Test Drive II is a conversion of the PC series which like the PC retains all the crap graphics and jerky animation.
After choosing the transmission type and the back ground music you then get to race on one of three roads. Then it's up to you to make it to the next fuel pump before your prize possession becomes a deserted relic. Getting to the fuel pump is easy though, it's getting there fast that's the problem.
The scenery is well varied, and good to look at with cliffs, tunnels and cities all included. However it does become jerky and non-realistic and they could have been done better if more research had been done. Like most racing game of recent, Test Drive II hasn't got the speed factor right, as the landscape looks like it's crawling past at 40kph when the speedo says about 140 kph. There are quite a few obstacles to avoid even though they all look alike. One neat feature that I thought was original was the radar detector that warns you of the pigs... er, I mean the cops, whereabouts. If this goes off be prepared for a chase as they are capable of making life awkward in the fast lane. Times and records are kept in the cartridge RAM for future challenge which is a feature I wish Hard Drivin' had. The sound effects are average and the music is alright but nothing too crash hot. It is a hard game but only because of it's slow and awkward controls. But this could make for extended lastability with it's battery backed up records. Test Drive II has an overall good presentation until the game starts with the now familiar "Ballistic Presents" voice at the start and slick Lamborghini wheel spin into the distance.
Test Drive II is a conversion of the IBM series which like the IBM retains all the crap graphics and jerky animation. I just wish that when software houses go out to make a conversion of an older game that they would try it with something new. Test Drive II may have been good for it's time but let's face it, computer games have come of age and quite frankly I think there is too much garbage being released now. I resent the fact that Ballistic use statements or quotes for statements like "A thoroughly engaging game..." as it is misleading to the unwary. Let's hope Sega themselves come up with the goods with their little talked about second generation Mega Drive games. Test Drive II could have been the hottest release this year if Ballistic had updated the garbage PC version. Do yourselves as favour and save your money for Ayrton Senna's Super Monaco GP 2 when it is released in Oz in September (1992). Until then look at Super Monaco GP or maybe even Road Rash