Gamer Shelf

Need For Speed: Shift is due on shelves in a few months and, while DICE is confident that it will be the racing game of 2009, it will face stiff competition this year from Forza 3 and Split Second. We set up an interview with Shift's producer, Jesse Abney, to talk about the game's unique AI, internal and external car customization, and what makes Shift stand out from other racing titles. 1UP: If someone's getting into Need for Speed for the first time, what can they expect?

Jesse Abney: We want new fans to experience authentic racing, so we built an authentic racing game. But it's not a simulation game. It's not a grind; it's not overly punishing to the point that you lose sight of what's fun.