When it comes to racing games, hardcore fans have but one simple request: to feel what it is like to drive some of the world’s fastest cars – or at least for developers to recreate that experience as closely as possible.
While many studios can simply make educated guesses and add little tweaks to ensure each in-game vehicle handles differently, the team behind the upcoming Superstars V8: Next Challenge has sought the advice of someone who truly knows the thrill of the track.
Championship driver Gianni Morbidelli lends his experience to developer Milestone for this release, the follow-up to last year’s Superstars V8 Racing.
Tradewest is handling the game’s UK release on behalf of Black Bean Games and believes Morbidelli’s involvement will be a better selling point than any amount of vehicle licensing deals.
“Traditionally racing titles that focus on realistic track racing or licensed cars and franchises have a lot more going for them,” admits Tradewest’s senior brand manager Aidan Minter.
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“But the fact that Morbidelli has been involved with Superstars V8’s development this time around means that now more than ever, Black Bean is looking to get closer to their target market, which is a very positive move.”
ITALIAN STALLIONS
Like its predecessor, Next Challenge is based on the Italian Superstars Championship tournament, a racing league that only allows cars with V8 engines to participate.
The game recreates all of the tracks, racers and vehicles involved in the competition, ensuring fans will be more than satisfied by this authentic Superstars experience.
While the tournament may not be as recognisable as the likes of Formula One, Minter is confident that the championship – and, by extension, the game – boasts everything a racing fan could possibly want from their newest rubber-burner.
“It’s the pinnacle of the powerhouse 500 bhp touring cup class,” he says. “Manufacturers such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Maserati can be seen racing on some of the best circuits in the world, from Imola to Hockenheim.”
Players can pick their favourite vehicle and take on six single-player modes, with an additional five difficulty levels resulting in plenty of challenge for veteran gamers.
As they progress through various leagues, they can fine tune the various engine parts and other components of their chosen car to improve its performance, or simply take to the track and avoid the usual pit stops.
Each vehicle has been lovingly recreated in-game and boasts an accurate damage system that realistically recreates the effects of any knock, scrapes or full-on collisions.
Real-time weather effects that change the condition of the tarmac mean that only the most skilled gamers will avoid causing a pile-up.
All of these mechanics have been overseen by Gianni Morbidelli, who drew on his years of racing experience to help Milestone and Black Bean ensure the game is as realistic as possible. Not only will his seal of approval prove to be a strong selling point, Tradewest is also hoping the veteran driver will be able to boost its marketing efforts.
“Black Bean has been working closely with Morbidelli, which gives us a great platform to extend our PR reach with one-on-one interviews and an inside look at the popular V8 Superstars championship,” Minter says.
“The fact that he has brought his own expertise to advise developer Milestone means that this year’s version should be even more competitive than last year.
“We’ve also got an extensive preview and review campaign across primary motoring press, motorsport press and men’s lifestyle.
“There will be online HD channel takeovers and activity including podcast sponsorship with sites like Videogamer, and we’re even lining up competitions with press to give away PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles, V8 merchandise and copies of the game.”
