Need for Speed™ SHIFT Coming To Next Gen Consoles

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Car racing is probably my favorite type of video game and Need For Speed is one of the best. Now EA is coming out with Need For Speed Shift in September and it looks like it is really going to rock.

Need for Speed™ SHIFT is an all-new simulation racing IP that combines the true driver’s experience with real-world physics, pixel-perfect car models, and a wide range of authentic race tracks. Need for Speed SHIFT takes players in a different direction to create a simulation experience that replicates the true feeling of driving high-end performance cars.



Players are thrust into the loud, visceral, intense, athletic experience of racing a car on the edge of control from the driver’s perspective through the combination of perception based G-forces, the hyper reality of the cockpit view, and the brutal experience of a first person crash dynamic. Need for Speed SHIFT features an accurate, accessible physics-based driving model that allows you to feel every impact, every change of track surface and every last bit of grip as you push yourself to the edge.



The all-new driver profile is the ultimate extension of the true driver’s experience. This system gives each player a unique persona based on a player’s driving skill and style - aggressive or precise. Driver profile impacts how a player unlocks cars, overall career progression and online matchmaking. In Need for Speed SHIFT, how you drive is who you are behind the wheel.



Need for Speed SHIFT is being developed by Slightly Mad Studios in collaboration with Black Box and senior vice president Patrick Soderlund at EA Games Europe. Slightly Mad Studios includes developers and designers that worked on the critically acclaimed games GT Legends and GTR 2.




• True Driver’s Experience – A variety of visual
cues delivers the true driver’s experience
including a three-dimensional HUD that mimics
driver head movement, inertia and G-forces. The
depth of field also adjusts based on the speed of
the car; so when the car is travelling at high
speeds the perspective will shift to the distance
putting the car/cockpit out of focus.
• Driver Profile – What kind of driver are you?
Driver profile tracks the player’s evolution as a
race driver from event to event. This system is
made up of a driver’s personality on the track,
their success rate and any profile points and
badges accrued all of which work together to
create a tailor-made career and gameplay
experience. Driver profile is pervasive
throughout all modes: career, online, and demo
play.
• Dynamic Crash Effect - When the player hits a
static object or opponent car, the player will feel
like they are 'taking damage'. A combination of
visual and audio effects will leave the player
disorientated and briefly disrupt the race.
• Total Customization – Need for Speed SHIFT
features a comprehensive customization option
that lets the player tailor every aspect of the cars
performance and styling. Go under the hood to
upgrade and tune your vehicle to increase its
performance. The visual customization system
allows players to personalize both the exterior
and trick out the interior to reflect their individual
style and preferences.



• Photo Real Cars and Tracks – Nearly 70
licensed cars are available including the Pagani
Zonda F, Audi RS4, and Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
There is also over 15 real-world locations like
Willow Springs and Laguna Seca as well as
fictional circuits like downtown London and
Tokyo.
Product Specifications
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Slightly Mad Studios
ESRB: RP
PEGI: RP
Ship Date: September 17 Europe
September 22 North America

You can go to the official website at www.shift.needforspeed.com

Some of the reviewers who have had an early look at the game have said the following:

“…one of the racers to watch this year.” – IGN

“Graphically, the game looks superb.” – JoyPad

“…a completely real driving experience.” – PC Game

“…the most exciting driving game on our radar for 2009.” – Total Video Games