Hawai'i has been the backdrop for everything from network TV dramas to cable talk shows to major motion pictures. But video games?

Next month, Atari Inc. is unveiling its latest contribution to the gaming world: "Test Drive Unlimited," a game set exclusively on O'ahu. We're talking about more than 1,000 miles of open roads for gamers to race on simultaneously, from Waikiki to Waimanalo, without worrying about speeding tickets or killing innocent bystanders.

"Test Drive Unlimited" is a multiplayer game designed for the next generation of gaming consoles. The Xbox 360 version will be released Sept. 5, followed by those of PlayStation 2, PSP and Windows in October.

Thousands of gamers can play within this CG world. But unlike other Massively Multiplayer Online games — known as M.M.O.s and traditionally made for PCs, not game consoles — players can only see and compete against seven others at a time. Atari calls it Massively Open Online Racing, or MOOR, instead.

This is Atari's big — and expensive — leap into the realm of multiplayer online racing. And initial reviews indicate the design crew, which has been working on this ambitious project since 2003, has created a winner, with graphics that are decadent and dazzling, and options for gamers that extend well beyond street racing.

Players can collect and trade rare performance parts, or customize vehicles. Winning races and tournaments allows gamers to earn credits to purchase virtual cars, bikes, apparel — even homes.

The Advertiser tracked down Eden Studios producer Ahmed Boukhelifa in France to correspond via e-mail about the new game that puts Hawai'i on the map — again.

Q. First off, why Hawai'i?

A. O'ahu was, from the very beginning, on our short list of places that would be perfect for "Test Drive Unlimited." It's big — far bigger than any setting used for a driving game, but not insanely too big — so it would fit on a DVD. It packs all the roads one could think of, and design, from highways to scenic coastal roads, from narrow mountain roads to downtown. It's all there.

Moreover, the exotic and sunny atmosphere is a great setting to drive the most exclusive sports cars in the world. And of course, what better place to drive a Ferrari than the place where "Magnum, P.I." sited its home base a few years ago? OK, maybe a bit more than a few years ago, but it still counts.

Q. How did the designers get the information regarding streets and landmarks? And how accurate are the locations and roadways?

A. The setting is, indeed, authentic O'ahu. We took lots of time to gather all the information we could about the island. With all public sources like the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey), we could get a quite precise scope: Digital Elevation Models, detailed road networks, geographical studies of all manmade or natural features.

Two of our artists also had to make a big sacrifice and spend a week on O'ahu — it was a great experience for them, but not as charming as one could imagine, as they had to drive all the main roads in five days with a camera stuck to the windshields.

Then we had to decide what we would keep and try and re-create faithfully and where we could accept imprecisions.

Q. How long did it take to put this game together from concept to finish? What was the most difficult part and/or biggest challenge about creating the game?

A. We started end of 2003, so it's been quite some time. I would say we had to overcome many challenges.

First, as we started to develop even before the first Xbox 360 development kits were available, we had to make the game — engine and concept — evolve as the Xbox 360 hardware and software evolved. It's always very challenging to work on a console still to come.

Second, our ambitious online objectives — thousands of players online together! — was indeed a premiere, especially on console, and did require lots of sweat and tears.

Third, developing the world-builder and the streaming technology to allow players to drive seamlessly over the whole island ... was another hard-boiled challenge.

I think our biggest challenge was to convince everybody we were not lunatics dreaming awake, but that "Test Drive Unlimited" would indeed exist as we envisioned it.

Q. How will "Test Drive Unlimited" be a different or unique experience for gamers? What will draw them to this game? And is it for everyone — or just driving enthusiasts?

A. We hope it won't be a unique or different experience when compared to other games, but that each player will indeed experience the game his or her very unique way.

The whole game is built around the idea of freedom: We want the player to be free to play his or her way. And whatever the way you play, you'll find some gratification in it, and you will progress in the game.

You want to go hyper-competitive online, you can. You'd rather do some cool driving and sightseeing on the Island offline, be our guest. You want to collect a unique collection of pink Lamborghinis and show off with your friends, of course you can. You want to collect designer clothes and luxury houses, why not?

We like to call "Test Drive Unlimited" the ultimate sandbox for driving enthusiasts online. You have a great sandbox — O'ahu! — lots of toys — from cars to bikes to offline modes to online casual free-ride, from tournaments to club events — so anyone with some interest in beautiful cars and cool — or fast — driving will no doubt find new sensations in "Test Drive Unlimited."

Q. The follow-up game will be set in another exotic location. Do you have any idea where that will be yet?

A. It's far too soon to tell, but I'm not sure we'll have seen everything O'ahu — and Hawai'i — can offer after "Test Drive Unlimited."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.