Test Drive Unlimited 2’s First DLC Pack is Out (and for Free!)

When game developers prepare for a launch, the hours to preface it are sure to be the same among them all. As well as internal and beta testing might have gone, there are almost always launch issues – most times minor, but sometimes major. In the case of an MMO, servers might be unreachable for the first week for a lot of players, or for an offline game, the number of game-breaking bugs might overwhelm.

From being unable to get online to waking up to a corrupt save, Test Drive Unlimited 2’s (read our review) launch was a perfect example of what developers and publishers dread the night before a release. In fact, the bugs became such a problem in the first month of the game’s launch, that Eden Games promised that the first DLC pack for the game would be released free-of-charge. Could it make up for all the hassle fans put up with?

From a personal standpoint, I think it should, as there’s quite a bit of content here. First, there are two brand-new cars; a Lancia Stratos (do want!) and a 1969 Dodge Charger. These can also be had for free (in-game cash), but do require 20 new wrecks to be found around the landscape. Also, there are 20 new missions to explore, along with two new mission types; Extreme Convoy and Timed Convoy. I am not sure I want to picture what an “Extreme Convoy” is like, given the later races in the game already prove to be a great challenge!

One of the most exciting parts of this DLC, to me, is that bike shops can now be found, although they are closed with “Under Construction” signs out front. This is news to me, as I had read before that bikes would never be implemented in the game. As it appears, that should be on tap for DLC #2 – paid DLC, of course.

Here’s a quick run-down of the updates, but be sure to visit the URL below for a full list of enhancements and bug fixes.

• 20 new missions
• 2 new mission types: Extreme Convoy and Timed Convoy
• 20 new wrecks to find which give you access to 2 new exclusive cars: Lancia Stratos version Rallye and Dodge charger 1969
• 3 additional Discovery levels
• 2 new Multiplayer Races for the Lancia Stratos
• DLC: Help channel in TDU media
• 3D display mode (PS3/PC)
• Bikes dealer, Auction hall, clothes shop are in “under construction” mode
• DLC2 Car dealers are present but not activated