New Need for Speed, SHIFT UNLEASHED 2 announced

Today, as Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit hit shelves, Electronic Arts has revealed SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED, the follow-up to 2009’s racing sim, Need for Speed SHIFT.

SHIFT 2 will follow in the footsteps of the original, providing gear headers with an authentic, hardcore simulation racing experience.

“SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED is redefining immersive racing by blending the rush of tearing up the track at unbelievable speeds with the emotional experience of competitive battle,” said Marcus Nilsson, the game’s producer. “We are also working closely with real-world performance drivers to ensure that SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED captures their experience and becomes the benchmark in authentic racing action.”

The title will also incorporate the “Autolog” found in Hot Pursuit, which connects friends, sets up challenges, and compares stats in a set up similar to social networks.

SHIFT 2 is scheduled for a spring 2011 release for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.