E3 2013 has officially come to a close but we still have lots of videos from all the new racing games that made their debut during the massive video game show. In this post we dig a little deeper into Need For Speed: Rivals. The trailers all looked great but what is the new Need For Speed game really about? What makes it different from the previous games? We were lucky enough to get some time with Need For Speed: Rivals creative director Craig Sullivan to find out what’s new in Rivals and the awesome new game mechanic that just might win you over. Check out the interview and new screenshots below!
It has been more than a week since Microsoft announced the new Xbox One console. The event was supposed to inspire excitement, anticipation, and enthusiasm among gamers and tech-enthusiasts everywhere. However, the presentation ended up causing a firestorm among the core gamer group due to reports that the new Xbox One would require a fee to play used games, cannot be turned off, and the biggest log on the fire: it would require a connection to the internet to work.
The fervor was only magnified by vague responses from Microsoft officials when game journalists questioned them about these rumors point blank. One thing that was clearly communicated is that the Xbox One device itself would not require an internet connection to work, but if software producers wanted to make that a part of their games not only are they free to do so but Microsoft would encourage it.
Now, Forza Motorsport 5 was the first game shown for the Xbox One and is a confirmed launch title. Forza 5 also comes via Microsoft Studios. This means, even though the game is created by Turn 10 Studios, Microsoft certainly has some level of influence. If Microsoft is really encouraging software developers to go the “always online” route; does this mean that Forza Motorsport 5 would be the champion of that initiative?
In the official announcement poston the Forza Motorsport website it states that Forza Motorsport 5 will ”take advantage of Xbox One and the infinite power of the cloud”. Usually when you hear the word “cloud” that is code for “features dependent on the internet”. Although, it could just mean that Forza Motorsport 5 will have asynchronous multiplayer features such as the rivals mode in Forza Motorsport 4 and Forza Horizon.
What do you think? Will Forza Motorsport 5 require an internet connection to work? If it does, will that influence your opinion of the game? Would it be a deal-breaker, an incentive, or are you simply indifferent?
While you ponder that I will try my best to bring you continued updated information on the next installment of the Forza franchise. I will also hopefully get some play time with the game in just under two weeks at E3, after which I will give you my impressions.
Like many drivers, when I am going to a place I have never been before I rely on a GPS to make sure I don’t get lost. Most of the time it works out just fine. However, my GPS is pretty old so sometimes it likes to play a game called “update the directions at the last possible freakin’ second” in which a left turn suddenly becomes a right turn and I completely pass where I am supposed to go or I do something stupid and try to make the next turn with less than 20 feet to do it in. Let me tell you, in real life that is not fun!
Yet, it looks like the brains at Codemasters took a page from my old and busted GPS by turning that malfunction into a game mode for GRID2 called “LiveRoutes”. How does it work? Pretty much the same way my crappy GPS does only without the risk of getting lost or actual bodily harm. Imagine racing through the streets of Paris at triple digit speeds but not knowing where to go next; relying on a GPS to tell you! Still hard to picture? Just watch the new trailer below to see it in practice. It looks a lot more entertaining in a game than it is in real life!
In the last GRID2 video viewers were introduced to “World Series Racing”, the fictional series in which GRID2 is based. In the latest video we get to see a few of the places around the world that players will visit in their quest for the championship. The video also introduces a few of GRID2′s game modes like elimination, time attack, and touring car racing.
Speaking of touring car, the video gives a reveal of a few real life BTCS cars that will make their way into the game such as the Volvo S60, the Gomez Competition, and Chevy Cruze. It also looks like players can expect a healthy amount of GT cars such as the McLaren F1 GT and Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3.
Players will have the opportunity to race the aforementioned cars at famous European locations and race tracks like Brands Hatch, the streets of Paris, Algarve International Circuit in Portugal, and Barcelona.
To see it all for yourself check out the video below and catch anything I may have missed in the official press release.
