Juiced Impressions, Screens, Hi-Res Video

Acclaim's Burnout replacement is shaping up nicely, as you can see in this direct feed, hi-res footage. New screens and details too.

It wouldn't be unfair to say that Rod Cousens and the rest of the New York-based Acclaim massive will miss the Burnout franchise somewhat. One of the firm's most celebrated series, the popular extreme racer gained the company considerable respect among gamers, respect it didn't always find itself amidst - but now, IP-hungry EA has gobbled up the rights to the franchise from the developers at Criterion.

Juiced is what you might view as the game that fills the void left by Burnout. Scheduled for release in September, the game is a mod-heavy blend of arcade and simulation, with heavy emphasis on changing the cosmetics as well as all that stuff under the bonnet.

Wherever you might find young people and motors, customization of street cars - or modding - is on the increase. It used to be the realm of enthusiasts, but today it has spilled over into a much broader demographic. In fact, through a widely increasing obsession with speed and the desire to have a car that looks individual, it's become a clearly defined lifestyle category.

The roots of modding can be traced back to the original US muscle car, the Pontiac GTO, but these days all types are ripe for treatment, from the least expensive car to supercars. Most importantly, the demographic for car modders is a reflection of our console audience.

While the street modding scene has been alluded to in driving games such as Auto Modellista and Midnight Club, it has never had the simulation touch of Gran Turismo. Acclaim explains, "With the introduction of a team-based structure, and our background in simulation, we will take the street racing scene to a detailed and personal level, where you feel that you're genuinely connecting with real characters and competing for credibility, not just a position in a league table."

Performance adjustment is becoming commonplace in driving titles, but the real modding scene demands more than just invisible tweaks. Of course, to be the business, you'll need the big-bore HKS pipes, the Turbo-Technics blower. But to be seen you need highly "visible" improvements. Adding a set of 18" chrome-dipped Kahn wheels is not just about improving traction and grip; it's about looking cool... and without the lowered springs, Street weapon body kit, and pearlescent finish your chariot is still too OE (original equipment) and won't attract attention. In Juiced, unless you create a worthy street monster, you won't get to race the serious racers, or haul in the serious cash.

Once you've turned your pride and joy into a low-flying babe-magnet, you need to convince the competition that you're not just a sheep in wolf's clothing. The final, touch - a healthy manifold injection of Nitrous Oxide.

Acclaim is positioning Juiced as a racer that immerses the player in the lifestyle, community and risk-taking of the street modding scene in a unique and compelling way. "It doesn't pay lip-service to the modding scene, it takes you there and involves you in it culture," explains the publisher.

In videogaming terms, the racing simulation scene is jam packed at the moment, but Juiced puts more emphasis on the joy and passion of modding that most other racers around. Progression is not based on a scripted story, but evolves as your skills in modding and driving increase. You'll have to work hard to get to where the real petrol-heads and money lurk. You must progress by gaining respect and notoriety, racing up the results on organised street races and race track events.

The use of real brands and recognizable licenses to add believability to the game world, offering auto manufacturers' blue prints for nearly 50 licensed in-game vehicles. While obviously fairly generic, the handling is best described as assessible, but most of all, Juiced is set offer fun, and perhaps best of all, a pretty fresh take on an overflowing genre. Stay tuned for more.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com