Boomtown X

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is great fun - but the game hasn't had an easy launch - with monumental problems related to online functionality.

As an apology the first planned premium DLC for the game will now be offered for free by Atari/Eden Games.

The forthcoming Exploration Pack features new wrecks to discover which will unlock the Lancia Stratos version Rallye and 1969 Dodge Charger.

Meanwhile a PC patch has been released, and a console version will follow soon. Check out the changelog after the jump.

Some people are just darn clever. Check out this brilliant Test Drive Unlimited 2 map created vid Googlemaps.

It shows all the locations of events, photos, car dealers, wrecks etc.

Of course, if you want to find all this stuff yourself I wouldn't click through.

I'm going to offer a controversial opinion here - especially given the release of Codemasters Dirt 3 isn't too far away - that Test Drive Unlimited 2 is the best rally game you'll play this year.

What madness is this, I hear you cry? Well yes I know TDU2 has lots of problems; initially the handling is crap, there are loads of bugs and most of the multiplayer functionality is disabled while Eden Games fixes the game.

But once you've played the game a few hours, you've tweaked the controls and bought some better cars the handling models seems a heck of a lot better. Interestingly the offroad handling is actually rather good - as good as any arcade-style rally game you'll play.

The latest trailer for Atari/Eden's Test Drive Unlimited focusses on the British Jaguar marque.

Note for our colonial cousins, it's pronounce jag-u-ar, not jag-wah.

Atari has released a new video to show off Test Drive Unlimited 2.

The focus of this trailer, after the jump, is car customization.

Atari Europe and Cryptic Studios have announced that Champions Online will be free to play worldwide from January 25th.

By dropping the subscription model the game will rely on the sale of premium content and the new Gold status which will offer extra features and unlocks most of the game content for a monthly fee of £10.34/€14.94.

"It's a genuine pleasure to be able to announce our release date for Champions Online: Free for All," said John Needham, CEO, Cryptic Studios. "On January 25, 2011, any gamer or would-be superhero can play within the ever-improving world of Champions Online for no cost whatsoever."

Atari has announced that Test Drive Unlimited 2 will be release on February 11th for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC here in Europe.

Atari has announced plans for Champions Online to switch to a free to play model from Q1 2011. From that point on gamers will be able to download and play the game for free - but will also be able to purchase premium content such as adventures, costumes and other items vua the Cryptic C-Store.

"Transitioning Champions Online to the free-to-play model is a great opportunity to reach a whole new audience of PC gamers that view subscription fees as a barrier to entry," said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. "By taking care of our current subscription-based community and welcoming the addition of new players through free-to-play, Champions Online is poised to build upon its success and to establish a new leadership position as the first free-to-play superhero MMO."

The free to play closed beta will begin on November 9th 2010 with openings for other plays coming in the near future.

Cryptic Studios is celebrating the first birthday of the superhero MMO Champions Online.

Part of the celebrations include a free trial and a sale in the game's store.

Check out the details and links after the jump:

Atari and Cryptic Studios have announced Neverwinter, a Dungeons & Dragons based co-op RPG set for release in 2011.

"We're beyond thrilled to develop a brand new version of Neverwinter. It's been years since the original became a gaming icon and we're honored to work with such a great franchise," said Jack Emmert, COO of Cryptic Studios. "We've been working closely with Wizards of the Coast and R.A. Salvatore to create an authentic D&D adventure filled with compelling fiction and exciting gameplay."

Atari has launched the official site for the game.

You can read the full press release after the jump:

Atari has announced that Test Drive Unlimited 2 - easily our most wanted game this year - will be released in the US on September 21st.

The publisher has also announced pre-order bonuses from various retailers, which you can peruse after the jump.