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EA has announced the spring 2011 release of Shift 2: Unleashed, the follow-up to the five-million selling Need for Speed: Shift.
Once again in the hands of Slightly Mad Studios, Shift 2 hopes to build on the true driver’s experience by introducing the driver’s battle, which promises an even more authentic and primal feeling of power and speed.
Shift 2 features an all-new rendering engine and a “massive graphics overhaul,” plus a new helmet camera view simulating the physical experience of driving at 200mph. Players will also be able to experience night racing and will have to monitor degradation of tracks and cars.
Autolog, introduced in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, will also be present, wrapping up the experience with multiplayer gaming and stats comparisons.
“Shift 2 Unleashed is redefining immersive racing by blending the rush of tearing up the track at unbelievable speeds with the emotional experience of competitive battle,” said Marcus Nilsson, executive producer. “We are also working closely with real-world performance drivers to ensure that Shift 2 Unleahsed captures their experience and becomes the benchmark in authentic racing action.”
Shift 2 will be released in spring 2011 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
The spring release of Shift 2 has been known about for some time, but it’s interesting to see EA has dropped ‘Need for Speed’ from the game’s title. The first game in the spin-off series was titled, Need for Speed: Shift, whereas the sequel appears to be shedding the NFS title in favour of creating a more standalone line of games.
The Need for Speed brand remains heavily associated with the game, however, as seen in the debut trailer.
