Ben-DutkaEA is trying something new this year in regards to their long-running Need for Speed franchise; it features the multiplatform, multi-title theory. In other words, certain platforms will get certain NFS installments, and the PlayStation 3 is in line to receive Need for Speed Shift .
The good news is that development seems to be moving along at a fairly good clip, as EA has announced an official release date for the new racer. Shift is now set to speed onto retail shelves on September 17 in Europe and on September 22 in North America. As you can see in that release, the game will not only focus on authenticity and realism (from a cockpit view, in fact), but it will also boast the single biggest roster of cars in series history. It almost sounds as if they're trying to challenge perennial simulator king, Gran Turismo , doesn't it…? Said Patrick Soderlund, Senior Vice President at EA Games Europe:
"With Need for Speed SHIFT, we set out to create a racing game that pushes the genre and delivers something never before seen in a Need for Speed title. By focusing on the driver's experience through the first-person view, we are able to capture the high-speed intensity and gripping emotions of racing."
They're talking about "hyper reality" via g-forces, driver perspective, and "the all-new brutally disorienting crash dynamic." In fact, if the designers pull this off, the player will absolutely feel "every impact, every change of track surface and every last bit of grip as you push yourself to the edge." Last year's Need for Speed: Undercover wasn't really up to snuff – although it was entertaining, for the most part – and we're hoping that this redefining of the legendary racing series results in a singularly awesome title. Cross your fingers!
Related Game(s): Need for Speed Shift
I hope they have other views than just cockpit. And theres no way this ever competes with GT. this is an arcade racer.GT is the god of simulation driving.
They do have other views. I had a chance to play the game last month and it was great.
I was gonna say I saw a video and it has other views. I think this has a great chance with competing with GT by the looks of it. Although I'll probably prefer GT in the end because of how realistic it is. Maybe this will give it a little competition. 😀
Last Need for Speed I played was Most Wanted,which was awesome.not really into the whole simulation driver,look how prostreet turned out.If this new multi title idea brings the franchise back to what was, thats gonna be great.As for now Burnout Paradise is my fix for racing.
I hope this one is better than Pro Street.
How many cars does it have?
I heard GT5 was close to 1000.
I think they wanna grab ahold of the racing fans before everyone sits on pins and needles for GT5. I like the idea of splitting titles between systems.
Man I am tired of all of these rookie racing games.When is the Grand champion by the name of Grand Turismo 5 going to come out.
OK, my interest in this game was already massive when i first heard about Shift, but now it has just sky rocketed! This may be a contender in the ranks… i hope so!
Fingers Crossed.
Last edited by GamerKid123 on 3/23/2009 3:21:49 PM
there is way to many need for speed games out, its getting out of hand, just like tony hawk and final fantasy "ope they made another one…" but lets hope this one is actually good, the last few havent been so great, ever since nfs carbon at least. same as tony hawk, after american wasteland i never touched the series again but yet they still make more… its just getting out of hand
I haven't tried a NFS title since Underground on PS2 (My first ever online racing experience, which was awesome) so I guess it's time I gave the series another go.
…I may even have tired of MotorStorm PR by then.
I think its great about the cockpit view, GT started a trend(for console games) of having a cockpit now once again they lead the way making NFS even have one. Great.
I used to be a fan of NFS despite my GT roots as i do like racing around an urban enviroment though you wouldn't call me a street racer persay. This is great because i just might finally get what i ask for; a game that has relatively challenging physics that pertains to street racing. Awesome.
I don't think this will compete with GT really. GT even with Std Physics is about simulation racing while this is more arcade but not so much given the team that developed it. Undoubtedly the 2 games will get cross-shopped by a certain demographic gamer but still aren't in the same class.
I probably will own both.