Need for Speed Carbon Speeds to Stores

The latest installment in EA's racing video game franchise brings canyon racing, police pursuit, and improved physics to console and handheld game systems.

Video game publisher Electronic Arts has announced that the latest installment in its Need for Speed racing franchis, Need for Speed Carbon, will be available in U.S. retail stores this week. And EA isn’t skimping on platform support: Need for Speed Carbon is available today for Xbox 360, Xbox, GameCube, and PlayStation2, and versions will be available for Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii as soon as those consoles ship later this month—and a variant game, Need for Speed Carbon Own the City will be available for the handheld PSP, GameBoy Advance, and Nintendo DS systems.

“The Need for Speed franchise prides itself on innovation and this year is no different,” said Larry LaPierre, the game’s executive producer. “By introducing all-new canyon racing, a re-vamped drift mode and a revolutionary customization tool, we feel we have developed the ultimate next generation racing experience.”

Need for Speed Carbon introduces canyon racing and police pursuit. EA has also paid attention to the game’s physics, enabling players to experience the unique acceleration, handling, and driving capabilities of more than 50 custom cars in three classes (Tuner, Exotic, and Muscle). More than 300 different parts canbe used to modify player’s cars, letting them create their own ideal racer.

North American pricing for Need for Speed Carbon varies from $29.95 to $59.95, depending on platform. The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB.