Cars have played as big of a role in video game history as power-ups, heavy artillery and carpal tunnel syndrome. And yet, no one has really paid them the attention and respect they deserve. “Test Drive” aims to pay homage to the best and worst of the game world’s garages and put them through the paces.
The word “simulation” in gaming can be misleading. Gran Turismo 5 and Forza Motorsport 4 can’t recreate the stomach churning feeling when you see a real Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 and realize that you will soon be inside of it.
It can’t push you back in your bean bag chair as you punch the accelerator and feel the full force of going 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
It can’t create real fear and make you thank a god that you aren’t sure exists for a dry track day and car insurance.