Next spring, Forza Horizon will face some rivalry in the realm of open-world driving games. Today, Maverick Games, a new studio led by FH5 Creative Director Mike Brown, has officially revealed Clutch, a story-rich sandbox racing game set on the French Riviera, at the crossroads of a prestigious motorsport championship and a gritty underground of street racing and organized crime. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC.
The combination of sanctioned circuit racing during the day and an underground aspect when night arrives isn’t a completely novel concept; Need for Speed Heat ventured into similar territory back in 2019. However, with NFS seemingly sidelined and Forza Horizon opting for a cleaner racing environment, Clutch appears to be forging a path that others are not currently exploring. The trailer showcases police chases and gadgets, such as nitrous and grappling hooks, to escape pursuers. In contrast, racing cars with liveries on closed tracks could easily be straight from Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo.
According to a press release, the plot revolves around “sibling racing prodigies” competing in a championship called the R1K, which has a century of history. Our lead character becomes involved with the wrong crowd, and we can only speculate about the chaos that ensues.
Maverick describes the game format as “PvPvE,” indicating that players will race against one another but will also need to cooperate at times to outrun a shared adversary. The studio mentions “carefully crafted and spontaneous missions and races that challenge the norm of contemporary driving games,” and it’s fair to say that modern driving games could use a refresh these days.
The trailer gives us a solid glimpse of a diverse vehicle lineup, which includes, in no particular sequence: the FD Mazda RX-7, Aston Martin Valhalla, E31 BMW 850 CSi, E46 BMW M3 GTR, 930 Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche 911 GT3 S/C, Alfa Romeo 4C, GD Impreza WRX STI, first-gen Renault Mégane RS, current Land Rover Defender, and, naturally, the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R. What street racing game would be complete without it?
Maverick is highlighting an in-house physics engine with an extensive customization suite. Given that the footage demonstrates the capability to modify everything from what you’d expect, like wings, bumpers, and rims, to intricate details such as exhaust tips, steering wheels, upholstery color, and racing seats, this seems credible. You can even apply underglow to your vehicles.
The vehicles indeed look exceptional. Interior visuals of the 850 CSi, in particular, display lifelike materials and detailed textures, equipped with buttons and switches that have accurate labels and fonts. These minor details could make these the most visually appealing digital cars since GT7. In a decidedly un-GT style, though, players will have the option to clutter their cars’ interiors, too, putting trinkets on the dashboard, cups in cup holders, and crumpled hoodies on the passenger seat.
We have numerous questions about Clutch, but also a long wait for answers, as Maverick aims for a spring 2027 launch. More details about the game’s plot, characters, and world are expected to be revealed on June 5, during Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest.
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**Former Forza Horizon Developers Launch ‘Clutch’: A Racing Game Featuring Criminal Elements**
In an exciting update for racing game fans, a group of former developers from the celebrated Forza Horizon series has unveiled their newest project, ‘Clutch.’ This fresh title promises to combine adrenaline-pumping racing with aspects of criminal activities, crafting a one-of-a-kind gaming adventure that seeks to redefine the genre.
**Summary of ‘Clutch’**
‘Clutch’ is set in a vast open-world landscape inspired by various real-life locations. Gamers will explore urban environments, rural roads, and picturesque landscapes while partaking in exhilarating races and illegal activities. The game aims to provide a vibrant world where players can opt to join official racing competitions or dive into the underground scene, where the stakes are elevated and the risks heightened.
**Gameplay Features**
The gameplay in ‘Clutch’ is anticipated to feature a blend of classic racing mechanics and groundbreaking criminal components. Players will have the chance to extensively customize their vehicles, not only for performance but also to reflect their chosen lifestyle—whether they prefer a sleek racer or a rugged getaway vehicle.
Beyond racing, players can engage in a variety of criminal undertakings, including heists, street racing wagers, and evading law enforcement. These pursuits will be integrated into the racing experience, generating a sense of urgency and thrill. The developers have assured a comprehensive AI system that will challenge players during races and criminal acts, ensuring that each interaction remains unpredictable.
**Story and Progression**
‘Clutch’ will include a narrative-focused campaign that immerses players in the realm of underground racing and crime. Players will enhance their reputation through notable races and criminal adventures, unlocking new vehicles, upgrades, and storylines as they move forward. The decisions players make will impact their status in the racing community and the criminal underground, leading to multiple possible conclusions.
**Graphics and Sound Design**
With a team that has worked on the visually stunning Forza Horizon series, ‘Clutch’ is expected to present remarkable graphics and lifelike environments. The game will leverage advanced rendering technologies to generate realistic vehicles and dynamic weather systems, increasing the overall immersion.
Sound design will be vital in ‘Clutch,’ with a carefully curated soundtrack that complements the fast-paced racing and criminal activities. Engine sounds, tire screeches, and ambient noises will be meticulously crafted to deliver a genuine racing atmosphere.
**Community and Multiplayer Aspects**
Acknowledging the significance of community in racing games, ‘Clutch’ will feature solid multiplayer capabilities. Players can race against friends or join online rooms to compete, collaborate on heists, or engage in other illicit activities. The developers plan to provide regular updates and events to keep the community involved and deliver new content.
**Final Thoughts**
‘Clutch’ signifies an ambitious new direction for racing games, merging the excitement of high-speed driving with the intrigue of criminal activities. With a skilled team of developers behind it, the game is primed to attract the attention of both racing aficionados and those seeking a more narrative-driven experience. As the release date approaches, expectations continue to rise for what might be a revolutionary addition to the genre.