News
Shift is one of the next installments in the long-running racing video game franchise Need for Speed published by Electronic Arts. It was announced in January 2009 as part of a three-game announcement that includes Need for Speed: Nitro and Need for Speed: World Online. Shift is under development by Slightly Mad Studios—who, under their former name Blimey! Games helped develop GT Legends and GTR 2 together with SimBin Studios—with help of Michael Mann (EP at EA Black Box) and Patrick Söderlund (senior VP of EA Games and head of DICE). In the new franchising model for the series adopted by EA, Shift takes its place aiming at hardcore gamers and focusing on simulation racing rather than the arcade racing of previous titles in the series. It focuses of less on street racing and more on simulating the driver experience and is being described as a racing game built by racers for racers.
According to an interview from Shift's producer, Jesse Abney, the game has been in development for two years. He also mentioned that the game will feature a new "Driver experience". The g-force in the game will make an important role in the game, as it will affect both the player and the AI. The in-car view will also return, making its first appearance in a Need for Speed game since Porsche Unleashed. The in-car view will be highly detailed, and it'll be possible to see the driver changing the gears, moving his head to get a better view of the mirror. Also according to him, all the screenshots are in-game. The crashes will affect the player visually. While crashing, there will be a temporary blur in the screen. The sound aspect will have detailed car crash sound, as well sharp gasp of breath from the driver before a collision.
The game's car customization will be both visual and performance. It will be also possible to customize both the interior and the exterior of the car. The game will also have both real-life such as Brands Hatch and fictitious tracks.
Need For Speed: Shift is set to be released on September 22, 2009, for the PS3, PC, 360 and PSP.
For the official site, visit: http://shift.needforspeed.com/us/home
Screenshots:
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