Test Drive 2001 (USA)
Test Drive 2001 (USA) - Racing Classic
Test Drive 2001 is a racing game for the Game Boy Color, released in the USA in 2000. It was published by Ubisoft and developed by Xantera, bringing the long-running Test Drive series to Nintendo's handheld. This portable entry aims to capture the arcade-style racing excitement of its console counterparts in a compact form.
The player selects from a lineup of licensed cars and races through various tracks set in different environments. The core gameplay involves navigating courses while avoiding oncoming traffic and rival racers, with a time limit adding pressure. Players can unlock additional vehicles by performing well in races, encouraging replay of each track to earn a better garage.
As a handheld racer from the early 2000s, Test Drive 2001 offers a decent dose of speed for Game Boy Color owners who wanted something beyond simple platformers. It's not the deepest or most polished racer on the system, but it faithfully represents the Test Drive formula in a portable package. Fans of the series or retro racing enthusiasts will find it worth a few laps.
How to Play Test Drive 2001 (USA) Online
Section 2 - Getting Started
When you first boot Test Drive 2001, you will see a title screen followed by a menu where you can choose to start a career, play a quick race, or adjust options. Select your car from the initial lineup then pick a track. The game uses a top-down perspective similar to other classic racers, so you see your car from above as it moves along the road.
The core loop is simple: race against the clock and up to three computer-controlled opponents. Steer with the D-Pad, accelerate with the X button, and brake with S. Watch for traffic cars that appear on the road - hitting them slows you down. The goal is to finish each race in the top positions to earn points and unlock the next track or a new car. If you are familiar with old arcade racers like Super Off Road or RC Pro-Am, the feel will be immediately recognizable.
New players should start with the easiest difficulty and practice steering through curves while avoiding obstacles. The game rewards clean driving rather than aggressive shortcuts. Pay attention to the timer at the top of the screen; running out ends the race. There is no grid or pit stops, so focus on maintaining speed and avoiding crashes.
Test Drive 2001 (USA) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button (jump / confirm)
- S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
- Enter: Start / Pause
- V: Select
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