Well, finally knocked off Tantalus - 7'29'87" with penalties, although my actual times varied between 7'10 and 7'20. Frustrating but rewarding.

Which couldn't really be said for the final challenge of 120 it sets for you - Maserati Challenge. On paper a 5 mile blast in a MC12, target time 2'15". In reality this showcases TDUs ability to frustrate and enthrall at the same time. The MC12 is a tail happy bastard and this challenge pits you against the random traffic.

Normally I'm all for randomness in my games, but only when the AI is sufficiently sorted. TDU's AI is almost there but there are two or three bugs - an ability to get confused when switching lanes near a junction for instance. When you combine the randomness, the occasional bug and then stick a very tight time limit in, then it really begins to frustrate.

Basically, you end up drifting a corner, praying that you aren't going to come across a car at just the wrong point. Holding your breath at a junction, hoping it suddenly doesn't throw some traffic into the lane, all the time knowing that next time you do the run, that particular problem won't be there. Once had a lovely run, made a nice wide left turn and smashed straight into a truck. That truck wasn't there the 10 times I tried that move before, or the 10 times after. Just that one time. Gngh.

Having said that, I still love the game flaws and all. When I finally get my Eggbox, I'll probably rebuy it on cheap, and will certainly be wanting the sequel.