Information Review

Dyad is a racing video game for Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), developed by Right Square Bracket Left Square Bracket and published by Independent.

In the Dyad, gamers advance by maneuvering other containers on the track. It also looks at the mind state of the gamer. The Dyad is intended to generate a strong sense of flow, upon which it presents diverse contemplative approaches. The subject of contemplation, called Mantras, create a thought-based metagame on top of the audio-visual gameplay.

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 is a downloadable racing game for Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), release date to be announced later. The game is developed by Namco and published by Namco Bandai. The game allows you to play the classic original on your PSP handheld system or PS3 home console.

The Ridge Racer series has always been about arcade style racing excitement. R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 keeps the arcade style intact with all of the powerslides and spinouts fans of the series have come to expect. You take the role of a professional driver in the Grand Prix mode. Pick one of four teams and one of four car manufacturers, and then race on eight tracks. Each team has its own storyline that plays out between races in conversations with your team liaison, and how well you finish changes what the liaison says to you. To advance through the races, you must finish in third or higher on the first two tracks, while the second two require at least second place, and you must win the last four races outright. Try to keep your car under control and win the championship for your team in R4: Ridge Racer Type 4.

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 game features:

•Arcade-style racing

•Become a professional driver in Grand Prix mode

•Four racing teams

•Four car manufacturers

•Eight tracks

Driver: Renegade is an action racing video game published by Ubisoft for the Nintendo 3DS, set for release in Q2 2011. Driver: Renegade lets you experience the intensity and brutality of urban car chases in 3D. Drive recklessly, perform jumps to fill your Rage bar and unleash devastating takedowns on your enemy cars! 

After years of undercover work on the Force, John Tanner wants to take matters of crime in his own hands, regardless of what the Law dictates. In a corrupt New York City run by criminal mobs, Tanner saves Senator Ballard's life. He needs help in leading a crusade against Crime. Tanner accepts to clean the city off the record, against the Senator’s protection.

Tanner becomes a renegade and must take out five kingpins: a drug dealer, a human-organs trafficker, a pimp, an arms dealer and an over-greedy trader. Helped by his few friends, with no badge to hold him back, Tanner wages his war against crime with his weapon of choice: his car!

Driver: Renegade game features:

•FIRST ACTION DRIVING GAME ON 3DS: Discover the open world and the landmarks of New York, the city of all crimes. Experience a 3D-enhanced sense of speed and immersion within the guts of a vast modern city.

•YOUR CAR IS YOUR BEST WEAPON: Drive fast, take risks, destroy criminal activity locations, perform jumps to fill your Rage Bar and unleash devastating attacks on your enemies, ram them, and finally take them down!

•A NEW LIGHT ON TANNER’S STORY: Discover the 20 story-based missions, all delivered with a unique, cutting-edge 3D style. In this story set between the events of Driver 1 and Driver 2, Tanner confronts enemies full of vices. He also meets new enigmatic allies that will help him take on the most corrupt parts of New York City. But will that be enough to obtain a sense of Justice?

•STRONG REPLAY VALUE: Unlock up to 50 different cars and tune them up in your private garage. Over 70 challenges and tracks spread all over the city will put your driving skills under stress. Choose among the 7 types of challenges (Time Attack, Elimination Mode, Road War...) to compete against deadly AI opponents.

Days of Thunder: Arcade is a racing video game for Xbox 360, release date to be announced later. The game is developed by Piranha Games and published by Paramount Digital Entertainment. In the game, teams players with Rowdy Burns as the latest recruit to hit the high-octane racing circuit. With Rowdy as their coach, players will learn to drop the hammer, hit the pit and trade paint with other cars. Rowdy Burns is voiced by Michael Rooker, known for his roles in "Mallrats," "Eight Men Out," "Cliffhanger," and of course, "Days of Thunder." As players advance, they'll compete against the characters from the film, each with AI designed to match their driving style and personality seen in the film.

Players will need to watch for Cole Trickle's reckless, aggressive driving, Rowdy Burns' ruthless, veteran skills and Russ Wheeler's hot head. To steer clear of otherwise unavoidable crashes, gamers can take advantage of the focus feature, which temporarily puts surroundings into slow-motion. The adrenaline soon kicks back into gear as players drop the hammer by drafting behind other cars and whipping past them to get an extra burst of speed.

Days of Thunder: Arcade features road tracks for both single and multiplayer challenges. Road tracks allow players to race outside the speedway for an added challenge and variation in turning and car control. Up to twelve players can race online, pushing the limits to log the fastest times on the leader boards. There are four different modes - Quick Race, Time Trial, Career, with circuits of varying difficulty, and Derby Mode, where players are encouraged to deal as much damage as they can.

