It includes Autolog, which Criterion made for NFS: Hot Pursuit. Rivals GT5 and Forza both ”mathematical simulation of great physics” - Shift 2 ‘is more’.
”The simulation genre, really, is just a numbers game at the moment; it’s all about, ‘We’ve got the greatest physics engine, and we’re going to add 1,000 cars, tracks etcetera.’ It’s quite a dry experience,” said Need for Speed: Shift 2 lead Andy Tudor.
”We want to turn that on its head, by adding in social features, such as Autolog, for example: which lets you compete with your friends, even if they’re not online right now. But having that thing, where I can see all your lap times, and spend half an hour or an hour trying just to beat you is great.” Autolog debuted in the rebooted Hot Pursuit.
”I’ve gone on record before saying GT5 and Forza are on pedestals at the moment: everyone believes they are the games to beat,” continued Slightly Mad’s Tudor.
”They have great products, but they stop at being a numbers game, a mathematical simulation of great physics, whereas we go beyond that with the emotional and social aspects.”
Need for Speed: Shift 2 releases on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC March 29th in the US, in UK April 1st. It’s quite a departure for the usually more arcade style driving franchise.