EA To Reboot Need For Speed

30 Jan 2009 at 11:40:17 by Andy Alderson

EA has announced its intention to 'reboot' the Need For Speed series, splitting the franchise between the core, casual and free-to-play markets.

According to Eurogamer, EA will release Need For Speed: Shift on PC, PSP, PS3 and Xbox 360 in the autumn to coincide with the launch of Need For Speed: Nitro for the DS and Wii. Need For Speed: World Online will be released in the Asian market in the summer, with a Western launch scheduled for the winter.

EA cartainly seems intent on injecting some new life into the franchise, recruiting GTR 2 developers Slightly Mad Studios to assist EA's Michael Mann and Patrick Soderlund in the making of NFS: Shift. The game will move towards simulation (and, thankfully, away from the Fast and the Furious) with both car physics and driver behaviour being accurately modeled.

"The urban underground was a manifestation of style in some past Need for Speed games for sure, but Shift focuses less on these style cues and more on mirroring the driver experience, that athleticism of being in a wickedly-intense race, and what it really feels like to be behind the wheel," said EA's Keith Munro.

"Need for Speed Shift is amazing and I think it will blow people away. The tech behind that game, the details that only a team with such racing pedigree could accomplish, and the ability to make you feel the intensity of a race is unprecedented. I can't wait for our fans to begin experiencing it."

NFS: Nitro for the Wii and the DS will remain in more familiar territory, offering fast arcade racing action although Munro claims it will not retread old ground.

"What you'll see is that Nitro in no way resembles any other previous Need for Speed title," he said.

NFS: World Online, co-developed by series veterans Black Box and EA Singapore, will be a play-for-free online affair offering licensed vehicles and extensive customisation options.

"This Play 4 Free action racing game will give Need for Speed fans the most licensed cars, parts and game modes ever in Need for Speed's history," said Munro.

"Players will prove their racing supremacy through the sophisticated online matchmaking features and fully customise their profile and their ride. Once Need for Speed World Online has been successfully deployed in Asia, we will expand the game's reach by offering the service to PC gamers around the world."

The news of the series' revamp follows rumours at the end of last year that the franchise was to be shelved due to poor sales and "cool" critical reception.

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