Los Angeles, Calif. – March 28, 2013* – Today *Codemasters*® announced a host of new cars, locations and racing clubs set to feature in *GRID 2*™ when it launches on May 28. In addition to revealing high performance European vehicles, including those from the game’s Super Touring Car class, Codemasters also released a gameplay video showcasing highlights of *GRID 2*’s European races; the video is now playing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pui_NH03i0w
The “*GRID 2*: European Expansion” video focuses on the European cars, clubs and locations. In *Road Races* on the *Côte d’Azur*, players speed through tunnels cut into sheer rock and tackle the climbs, plunges and hairpins set amongst some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
The *Street Racing* category is showcased in central *Paris*, which comes alive to the sound of roaring engines as cars blast down its magnificent boulevards, sling-shot around the Arc de Triomphe and speed past the Eiffel Tower. *Track Racing* is represented at the *Algarve International Circuit* in Portugal which makes its console debut in *GRID 2*. Commonly known as Portimao Circuit, this state of the art, $250M track was opened in 2008 and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting circuits in motorsport, with constantly undulating asphalt and wide areas built for overtaking. Additional European locations set to star in *GRID 2* include Brands Hatch (Track Racing), Barcelona (Street Racing) and the Red Bull Ring (Track Racing).
The “*GRID 2*: European Expansion” video also reveals two of the four Touring Cars in competition. In the Super Touring Cars class, the Volvo S60 BTCS – one of the premiere performers in the BTCS and Volvo’s flagship racer – goes wheel-to-wheel with the Gomez Competition, a motorsport thoroughbred custom developed by GC Automotive in Herault in the South of France, with performance that rivals cars from global manufacturers.
Additional Touring Cars in the game include the BMW Motorsport 320 TC – the latest evolution of the car that Andy Priaulx drove to two championships –and the Chevrolet Cruze Touring car, which secured wins in both the WTCC and British Touring Car Championship in 2010, proving this American marque could compete with the best in the world.
*GRID 2*’s car list draws models from the finest manufacturers from three continents. Prime examples of European cars set to star in *GRID 2* that give a flavor of the car roster include;
BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution (Evo3)
BMW Motorsport 320 TC
Caterham-Lola SP300R
Ford Focus ST 2013
Gomez Competition GC 10.1
McLaren F1 GT
Mercedes Benz 190E 2.5 Evo 2
Mercedes Benz SLS GT3
Pagani Huayra
Volvo S60 BTCS
Further cars to star in the game are to be announced.
The individual character of every car is brought to life through *GRID 2*’s groundbreaking TrueFeel™ handling system. Drawing on expertise from professional motorsports drivers and Codemasters’ 15 year heritage in creating award-winning racing games, TrueFeel™ handling lets players feel what it’s like to drive some of the most exciting cars in existence.
*GRID 2*, the long-awaited sequel to the BAFTA-award winning, critically acclaimed *GRID™*, will race into retail on May 28 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows® PC and is available for pre-order now.
One of the perks of being a journalist is that sometimes you get free stuff. Free stuff is always cool but I thought maybe I should pass on the opportunity to get some free swag along to you, the readers. So, from now on keep a look out here for chances to win some of our swag.
The first item up for grabs is a copy of Need For Speed Most Wanted for Xbox 360. Need For Speed Most Wanted was one of the most highly reviewed racing games of 2012 and the latest in the Need For Speed series. If you weren’t able to fork over 60 bucks for a copy, here is your chance to win our copy. I also want to use this chance to get to know the MotorworldHype audience a little better. So, in a two-for-one effort you will have a chance to win our copy of Need For Speed Most Wanted for the Xbox 360 by letting us know what your favorite movie car chase or movie race sequence is.
HOW TO ENTER: Follow us on Twitter at @MotorworldHype and tweet at us with your favorite movie car chase or movie race sequence with the hash tag “#MWHGiveaway“.
For example “@MotorworldHype the 4-wide drag race from Fast & Furious 1 #MWHGiveaway”
NOTE: Both“@MotorworldHype” AND “#MWHGiveaway” MUST be included in the tweet to have a chance to win. Also only one copy is up for grabs so once its given away thats it!
The winner will be chosen at random from all the correctly formatted responses. The contest starts today and a winner will be chosen on Tuesday, March 5th at 5pm pacific time.
The winner will be notified by “Direct Message” on Twitter. Which is why you must follow us at @MotorworldHype to be eligible (you can always unfollow when the contest is over).
GRID2 Is almost here! Are you excited yet GRID fans? Well get ready to wet yourselves because Codemasters just dropped an official gameplay trailer! Go grab a fresh pair of pants and watch the video below!
