New Need For Speed: SHIFT Details Announced

EA has revealed details of the new driver profile system in Need for Speed: SHIFT.

The new tailor-made career mode is intended to be an “extension of the true driver’s experience,” according to EA. The system will feature in both single player and online multiplayer, giving players “a unique game experience based on the way each player drives on the track.”

Four gameplay components decide how a player’s profile will develop: Personality, Success, Profile points and Badges.

A player’s personality on the track is measured and players are classified accordingly. For example, you could be an “aggressive” or “precise” driver, while success determined by how many races you win. Profile points act like a skill/XP system, where “every car passed, every corner mastered, every opponent taken out generates profile points.” Badges will be given to show the style of a player as they earn achievements.

The profile develops with more races, and it can create rivalries, trigger specific challenges as well as unlocking vehicles and customisation options. It gives each player multiple reward systems, even if they don’t win every race.

“The new driver profile feature in Need for Speed: SHIFT gives players full control of how they progress through game,” said Patrick Soderlund, Senior Vice President of EA Games Europe.

The game is being developed by Slightly Mad Studios in collaboration with Black Box and Patrick Soderlund. It’s slated for release on 18 September on PC, PS3, PSP and Xbox 360 in the UK. Check out our hands-on preview of the game here.