Pre-order the Japanese version at Play-Asia.com
Due to the mass success of Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed series, especially recent titles such as Need for Speed: Underground (released in 2001) and Need For Speed: Underground 2 (released November 2004), it is not surprising that a new title would be created for the PlayStation Portable. However, with Need for Speed: Underground 2 having just been released it is very ambitious of EA to have already begun work on an all-new title. Known for its sleek graphics, variety of cars, body kits, lighting, alloys, engines, courses and most of all speed, much is expected of Rivals but it is sure to deliver.
The main attraction of the new ‘underground’ theme of Need for Speed is the customisation, tuning of your car. Performance is not all that matters when you seek fame and riches; it is how your ride looks on the roads as you cruise about the city. ‘Speed and Beauty’ will determine if you have what it takes. Rivals is said to entail the same fundamentals to make the experience continue, if not improve in one or more ways. Like in previous titles, it will feature a wide array of cars from America and Japan, some new models exclusive to the new PSP sequel. There will also be new modes of play, one of which is the multiplayer ability through the Wi-Fi support within the handheld, this of course making the title of the game relevant. Along with the usual basics that you would expect from the game, there are ten tracks to rag and race through, which have been developed especially to enhance the experience of the game on the PSP. Though in looks and the sound of the gameplay, it may seem that Rivals is no different to any of its predecessors but creating the PSP was the opportunity for new experiences and skills to emerge.
‘Rivals’ being the name of the game it does suggest that this new title will be based on competitive racing and with the ability of the PSP’s Wi-Fi to connect to and play off against one of your mates, is the main idea. Also, with the net capabilities too that the PSP has to offer, it would be no surprise if it was used to maximise the playability and length of Rivals, as ten tracks is not too much of a game. In Need for Speed: Underground 2, cruising through the city and finding other racers to compete against was one of the excellent features of the game and no such thing has been mentioned by EA just yet to appear in Rivals. However, it would seem perfect to have an online city for all to drive through and choose an opponent. Because of the fame and wide spread success of the underground series, much is expected of Rivals and EA are under a lot of pressure to deliver, doubly because of the release and push for the PSP to succeed.
Need For Speed Underground Rivals is set to be released in Japan quarter one or two of this year and quarter three or in quarter four in America. Release for the game and actual PSP in Europe is yet to be confirmed. Gaming Headlines will be hot on the trail of the PSP and its titles so keep track of our site to make sure you do not miss out on any news or reviews for Rivals.
Tobias Rowe
