The 'confirmation' on
twitter (though I agree it isn't very reliable) that no further patch is planned along with
this post that SMS "won't be making Shift 3 or working with EA in the foreseeable future" (can't say I blame them) doesn't spell a good future for Shift 2 or for the Shift franchise in general.
It's sad when such a great game and concept (a realistic racing sim/game that is approachable, fun and allows casual play), developed by an enthusiastic developer with incredible attention to detail, is being let down by the publisher and doesn't receive the post-release support it deserves! 👎
Do I regret buying Shift 2?
No, when the game works good it is brilliant and despite the freezing issue (that occurs to me only in Nordschleife and only with GT1 cars, which is a huge letdown!) it is still my favorite racing game! 👍
Does Shift 2 live to it's true potential?
Unfortunately not! But it was so close! One of the tracks of the game (which is also one of the greatest tracks) is unavailable for the fastest cars! Thankfully the rest of the tracks (along with the cars) are great and the fact that they are not available in other games makes (in my opinion) Shift 2 an essential game for any racing sim/game fan!
Will there be a Shift 3?
Maybe, but it won't be made by SMS! And after looking at the direction that EA is following with "NFS - The Run" (return of the cheesy-story-line, removal of cockpit view, removal of realistic handling, QTEs!!?? - seriously!) I am not confident for the future of the NFS franchise. It seems that after the resurrection of NFS with the Shift and Shift 2, NFS is going to die for a second time!
Hope we will be proved wrong and EA will let SMS resolve the freezing issue on PS3!
I will also be looking forward for more information on WMD to be released! A racing sim/game build on the same (but further developed) engine of Shift 2 without compromises and good post-release support has huge potential!
