Xbox Addict

GRID Autosport races to PS3, Xbox 360 & PC on June 24

After a brief tease, Codemasters has confirmed a new entry into their GRID series. GRID Autosport is coming to PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 on June 24th, promising over 100 routes across 22 locations. Like previous games in the series, you’ll be able to switch between different racing styles, from tours, endurance competitions, to street races.

Codemasters wants this new entry to be more "authentic" than GRID 2, which was received poorly by fans, who complained that the game became too arcadey in its efforts to be more accessible. Autosport attempts to rectify that.

For example, GRID 2 removed cockpit view. Although Codemasters attempted to justify the decision, it wasn’t taken well by hardcore fans. As a result, Autosport will feature both a cockpit and dashboard view--giving racers two in-car views.

Racing with a teammate returns in Autosport as well, letting players command the AI to attack cars ahead of you, or defend their position. Tuning also remains a focus, with racers able to adjust their brakes, gears, suspension, and more before each race.

Autosport will focus on five disciplines, each with its unique style and handling. Within each discipline, there are a number of dedicated series within then, including GT, muscle cars, drift, supercars, time attack, prototypes, and more. Because the career is open, players will only be required to race in whatever style they want. Races will take place in San Francisco, Hockenheim, and more, with Codemasters saying there are more circuits in Autosport than the first two GRID games combined.

GRID 2’s community patch was one sign of the studio’s attempts to win back the community. By going back to their roots, Codemasters hopes that Autosport steers the series in the direction that fans want.