Clutch Racing Game Aims to Dethrone Forza Horizon with Customization and Crime Story

The open-world racing genre is about to get a serious shake-up. Maverick Games, a studio founded by Mike Brown, the creative director behind the beloved Forza Horizon 5, has just teased its upcoming title: Clutch. This new game isn't just aiming to compete; it's setting its sights on dethroning Forza Horizon itself, and even drawing inspiration from behemoths like Grand Theft Auto.

A Story-Driven Race on the French Riviera

Clutch promises a narrative-rich experience centered around sibling racers. While it boasts familiar elements like licensed cars and glamorous locales reminiscent of Forza Horizon, it injects a potent dose of crime and intrigue. Players will apparently get into trouble, leading to automotive heists and intense police pursuits, blurring the lines between a pure racing simulator and a crime drama. This narrative ambition hints at a blend of Need for Speed's street racing grit and GTA's sprawling criminal underworld.

Gadgets and Grandeur

To spice up the gameplay, Clutch is introducing James Bond-style gadgets for your vehicles. The reveal trailer showcased a grappling cable that can be used to slingshot around obstacles, adding a unique tactical layer to chases and races. Beyond the high-octane action, the game also delves into a century-old motorsport series called the R1K and a clandestine street-racing collective known as the Midnight Collective, all focused on the "raw thrill of speed."

Interior Customization: A Game Changer?

Where Clutch truly aims to one-up the competition, including established giants like Forza and Gran Turismo, is in its interior customization options. Players will reportedly be able to personalize not only the exterior of their cars but also the interiors. This goes beyond official manufacturer options, allowing for aftermarket seats, steering wheels, and an array of trinkets like coffee cups, parking tickets, and even discarded hoodies to create a truly lived-in feel. This level of detail in car interiors is a feature rarely seen in the genre and could be a significant draw for players seeking deeper immersion.

"Clutch also one-ups Forza, Gran Turismo, and the rest of the racing field by allowing players to customize their cars' interiors as well as exteriors."

Publishing Potholes and Rivalries

Clutch's journey to players hasn't been entirely smooth. Originally slated for publication by Amazon, the tech giant unexpectedly pulled out of the deal in February. Despite this setback, Maverick Games appears to be well-funded and is actively seeking a new publishing partner to bring Clutch to market. The studio also finds itself in a competitive landscape, located near fellow ex-Playground Games developers at Lighthouse Games, who are also reportedly working on their own open-world racing title.

"The first of a new wave of racing games — well, at least two — by ex-Forza Horizon developers seeking to outdo Forza Horizon has been revealed."

Context:

The open-world racing genre has seen significant success with titles like Forza Horizon, which masterfully blend arcade-style racing with exploration and a vibrant world. The European market, in particular, has a strong appetite for high-fidelity driving experiences, often appreciating the detailed car models and realistic environments that games like this offer. The inclusion of a European setting like the French Riviera also taps into a popular aesthetic often explored in racing games.

What this means for you:

If you're a fan of racing games, especially the Forza Horizon series, keep a close eye on Clutch. The promise of deep interior customization could offer a new level of personalization you haven't experienced before. The integration of a crime narrative alongside traditional racing might also appeal to those looking for more story and action in their driving games. With a further reveal expected at Summer Game Fest on June 5, we'll soon get a clearer picture of the characters and the full scope of the game's setting. Be prepared for potentially more polished racing experiences as developers who shaped one of the genre's biggest hits branch out.

What's still unclear:

• The exact release date for Clutch remains unannounced.
• Which platforms Clutch will be available on has not yet been confirmed.
• The full extent of the game's narrative and how deeply the crime elements will be integrated into the core racing gameplay is still unknown.
• The identity of Clutch's new publishing partner is yet to be revealed.

Why this matters:

Clutch signals a new era for ambitious open-world racers. Developed by veterans of a genre-defining series, Clutch aims to push boundaries with narrative depth and unprecedented customization, potentially setting a new benchmark for open-world driving experiences.