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Need for Speed: SHIFT on September grid

Takes series back to realism roots.

EA plans to release Need for Speed: SHIFT across Europe on 18th September, and in the US on 22nd September.

The date arrives alongside an exclusive trailer that can be downloaded from Xbox Live Marketplace now.

Need For Speed: SHIFT - in development for PS3, Xbox 360, PC and PSP - refocuses the series on realistic racing around real-life race tracks. Developer Slightly Mad Studios of GT Legends and GTR 2 will create all but the PSP version, which will be handled EA's Bright Light team.

Key attractions include a clever physics system that promises to make us feel every bump, plus accurate driver animations and behaviour, which EA hopes will drag us closer to experiencing a real-life cockpit during a race.

The pedigree is there, and the first clutch of screenshots looks very pretty. Check out our Need for Speed: SHIFT hands-on preview for more.