If you have been waiting impatiently for GRID2 from Codemasters then today I have a fix for you that may ease your nervous itching. A slew of new information on Codemasters’ latest has hit my inbox today and it is all good stuff! Firstly, GRID2 has finally been given a release date! Expect the game to hit store shelves on May 28th this year. I know at first that seems like really long time from now but consider this, you can pre-order your copy today at Game Stop, Best Buy, or Amazon (more on that in a bit). They also dropped a few new screen shots which you can see at the bottom of the post. Finally, we also get to see the official box art (pictured above). Now, about that pre-order business. GRID fans will be happen to know that depending on which retail outlet they order from, they will be guaranteed a few DLC goodies! Here is how it breaks down:
If pre-ordered at Game Stop players can choose the GRID2 ”Turbo-Charged Edition“
The Turbo charged edition comes with the McLaren Racing pack which includes a special edition McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race car which will be available to play in single and multi-player modes as well as a special online event. This pack also includes two new routes around the Brands Hatch GP circuit. In addition to the McLaren Racing Pack the Turbo-Charged edition also comes with the GT-R Racing pack which includes a Nissan GT-R SpecV road car which will be available to use in both single and multiplayer. The GT-R racing pack also gives you access to an exclusive online event and all 5 course configurations of Yas Marina Circuit.
If pre-ordered at Best Buy players can choose the GRID2 ”Indy Car Edition“
The Indy Car edition comes with a special edition Dallara chassis Indy Car and an exclusive Indy Car Series pace car, both of which can be used in single and multiplayer. This edition also has access to a special online event and two extra course configurations on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Finally, if pre-ordered from Amazon.com players can choose the GRID2 ”Head Start Edition”
The Head Start Edition includes the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT race car which is available to use in single and multiplayer modes. This edition also gives players instant discounts on car-upgrades in online game modes as well as a Codemasters RaceNet bonus.
That all sounds pretty good huh? It seems like you get the most when you pre-order from Game Stop and then it ramps down from there. I predict Game Stop getting the lion’s share of the pre-orders. Although the idea of driving an Indy Car in GRID sounds pretty awesome to me! Anyhow, if you want to see a crop of new visuals then click the thumbnails below for HD resolution screenshots.
Los Angeles, Calif. – Jan. 31, 2013 – Codemasters® today announced that GRID® 2™, the long-awaited sequel to the BAFTA-award winning, critically acclaimed GRID™, will ship to stores on May 28, 2013* for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.
Codemasters has also announced a range of pre-order Special Editions for GRID 2 with extra content, redeemable via download on PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE® for Xbox 360 and Windows PC, illustrated in screenshots also released today.
Gamers who pre-order at GameStop can choose the GRID 2: Turbo-Charged Edition, which includes two additional packs:
McLaren Racing Pack
Receive the exclusive McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Special Edition car to race in single-player, multiplayer and a special online event; plus expand the game with two new routes around the Brands Hatch GP circuit.
GTR Racing Pack
Receive the exclusive Nissan GT-R SpecV road car to race in single-player, multiplayer and an exclusive online event; plus experience all five routes around the Yas Marina circuit by day.
Gamers who pre-order at Best Buy can choose the GRID 2: IndyCar Edition, which includes:
IndyCar Pack
Receive the exclusive Dallara IndyCar and the IndyCar Pace car to race in single-player, multiplayer and an exclusive online event; plus expand the game with two new routes around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Oval Circuit.
Gamers who pre-order at Amazon can choose the GRID 2: Head Start Edition which includes:
Head Start Pack
Receive the exclusive Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT car to race in single-player, multiplayer and enjoy discounts in the Car Upgrades Store in online game modes and a unique RaceNet bonus.
GRID 2 will challenge players to be fast, be first and be famous. Going behind the wheel of a handpicked selection of automotive icons spanning four decades, gamers will race their way to the top of a new, evolving world of motorsport. From Paris to Abu Dhabi, Chicago to the sun-kissed California coast and beyond, beautifully created city streets, licensed circuits and edge-of-control mountain roads will become home to the most visceral and exhilarating racing yet.
GRID 2 will also set new standards for a racing multiplayer experience with an entirely distinct and extensive gameplay component and unique progression system. Deep customization options and integration with RaceNet – the online community portal for Codemasters Racing games which tracks player’s races, rewards and rivals – will offer further immersion and connectivity in GRID 2’s new world of motorsport.
For a while now an argument has persisted among driving enthusiasts: do realistic racing games help improve real racing technique? This question has been tested many times and for the most part the results have been mixed. The latest person to test the theory is Chris “HarrisMonkey” Harris whom, in the video below attempts to take on McLaren Test Driver Mat Jackson around the famous Brand’s Hatch circuit in the UK. To help him in his quest he uses the team at Codemasters and the upcoming GRID2 game to analyze his driving technique and get to know the track by driving its virtual doppelganger. Does it work? Will Harris Monkey best McLaren’s top gun? Scroll down to find out!
