Racing against a Lamborghini Diablo GTR in “Project CARS 2”. Image: Slightly Mad Studios/Bandai Namco Ent. via AFP Relaxnews
Jostling for attention this holiday season will be racing simulations “Project Cars 2”, “Forza Motorsport 7” and “Gran Turismo Sport”, with “Need for Speed: Payback” drawing plenty of comparisons to the “Fast & Furious” format of camaraderie and high-velocity crime.
Project CARS 2
From September 22
For PS4, XBO, WinPC
An intensely dedicated racing simulation spanning five disciplines (open-wheel, GT, prototypes, rally cross, touring cars) with over 180 car marques involved and 60 tracks to conquer, “Project Cars 2” challenges “Gran Turismo Sport” and “Forza Motorsport 7” for this year’s genre crown, and isn’t beholden to PlayStation or Xbox platforms.
Forza Motorsport 7
From October 3
For Xbox One, Windows 10
A flagship title for the upgraded Xbox One X console which launches a month later on November 7, boasting upwards of 700 cars and 30 tracks, plus player-created drivers and the introduction of weather that changes over the course of a race. As with “Forza Horizon 3”, purchasing on Xbox One or Windows 10 grants access to the game on the other platform as well.
Gran Turismo Sport
From October 17
For PlayStation 4 and PSVR
A relatively pared-down, competition-focused entry to the notoriously extravagant racing franchise still boasts over 170 cars and 19 tracks. Four years after the console’s release, this is the flagship franchise’s first PS4 title after 2013’s “Gran Turismo 6” remained a PS3 exclusive.
Need for Speed: Payback
From November 10
For PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC
Where “GT Sport”, “Project Cars 2” and “Forza 7” look to simulate motor racing, “NfS: Payback” is firmly within the arcade tradition, complete with turbo boosts and outrageous police chases, and its story mode leans in on similarities to cinema’s blockbuster “Fast & Furious” franchise. JB
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