Fireburst is a racing video game for PC system, set for release in Q3 2011. The game is developed by ExDream and published by Zoo Games.

The game sends players into a fiery, four-wheeled adrenalin frenzy. Behind the wheel of numerous different racers, drivers get to speed along paved race courses or wicked off-road tracks, showing no respect for their rivals. Thanks to a novel boost system, opponents are kept at a distance in spectacular ways in various single and multiplayer modes. The element of fire prominently features in all special maneuvers. It is possible, for example, to coat your own vehicle in protective flames, or make a rival's car explode with a burst of fire!

Fireburst game features:

•Various Racing Maps – Challenge opponents on more than 15 different racing and destruction maps, consisting of airfields, docks, oilrigs, sewers, refineries, warehouses and waterfalls.

•Diverse Cars – Drivers can choose from 16 different cars in four different categories, which include Buggys, Muscle Cars, Trucks and Offroader/4x4.

•Unique Fireboost Capabilities – Every car in its class has a distinctive Fireboost ability. Fireball: cars are covered in fire, trailing flames behind the vehicle. Firewheels: car leaves tracks of fire, attacking opponents behind and to the side of the car. Firewall: a giant fire beam damages all nearby cars. Fireblast: giant explosion vaporizes everything around.

•Eccentric Characters – Choose from 16 unconventional characters with varying personalities.

•Multiple Car Customizations – Racers can choose from several different bodywork art and unlock characters and more than 250 car skins as they win competitions.

•Immersive and Intense Gameplay Experience. Four-player split screen capability. Single player, multi-player and challenge modes. Racers can taunt their opponents during multiplayer match-ups.

Asphalt 3D is a racing video game developed by Gameloft and published by Ubisoft for Nintendo 3DS, set for release on March 22, 2011. The renowned racing franchise returns with higher-quality graphics than ever and for the first time 3D features that create the most realistic, immersive racing experience yet. In the game, you'll power a wide range of high-performance cars and race through 17 exotic locations with the 3DS' accelerometer. Experience surging down the road as you swerve to avoid oncoming traffic in full 3D. Uncover new racing circuits and vehicles, customize your hot rod, and play against up to 6 friends using the Local Play feature of the Nintendo 3DS system.

Enable StreetPass by sending and receiving game data to see how you compare with your friends and just about everyone else who plays the game. Race against the viral ghost of top-ranked players to reach the top of the charts and earn in-game cash. Asphalt 3D is racing as you've never experienced before!

Asphalt 3D game features:

•Rich, stereoscopic 3D graphics for the races and even the menus. Enjoy gameplay designed to take full advantage of the 3D screen as you weave between cars, drift inches from the curb and navigate menus that come right out of the screen.

•Get behind the wheel of over 40 vehicles (cars and motorcycles) from prestigious manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Ducati.

•Engage in a variety of high-speed challenges and micro challenges beyond your normal race: cash attack, vigilante, high-speed chase, drift, time trial, duel and leader of the pack.

•Race in 17 exciting destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Madrid, Cape Town, and Berlin, with varied track surfaces, shortcuts and spectacular jumps.

•Up to 6 players can challenge each other in local wireless mode.

•Complete StreetPass features like Viral Ghost, Rankings, and StreetPass PayTable

•Comprehensive tuning options to achieve peak performance for your vehicle.

•Use the replay feature to relive all those hair-raising moments you just experienced in your last race.

MX vs. ATV Alive is a racing game for Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), set for release in Q2 2011. The game is developed by THQ Digital Studios Phoenix and published by THQ. Own the competition as you wrestle for position with tightly contested racing in the fifth iteration of the MX vs ATV franchise. Feel the realism of the revolutionary real-world physics engine which has defined the genre. MX vs ATV Alive captures the spectacle of motocross and the essence of competitive racing while providing the best riders and gear from the latest manufacturers, letting players live the sport.

MX vs ATV Alive employs the franchise's acclaimed physics engine while utilizing a new game structure that caters to the fans via a robust offering of DLC content. As you get deeper and deeper into the game, a player can add more content of your favorite modes and features in, catering the game to your likes and your style of play.

Jam City Rollergirls is a racing (sports) video game developed and published by Frozen Codebase for Nintendo Wii. Blast off into the wild world of roller derby. Lace up your skates and join up with real-life roller derby teams the Texecutioners, Dairyland Dolls, Brewcity Bruisers, Rat City Rollergirls and Gotham Girls Roller Derby as they skate hard and hit harder in a battle for flat-track dominance.

