Test Drive: Eve of Destruction

What a time for video games when publishers will green-light completely new IPs for genres that are oversaturated with titles. Test Drive: Eve of Destruction is a game that isn't breaking boundaries or smashing the ground. However, that wouldn't be the aim, but only to create a game that satisfies the need to hit things with high-powered machinery.

Test Drive: Eve of Destruction is a game replicating a demolition derby on the home console. From the outlook, there's nothing particularly intriguing about the game. It's only poised to give players opportunities to get their destructive side up in full gear. Let's see if anything more is added to the title to make it stand out more than your average racing simulator.

Litmus Test

Upon starting Test Drive: Eve of Destruction, it becomes clear that the game's developers prioritized its core features over aesthetics. The main menu offers two options: action and career. In action mode, players can participate in single- or multiplayer races using available arenas, cars, and race types. The game features many vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, muscle cars, and even school buses and ambulances.

In addition to the diverse selection of cars, the game also boasts a variety of race types. That includes chain races and traditional demolition derbies. The goal is to be the last car standing by, smashing into other vehicles. Overall, it is clear that Eve of Destruction is fond of the sport of demolition derbies. What about any inherent campaign mode in the game?

The career mode in Eve of Destruction offers 25 different race events and various side races for players to participate in, providing a good amount of gameplay. However, the mode may not always be enjoyable. While the types and number of races are randomized in each event, the gameplay consists of driving to an event, completing a few races, and then repeating this process at the next event. Side races and trips to the scrap yard provide some variety. Still, the career mode may not consistently hold players' attention.

The big picture of Test Drive: Eve of Destruction is that it's a racing title with elementary genre mechanics, glossed over by the total insanity of the demolition derby chaos. Is that enough to woo players into giving it a spin? The appetite for chaos might be, but those looking for a little more dynamism to their games may find it a little disappointing.

Peeves of Destruction

It's always worth giving a new title a whirl, as where would we be without innovation? However, Test Drive: Eve of Destruction isn't anything that will be hyping critics. There's much more entertainment to be found in similar titles like Wreckfest. But you shouldn't be writing off the game entirely.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Amusing variety of cars and vehicles to use in the arena
• Lengthy career mode to add value to the game
• The fast pace keeps players entertained

Cons:

• Sound and graphic design are severely lacking
• The gameplay gets repetitive quickly
• Lack of speed in the game pulls away from the intensity