We’re eagerly awaiting the release of Shift 2: Unleashed to try out the novel approach to night racing, and to see if splitting the Need for Speed series into the simulater Shift series (which loses the Need for Speed title), and the more arcade fun of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit has paid off. But it appears we’ll have to wait a little longer than planned.
Although a miniscule delay by Gran Turismo 5 standards, Shift 2: Unleashed will be launched on April 1st 2011, having originally been slated to go on sale on March 25th, as revealed in an Electronic Arts press release. There’s no official reason stated for postponing the release for a week.
It’s also been confirmed that the new car from bonkers Italian supercar manufacturers Pagani will be exclusively in Shift 2. Despite the fact developers Slightly Mad Studios have stated the game will feature a limited number of cars and won’t compete for obsessive car collectors in the same way as Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport, the new 700bhp, 230mph Huayra will only be playable in Shift 2.
“For the past seven years, the designing of the Huayra has been a labor of love and I’m ecstatic to be working with the entire Need for Speed team to help share our creation with the world,” said Horacio Pagani, founder of Pagani Automobili S.p.A. “I’m amazed by how accurately they have been able to capture the look and, most importantly, the feel of the Huayra. SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED will give enthusiasts all over the world the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Huayra.”
Despite sounding a little like someone being ill after a night out, the Huayra is the sucessor to the famous Pagani Zone, and is actually named after a South American wind god. And a copy of Shift 2 will be a lot cheaper than the £850,000 asking price for the car, which is powered by a Mercedes AMG V-12 with dual turbochargers, and features a 7-speed gearbox, carbon-titanium monocoque, and some retro gull-wing doors to make parking a bit of a pain. Plus active aerodynamics which will change the ride height and four flaps at the front and rear of the car automatically.
One reason for delaying the game could be the official unveiling of the Huayra, which will be at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
In the meantime, you can pre-order Shift 2: Unleashed from…
- Amazon (PC, XBox 360 and PS3)
- Gamestop (Shift 2: Unleashed Limited Edition for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 featuring instant access to the Nissan Silvia Spec R Aero (S15), Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV and Lamborghini Murcielago)
- Play.com (PC, Xbox 360 and PS3)
- Game (Shift 2 Unleashed Limited Edition and Standard Edition)
UK gamers should go for the Limited Edition at Game – it’s listed at £2 more than the standard version from Game, or just 10p more than the standard edition from Amazon or Play.com. Similarly, the Limited Edition at Gamestop is just a couple of bucks more than the standard edition from other outlets – you might only get earlier access to 3 cars, but why not treat yourself!
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