Create your own custom roller derby skater and level up as you progress through the season, or play as one of the readymade stars of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association. Choose from five tracks and skate forward, backward, by yourself or with a friend. Skaters, refs, fans and gamers will be thrilled by the fast, furious game play.

MX vs. ATV Alive is a racing video game for Xbox 360, set for release in Q2 2011. The game is developed by THQ Digital Studios Phoenix and published by THQ. Own the competition as you wrestle for position with tightly contested racing in the fifth iteration of the MX vs ATV franchise. Feel the realism of the revolutionary real-world physics engine which has defined the genre. MX vs ATV Alive captures the spectacle of motocross and the essence of competitive racing while providing the best riders and gear from the latest manufacturers, letting players live the sport.

MX vs ATV Alive employs the franchise's acclaimed physics engine while utilizing a new game structure that caters to the fans via a robust offering of DLC content. As you get deeper and deeper into the game, a player can add more content of your favorite modes and features in, catering the game to your likes and your style of play.

Targa Tasmania is a racing video game for Apple iPhone, release date to be announced later. The game is currently in developement by Dozycow. It is based on the Targa Tasmania rally. The game involves players taking control of either a Classic or Modern Australian motor vehicle and competing to achieve the best time on either of the 40 stages from the 2010 Targa Tasmania rally. In Single-player mode the player can race as either the driver or as the navigator with an AI driver. In Multiplayer mode the player can race as either the driver or the navigator in co-op within the same vehicle.

Need For Speed Shift 2 (NFS2) Unleashed is a racing video game for Mac system, release date to be announced later. The game is developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Electronic Arts.

The game Unleashed builds on the true driving experience that the Need For Speed Shift franchise is renown for 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.

The game 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.

Forza Motorsport 4 is a racing video game for Xbox 360, release date to be announced later. The game is currently in development by Turn 10 Studios and it is to be published by Microsoft. The wheels keep spinning in one of the most acclaimed racing simulation games available. Forza Motorsport 4 increases the immersion with compatibility with the Kinect motion control camera.

Through the power of Kinect, players will be able to step through the TV screen and jump into the driver's seat while the engaging controller-based experience will let you take on the bone-jarring physics, unparalleled levels of customization, and rosters of dream cars and tracks. Offering gameplay that will electrify racing fans and excite car lovers and novices alike, the popular racing franchise returns.

Off-Road Drive is a racing video game for Xbox 360, set for release in Q2 2011. The game is developed by Avalon Style Entertainment and published by 1C Company.

In the game, players will take part in The Russian trophy, Off-Road Trial, Thai Trophy and many other events through the worst driving conditions with a variety of natural obstacles like swamps, rocks, snow and sand. The game boasts an incomparable variety of off-road sport vehicles including tuned stock SUVs and trucks, as well as several classes of prototypes specifically built for off-road driving. The vehicles can be equipped with an assortment of special cross-country equipment and accessories.

Terrain under the vehicle will act just like it does in real life, the car will sink in dirt, the dirt will create a rut and will stick to the car and tires affecting its handling. Stones will fly from underneath the wheels and damage other trucks. The game features various surfaces that will not only affect tire friction but have complex reactions based on car weight, speed, wheel torque, tire condition, time on this surface, depth of car immersion into the surface and much more.

Need For Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed is a racing video game for Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), release date to be announced later. The game is developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Electronic Arts. 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.

"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.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 (TDU2) is a racing video game for Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), set for release on February 8, 2011. The game is developed by Eden Games and published by Atari.

The game aims to transform the driving genre, adding the persistency, progression and customization of the latest multiplayer games to the racing experience. Test Drive Unlimited 2 blends single player and multiplayer sxperiences seamlessly, creating a dynamic world of evolving content and challenges. Players define their online persona through unparalleled customization of their avatars and vehicles, and the acquisition of property, clothing and other accoutrements of a luxurious international lifestyle. The challenge comes to life with refinement and balance of the core Test Drive driving experience. All-new race types, vehicle classes, environmental challenges, locations and much more push this epic franchise to new levels of performance.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 game features:

•CONNECT: TDU2 blends the single-player and multiplayer experiences seamlessly. TDU2 is “always live” with automatic content updates and seamless online/offline integration. New content, challenges and features will integrate dynamically into the gameplay as the world evolves over time.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 game video

•EXPERIENCE: An all-new single player story mode, with compelling character progression, an exciting narrative and immersive cut scenes to draw you in to the vibrant world of TDU2. Single player mode can be experienced offline or as part of the multiplayer experience. Create your custom avatar and build your fortune.

