad to follow accurately how far you’ll need to push the car
• Free Ride Alternative Players in Free-Ride will have the option to display their current driving mode (shown as a small icon next to screen name)
• Multiplayer Challenge Additions – self-explanatory, but basically, battle it out with other players in Hardcore Mode
• Solo Challenge Option – because it IS the Hardcore Mode, this option will NOT be accessible in this mode.

That’s basically it guys, that’s the rundown on what you’ll need to know about Hardcore Mode in TDU. For Xbox360 users, you might wanna watch out for that Patch 3 download on XBLM. Not to worry though, we’ll keep you posted once news reaches our ears about that so stay tuned.

Via IGN

The upcoming PSP version of Test Drive Unlimited (PC, Xbox360) is arguably one of the most awaited PSP games set for release next month. And to further psych up all the PSP users out there, Melbourne House has posted part II of their dev diary to give us an inside look at what’s in store for us when TDU hits the shelves on February 20.

And this time, let’s shift all gears to focus on the Hardcore Mode, which, according to Melbourne House’s Ahmed Boukhelifa, will be available at the launch of the PC version. It will also be up for grabs later on as an Xbox Live download which will be called “Patch 3.” The patch is still in QA testing at Atari, but is expected to be released real soon. So anyway, here’s what you’ll need to know about the Hardcore Mode:

• it will be available after players reach Champion status and will appear as an additional entry (next to “New Game” and “Continue”). Once selected, it will run down the following specs:
• Physics handling – handling becomes “ultra realistic” and more demanding. Increased breaking distances occur and the driver is left with less anti-drift assistance.
• Telemetry Players will have the option to activate Telemetry with the D-Pad to follow accurately how far you’ll need to push the car
• Free Ride Alternative Players in Free-Ride will have the option to display their current driving mode (shown as a small icon next to screen name)
• Multiplayer Challenge Additions – self-explanatory, but basically, battle it out with other players in Hardcore Mode
• Solo Challenge Option – because it IS the Hardcore Mode, this option will NOT be accessible in this mode.

That’s basically it guys, that’s the rundown on what you’ll need to know about Hardcore Mode in TDU. For Xbox360 users, you might wanna watch out for that Patch 3 download on XBLM. Not to worry though, we’ll keep you posted once news reaches our ears about that so stay tuned.

Via IGN