The Need for Speed franchise is arguably considered the best arcade racing series around, but will whether the loyal fanbase will follow the imminent release of Need for Speed Shift – a distinctive realistic racing simulator – remains to be seen.

With previous games in the Need for Speed series concentrating on exagerated graphics and racing physics, the change of focus to a ‘standard’ racing simulator with Need for Speed Shift may come as a surprise to fans of the series – but in most cases it promises to be a pleasant one.

NEED FOR SPEED SHIFT TRAILER

Need for Speed Shift boasts some of the best graphics seen in a racing title to date, and that includes comparisons to the likes of modern Project Gotham Racing, Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport releases. However the game truly stands alone when you consider the abundance of modes available to players and the variety offered in each of them.

The tracks and cars look and feel real, and each car handles slightly differently making every gamers experience of Need for Speed Shift that little bit different – there will be a perfect car in here for everybody though, with bucketloads to choose from including some hot official models from the likes of Audi, Ford, Nissan and Honda amongst others.

Earn points as you race and even as you practice which you can later spend on unlocking new content such as tracks, cars and additional garage slots for building on your own collection of vehicles. You even have your own driver profile which makes a note of your driving style in preparation for your online play, so you can match up against similar drivers to you in terms of style and ability.

Need for Speed Shift is due to be released on September 17th 2009 and will appear on PC, XBox 360, Playstation 3 and PSP. The sales figures will ultimately decide the fate of this particular spin-off, and only time will tell if we can expect a Need for Speed Shift 2!