•EXPLORE: Hit the streets on whole new island: Ibiza. New terrain types, architecture and beautiful vistas bring this legendary location to life. Take on hundreds of unique missions as you explore over two-thousand miles of roadway and back roads in this Mediterranean paradise.

•M.O.O.R.: Massively Open Online Racing is back! Test Drive Unlimited 2 expands M.O.O.R. with an huge variety of exciting new features. Level up your character based on how you race, enjoy all new group racing modes, and take on other racers that you encounter in this open, persistent racing environment..

•SOCIALIZE: A whole new, out of car mode, where you can walk around shared spaces and interact with other players. . All new clubs (guilds) now a huge part of the game.

•CUSTOMIZE: Unlock a huge range of options and show off your custom avatar to friends and rivals. Customize your car with custom paint jobs, decals, interiors and trims. Customize every aspect of your avatar –– hair, clothes, physique and attitude. Buy your dream house (or yacht… or nightclub), decorate, furnish and invite your friends.

•EVOLVE: Many new enhancements, features and modes; weather, day/night, motion blur, car damage, completely new handling model built from the ground up. Many new core driving modes and game-play; Championship, racing school, duels, cups. Off road is now featured, with a whole new class of vehicle and hundreds of miles of off road tracks now in the game.

•DRIVE!: Test Drive Unlimited 2 puts the world’s most desirable vehicles in the player's hands. These ultra-limited edition masterpieces are flawlessly replicated with Eden's finely tuned driving technology.

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is a racing videogame for the Xbox 360, set for release on November 16, 2010. The game is developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit brings the franchise back to its roots with intense cops vs. racer chases.

The game features Need for Speed Autolog where players compare racing stats and automatically get personalized gameplay recommendations from their friends. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit players can also experience the thrill of the chase and the rush of the escape as they play through full careers as both a cop and a racer - solo or connected. The high speed busts and heart-stopping getaways are all connected via Need for Speed Autolog.

Crazy Taxi is a downloadable racing videogame for Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), release date to be announced later. The game is developed by SEGA-AM3 and published by SEGA.

In the game, buckle up it's sheer asphalt anarchy! Crazy Taxi screeches offers one wild and hilarious joy-riding jaunt. As a fearless cabbie with attitude, you're driven by a single goal: to rack up the mega-bucks in fares and tips before your shift ends. It's a race against the clock as you pick up passengers and white-knuckle it through busy streets and back alleys to their various destinations.

To keep that meter collecting cash, you've gotta take the fastest route possible, even if it means bending the traffic laws -- just a little. Drive the wrong way down a one-way street, catch air as you sail over rooftops, swerve between oncoming traffic, or plough through a pavement cafe. But beware - the city is full of obstacles that are guaranteed to slow you down. And time is money! So get a grip on the wheel, sharpen your senses, and don't lose your cool.

Crazy Taxi game features:

•Four unique and eccentric cab drivers

•Three playing modes

•Interactive levels include variety of traffic and customers

•Background music features hit bands

Crazy Taxi game video

Hot Wheels: Track Attack is a racing video game published by THQ for Nintendo DS and Wii, set for release on November 23, 2010. The game offers an arcade-style racing experience featuring outrageous gravity-defying stunts and customized track-building activities! Construct your own track using Hot Wheels inspired pieces and race across them using dozens of authentic, iconic Hot Wheels vehicles.

Hot Wheels: Track Attack game features

High-speed arcade-style gameplay!

Gravity-defying jumps and loops!

Construct your own track using Hot Wheels inspired pieces!

Wide variety of iconic Hot Wheels vehicles that are customizable with paint and upgrades, 24 vehicles in all!

4 distinct environments, each terrorized by a monstrous villain!

Monster Jam: Path of Destruction is a racing video game published by Activision for Xbox  360, Wii, PS3, DS & PSP, set for release on November 9, 2010.

The game is all about authenticity, personality, and fun, with 30 officially licensed Monster Jam trucks, including fan-favorites Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, and Grinder. Players can also create and customize their own trucks with thousands of options, unlocking new parts and upgrades as they progress through the game.

Eight real life stadiums from the Monster Jam circuit help bring the live atmosphere to the living room, with explosive truck introductions, pyrotechnics and lighting, and a roaring crowd. In single player mode the goal is the same as for real life drivers - rise through the ranks of ruthless competitors to ultimately battle against the best at the Monster Jam World Finals! Head-to-head multiplayer modes take the heart-pounding competition to another level.