14 DAY TRIAL // What we know
Electronic Arts' Need for Speed franchise is set to receive a new installment in its simulator-oriented spinoff series, Shift, in the form of Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed.
The title will upgrade the original Shift, released two years ago, and showcase just how talented the team at Slightly Mad Studios is.
The game will overhaul the in-cockpit view seen in the first Shift, adding new types of movements seen with actual drivers, and really make players feel like they're in an actual race car.
[admark=1]What's more, EA promises that Shift 2 Unleashed will finally add excitement to the simulator genre, and defeat "bland and sterile" franchises like Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport, which are already well established and have a loyal fan base.
Shift 2 also adds day and night races in prestigious events like the FIA GT1 or GT3 championships, not to mention a wide array of races that combine old and new cars from the list of 130 vehicles that will take place in over 50 different race tracks from across the world.
Last but not least, NFS: Shift 2 Unleashed will implement the Autolog online feature once more, after last year's NFS: Hot Pursuit, in order to create an immersive online and social experience, beyond the classic multiplayer modes seen in previous racing games.
Why it matters
Simulators can become extremely boring, no matter their technical achievements (see Gran Turismo 5), so Shift 2 Unleashed's promise of delivering a great yet realistic experience sounds extremely good.
The original game, while not being a true blockbuster title, impressed a lot of people and simulator fans, so it's up to Shift 2 Unleashed to really drive the point home and establish the Shift series as a contender to other franchises.
We will be able to check out Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed on March 29, when it's going to be launched on the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.