Test Drive Unlimited Launch Event – Visiting the Henry Ford Estate

by Louis Bedigian

Celebrating the release of Test Drive Unlimited, Atari is throwing a two-day event that focuses on the game, its multiplayer competitions, and the real-world racing that inspired its creation.

The event kicked off with game time at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan. My first run left me speechless – the world is beyond the size of every other driving game. It's like Grand Theft Auto in that you can go anywhere you want at any time. The difference is that the focus of this game is high-speed racing. No matter how fast or far you drive it never seems to end.

Full Impressions (9-7-06) – Racing, Buying, and Cruising the Game's Massive World

Next we went to the Henry Ford Estate for dinner, dessert, and a tour of one of the world's most creative mansions.

Case in point: before Hideo Kojima developed the first Metal Gear, Henry Ford designed an innovative and innovation-seeking estate with more than a few places to sneak around. 

Solid Snake catches a guard while TDU event attendees explore the depths of Henry Ford's underground tunnel.

The rustic, beautifully-designed architecture reminded me of the locales featured in games like Final Fantasy and Legacy of Kain.

I'm sure Toad would have a few words to say about the mansion's exterior.

"I'm sorry, but your princess is in another castle."

The courtyard was beautiful yet somewhat eerie on this semi-gloomy day.

I'm thinkin' Resident Evil just before Umbrella took over. You?

There's a little CODE Veronica in this one.

Look closely at this next shot. It's a picture of one of Henry Ford's tables that were cut specifically to fit into the shape of the wall.

The Henry Ford Estate is a gorgeous place to explore, no question. I highly encourage anyone who loves adventure games to take the time to visit and discover the many wonders it holds inside and out.

Test Drive Unlimited is in stores now. Stay tuned to GameZone as we bring you more on the game and this exciting event. We'll be hitting the track for some real-world racing, followed by an online competition between the launch events in New York and San Francisco.

And don't miss our initial impressions of the finished game: Racing, Buying, and Cruising the Test Drive Unlimited’s Massive World

Official Site: Henry Ford Estate

All Photos and Story by Louis Bedigian