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RETAILBIZ: SUPERSTARS V8: NEXT CHALLENGE 30 MCV 19/02/10
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Tradewest Games and Black Bean add some star power to help promote a new entry in the Superstars V8 racing series... by James Batchelor 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. “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.
RELEASED: FEBRUARY 26 FORMATS: XBOX 360, PS3, PC PUBLISHER: BLACK BEAN DEVELOPER: MILESTONE PRICE: £39.99 / £29.99 (PC) DISTRIBUTOR: TRADEWEST CONTACT: 020 7456 0450
“It’s the pinnacle of the powerhouse realistically recreates the effects of any “Black Bean has been working closely 500 bhp touring cup class,” he says. knock, scrapes or full-on collisions. with Morbidelli, which gives us a great “Manufacturers such as BMW, Audi, Real-time weather effects that change platform to extend our PR reach with Mercedes and Maserati can be seen racing the condition of the tarmac mean that one-on-one interviews and an inside on some of the best circuits in look at the popular V8 the world, from Imola to Superstars championship,” Black Bean has bean working Hockenheim.” Minter says. closely with Morbidelli, which Players can pick their “The fact that he has gives us a great platform to favourite vehicle and take on brought his own expertise to extend our PR reach. six single-player modes, with advise developer Milestone Aidan Minter, Tradewest Games an additional five means that this year’s difficulty levels resulting version should be even more in plenty of challenge for only the most skilled gamers will avoid competitive than last year. veteran gamers. causing a pile-up. “We’ve also got an extensive preview As they progress through All of these mechanics have been and review campaign across primary various leagues, they can fine overseen by Gianni Morbidelli, who motoring press, motorsport press and tune the various engine parts drew on his years of racing experience men’s lifestyle. and other components of their to help Milestone and Black Bean “There will be online HD channel chosen car to improve its ensure the game is as realistic as takeovers and activity including podcast performance, or simply take to the possible. Not only will his seal of sponsorship with sites like Videogamer, track and avoid the usual pit stops. approval prove to be a strong selling and we’re even lining up competitions Each vehicle has been lovingly point, Tradewest is also hoping the with press to give away PS3 and Xbox recreated in-game and boasts an veteran driver will be able to boost its 360 consoles, V8 merchandise and accurate damage system that marketing efforts. copies of the game.”
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