Need for Speed™ Carbon Producer Talk

We recently sat down with Need for Speed: Carbon producer Larry LaPierre to talk about the latest racer from EA.

Give us an overview of Need for Speed Carbon. What’s the overall premise of the game?

In NFS – Carbon, our hero from MW returns back home to Palmont city only to find out things have changed. He has been framed for a race that went wrong, rival street racing gangs have taken over, and like any good conflict, it has to be settled on the streets in their cars. A battle for control of the city takes on even greater danger when the races move out to the Canyons.

How does NFS Carbon differentiate itself from NFS Most Wanted and the NFS Underground titles?

NFS Carbon takes the danger and illicitness of street racing and amps it up by introducing canyon racing.

Location has had a huge impact in past NFS games. What can you say about the “world” in NFS Carbon?

NFS carbon takes place in Palmont City. It is heavily influenced by a west coast/Sante Fe vibe mixed with a bit of over the top Vegas glitz, all nestled in the California hills. It’s vibrant, colourful and alive.

Drift racing makes its return in NFS Carbon. How are the racing mechanic and physics different to what was in NFS Underground 2?

We are really excited to be bringing drift back, its so challenging and so much fun to snake your car smoothly through a set of turns. We have a much better scoring mechanic this time.

What can you tell us about the cars and customisation in NFS Carbon?

I love the car set this year - we have such a cool variety with Tuners, Muscle and Exotics. The feel of each is really unique and as far as customisation goes we have a totally new way to trick out your car with Autosculpt.

What will NFS Carbon have by way of race modes?

Circuit, Sprint, Speedtrap, Canyon Duel, Canyon Race, Drift, Canyon Drift, Time Trial and a few others we can tell you about at a later date.

What platforms is NFS Carbon going to be released on?

We will be on 11 platforms this year. PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, Xbox, NGC, PSP, NDS GBA, Mobile & PC.

Lastly, what is the one thing that has you the most excited about NFS Carbon?

One thing ? If it was only one thing it would probably be the canyon duels - they are so intense. You are riping through these canyons as fast as you can trying to keep up to the lead car. The slightest mistake and buh-bye . .over the edge . . .into a heap of metal and carbon fiber.