EA has just announced that they are working on a sequel to Need for Speed: Shift entitled Shift 2 Unleashed, meanwhile removing the Need for Speed title from the game. The first Shift title was the first time the Need for Speed ventured off from the traditional acrade-style of gameplay and made an attempt at a simulation racer. It is because of the previous titles success that the studio felt it necessary to develop yet another simulation title.

The sequel will remove the “NFS” branding, at least in its title, to distinguish it from the traditional arcade racers of the series, like Criterion Game’s latest creation, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit which was released today. Shift 2 Unleashed also feature the “next generation” of Autolog, a stat-tracking system that encourages competition amongst friends which was first introduced in NFS: HP.

The title will also be receiving an all-new graphics engine with a projected release of Spring 2011. That would be roughly 3 NFS titles in a single year (Need for Speed World, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and Shift 2: Unleashed). Catch the press release and trailer after the break.

EA’s Engine Roar with Shift 2 Unleashed

Critically Acclaimed Simulation Series Returns, Now Even Faster and More Connected

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The race to #1 heats up! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED™, the next entry in the blockbuster Need for Speed simulation series. The original SHIFT game was released in September 2009 and has sold through close to five million copies globally. Its success was propelled by the revolutionary true driver’s experience — a game design that was heralded by critics as more visceral, more physical and more intense than any other title in the sim category. Capturing the physicality and brutality of racing at 200mph has been the leading area of innovation by the award-winning development team at Slightly Mad Studios. SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED builds on the true drivers experience by introducing the driver’s battle, an even more authentic and primal feeling of power and speed which elevates the fundamental competitive race into a struggle for supremacy against other drivers and even the track itself. In SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED, players’ hands sweat and ache as they clutch onto the controller, their pulse races from the break-neck speeds experienced through the first-person cockpit view. Launching in Spring 2011, SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED pushes the envelope with the most authentic and intense racing experience in the genre. The world debut trailer of SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED was revealed today as bonus content for the action racing Need for Speed title, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit.

“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, Executive Producer, SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED. “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.”

SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED features an all-new rendering engine with a massive graphics overhaul that puts the player in the heart of the racing action. With an innovative helmet camera view simulating the physical experience of driving at 200mph, the thrilling experience of night racing and authentic degradation of tracks and cars, this is tomorrow’s sim for today’s adrenaline fueled racer. SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED also incorporates the next generation of Need for Speed Autolog – the groundbreaking network that connects friends for epic head-to-head races and compares player stats for the ultimate social racing competition.

Developed by the award-winning Slightly Mad Studios, SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED will be available on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. For more information on Need for Speed, visit http://www.needforspeed.com or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/needforspeed and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/needforspeed.

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Read more: Shift 2: Unleashed Set for March 29th in US,  Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Demo Tomorrow,  Sonic Unleashed Officially Unleashed,  Midnight Club: Los Angeles Dated,  Next Need for Speed Shifts Into Gear Next Year