TD6 is a basic off-track racer with a stack of international tracks to choose from and up to 4 classes of cars to play around with. There are multi player options as well as the opportunity to play the cop in a high speed chase (which involved peacefully bashing the criminals into submission and giving them a reckless driving ticket ... ironic eh?). Initially you are given the standard crappy cars, but eventually you can purchase Jaguars, Aston Martons, and other more prestige vehicles. Although there are not nearly as many cars as GT2, there are quite a number to keep you wanting to win big bucks.

Test Drive 6's tracks are long and offer multiple routes for you to try. There are also a surprising number of tracks to chose from, including Italy, Sweden, Tokyo, and other huge tracks from around the globe. Unfortunately, at high speeds, the large expansive tracks don't translate well as they are heavily pixilated and blurred. Gamers will often find themselves wondering where the track is leading as it only becomes clear seconds before you reach it. What you may think is a stretch of track can turn quickly in a fork in the road. I hesitate to use the cliche 'grainy' comment, but this game leaves me no choice. Test Drive 6 is grainy. There. Cars, however, are done quite well - each one noticeable different (graphically) from the last.

As with most racing games, control is relative to the car you pick. It is somewhat frustrating beginning out with cars that seem to fish-tail their way to last place. However, once you earn vehicles from the higher car classes, you'll find it easier to stay on track and be more precise on corners. Test Drive 6 makes good use of the shock feature as well as the analog controls. This is helpful on the more slippier courses where you need that extra bit of safety when rounding the corners or edging up on the super-intelligent computer opponents. Ignition and braking are delegated to the regular buttons (X and O), and you can also change your view by pressing the shoulder buttons. Nothing entirely revolutionary, but that's probably for the best.

In terms of difficulty, Test Drive 6 can test drive you patience. I have yet, even on my first tournaments, managed to finish with a decent placing. While this is probably due to my accelerate first-ask-questions-later method, the computer does seem to be operating at a higher level than it should. Professional game racers shouldn't have as much as problem, but the first time gamer might be put off by the definite skill difference.

The soundtrack is one of TD6's highlights. Eve 6, Empirion, and Kottonmouth Kings are only a few of the featured 'fast-rock' performers in the game. While any song with good guitar and drums would do the trick, the songs seem to fit the feel of each track. Like the controls, the in-game noise effects are the standard 'revving' sound coupled with the 'metal-on-metal' noise and the ever-popular 'squealing brakes'. Also heard is me throwing my controller into my PlayStation after my crappy Class 1 car spins out for the millionth time.

As a multi player game, Test Drive 6 holds up pretty well - even incorporating a Turismo-like replay option. There are no major slow-downs while racing in a vertical split-screen, but there isn't any map or indicator to tell you where your opponent is either. This is at times frustrating, but it doesn't detract too much from the competition itself. As well, the 'Pink Slip' race allows head to head racing with the winner getting both cars-an option only for friends who don't mind all their hard work being traded away in one race.

After all is said and done, Test Drive 6 is fun. It's not rush-home-to-play fun, but it's a nice game just to spend a half and hour or so on when you have nothing better to do. In all, Test Drive 6 is like playing "the game next door" to Gran Turismo. It's not bad, it tries to be as fun as your good pal Turismo, but in the end it's just not the same.

· · · Agent Smith