Slightly Mad Studios’ Ian Bell has revealed that Shift’s damage model can simply be used for aesthetic purposes if the player wishes, or to affect vehicle performance.
“There are four levels to the driving model, and all driving models give you the choice of using visual damage only or ‘full’ (performance) damage. Again, the engine supports any level of realistic visual to physical damage but we will be tuning the levels to ensure a fun experience. Bumpers will fly off, hoods will be popped open, doors will be bashed in, and if you’ve got full damage on, your suspension will bend, your steering will pull or get sloppy, and your engine will be destroyed, barely limping around to the end of the race.”
“We made the decision to keep the focus on action without critically severe punishment, since this is a racing game, not a crashing game. There will be consequences to your actions with full damage on, and it will likely destroy your race, but you will always be able to at least limp across the finish line to collect your profile points.” he adds.
EA really seem to be placing focus on accessibility with Shift, allowing casual race fans to simply jump in and race, as well as giving hardcore racing enthusiasts something to get excited about.
Tags: Damage
