Need for Speed: Nitro (2009)

Need for Speed: Nitro is the next Wii installment in the long-running racing video gamefranchise Need for Speed is published by Electronic Arts for the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms. It was announced in January as part of a three-game announcement that includes Need for Speed: Shift and Need for Speed: World Online. ^[2] The game is being developed by EA Montreal whom have previous experience with Nintendo titles, although the DS version is being developed separately by Firebrand Games' Florida studio. ^[3]

In the new franchising model for the series adopted by EA, Nitro takes its place aiming atcasual gamers rather than the hardcore fans of the series and is also Nintendo exclusive. As with previous titles in the Need for Speed series, Nitro features a large catalog of customizable licensed vehicles, as well as cops. It is distinguished by fast, unrealistic arcade racing with vibrant visuals, akin to the also upcoming Blur racing game. EA marketing manager Keith Munro states that Nitro is unlike anything else in the Need for Speed series so far. The game will feature icons in the race that have different effects. Some of these include car repairs or increasing your opponents heat level. EA now tries to target a wider audience going casual instead of their usual hardcore.