Today Codemasters is known for their racing games. In fact, they have changed their entire corporate strategy and focus their energy strictly on racing games now. However, things were not always that way. Even though they had a few years of Colin McRae rally games under their belt, it was not until the release of “GRID” that Codemasters solidified themselves as a racing game developer worthy of mention among the big boys like Turn 10 Studios and Polyphony Digital. Today Codemasters officially announced that GRID2 is coming.
GRID2 will bring semi official street racing back to the masses and this time they are taking players around the world in various iconc licensed cars. To improve realism and handling physics, GRID2 is being developed on the newest version of Codemasters’ “EGO” game engine which should provide “total race day immersion” according to Clive Moody, the Executive Producer of the game. From the looks of the trailer I might be inclined to agree with the man. See for yourself, along with the first screen shots below.
THE RACE RETURNS IN 2013 – GET READY FOR TOTAL RACE DAY IMMERSION AS CODEMASTERS® UNVEILS GRID®2™
Be Fast, Be First, Be Famous – GRID 2 Trailer Makes Stunning Debut at www.GRIDGAME.com
Los Angeles, Calif. – August 8, 2012 – Codemasters® today announced that GRID® 2™, the long-awaited sequel to the BAFTA-award winning, critically acclaimed GRID™, is in production at Codemasters Racing Studios and set for a 2013 launch for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC.
Revealing the first of the game’s new locations, including Chicago and Paris, the debut GRID 2 trailer video is now showing at www.gridgame.com and captures a snapshot of the relentless, high-impact aggressive thrills that lie at the core of GRID 2’s cinematic race experience.
GRID 2 will challenge players to be fast, be first and be famous as they enter a stunning new world of competitive motorsport. In pre-production for two years, GRID 2 is now in full development on the latest evolution of the award-winning EGO Game Technology Platform. Following the success of GRID, which set new standards for damage, AI, visuals and introduced the Flashback time rewind feature – now adopted by many racing games – GRID 2 will again raise the gameplay and technological bar for motorsport gaming and remain true to the series’ core values – it’s all about the race.
“GRID’s back and we’re going to make street, track and road racing exciting again,” said Clive Moody, Executive Producer. “The core design philosophy for GRID 2 is that we treat the race as a character, not a consequence of simply putting cars on tracks. Everything that goes into the game impacts on that second-to-second, in the moment, blockbuster drama – the feel and personality of the race.”
“We’re pushing boundaries once again with what can be accomplished in the genre via new tools, technology and innovations. In single-player, split-screen and online, the next-generation of the EGO Game Technology Platform will power graphics, AI, handling and damage advancements that will immerse players in the racing experience like never before. Like its predecessor, GRID 2 will put the sheer thrill and adrenaline rush of the race at the heart of the experience. It’s what we call Total Race Day Immersion.”
In an expansive career mode, players will experience aggressive wheel-to-wheel racing against advanced AI where each spectacular race unfolds with cinematic immersion. Building on the handling model from GRID, the new TrueFeel Handling System will use real physics to hit a sweetspot between accessibility and simulation and deliver handling that is approachable yet challenging to master.
Going behind the wheel of a handpicked selection of automotive icons spanning four decades and three continents – North America, Europe and Asia – players will race their way to the top of a new, evolving world of motorsport. From Paris to Abu Dhabi, Miami to the sun-kissed California coast and beyond, beautifully created city streets, licensed circuits and edge-of-control mountain roads will become home to the most visceral and exhilarating races in gaming.
GRID 2 will also set new standards for a racing multiplayer experience with an entirely distinct and extensive gameplay component and unique progression system. Deep customisation options and integration with RaceNet* – the online community portal for Codemasters Racing games which tracks player’s races, rewards and rivals – will offer further immersion and connectivity in GRID 2’s new world of motorsport.
If you were starting to feel like your Forza experience was starting to get a bit stale the guys at Turn 10 Studios hit us all with a new DLC pack for August. The awesome part is that the new Playseat DLC pack includes my new favorite coupe the Scion FR-S! For a while I thought maybe the FR-S would be exclusive to Gran Turismo 5 since they worked closely with Toyota for the concept’s debut. Luckily I was wrong and now we can all play with the FR-S in Forza land! The DLC pack also includes the new Camaro ZL1 and the 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato. For the full list of cars and the official trailer scroll below. The Playseat August DLC pack can be yours on August 7th for 560 Microsoft Points AKA 7 bucks.
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