Ex-Forza Horizon Release Clutch: World Racing Mix of Need for Speed & Forza

Speed junkies and adrenaline seekers have reason to celebrate: Maverick Games, a studio assembled by former developers of the hit Forza Horizon series, has unveiled its inaugural blockbuster, Clutch. The title promises high‑stakes, pulse‑pounding action that lets players take the wheel of dream luxury cars, blending a gripping narrative with an open‑world playground reminiscent of the iconic crossover between Need for Speed and Forza.

Designed for both solo and cooperative play, Clutch offers a roster of 150 fully customizable cars, police chases, and special vehicle mods. Its online PvPvE mode supports up to 16 players, even allowing participants to disembark and explore exhibition halls alongside industry luminaries such as Jane Parry—all set within a meticulously scaled recreation of Monaco.

Guided by former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown, the project showcases a meticulous attention to detail and a fiercely competitive spirit evident in its early previews. The developers promise an immersive driving experience featuring handcrafted missions and dynamic events that keep players engaged. To achieve this, the action unfolds across three major French Riviera cities—Monaco, Cannes, and Saint‑Tropez—highlighting Monaco’s world‑renowned automotive prestige.

Following the unveiling of the title at Summer Game Fest, Brown seized the moment to heighten anticipation by speaking with IGN. He revealed that the developers have crafted a Monaco that is, in fact, larger than the real-life principality, allowing level designers to insert additional space while preserving every major road and landmark. Brown emphasized that the true scale of the map surpasses that of the actual city.

Early testers report that the creators have pushed the envelope further by integrating equipable gadgets and artifacts into the cars, injecting a pure action‑driven flair reminiscent of a 007 adventure. These tools promise to be invaluable during high‑speed chases and crime‑fueled pursuits that will animate the map’s streets. Social and community elements are also front and center, with car meet‑ups and showroom lounges where players can stroll freely alongside others in online sessions that support up to 16 participants, all rendered in next‑generation graphics that shimmer like freshly waxed chrome.

As is common with industry announcements brimming with promise, some players and journalists have already had a taste of the game and have promptly shared their first impressions online, creating a buzz of excitement tempered by cautious scrutiny of the novel mechanics. For instance, on X, user @farzam_plays expressed enthusiasm, writing, “It feels like Need for Speed and Forza collided into one game,” and added that the demo he watched at SGF was among the top three most impressive out of roughly twenty titles he saw that weekend, accompanied by a short clip.

While the initial announcement sparked excitement, the community’s reactions revealed a wide spectrum of expectations and concerns about gameplay details. One fan remarked, “It looks amazing—feels like a blend of GRID and other titles. I’m hopeful, but why is that hook mechanic there… is it also a Just Cause?” This comment highlights the curiosity and mild confusion surrounding the new feature.

Another enthusiast took a more critical stance on the driving physics, describing the game as “the most realistic yet, incredibly deep, yet the car controls feel like a three‑year‑old pushing a toy across the map.” He admitted he was excited at first but now doubts the effort required to master it. Meanwhile, some players maintained a neutral view, noting the trailer’s visual appeal and emphasizing that the true test lies in whether the driving experience remains enjoyable beyond a single lap.

One player made a stark declaration about the hook mechanic, stating, “I was thrilled until I saw the hook’s grab system. Now I have zero interest.” This blunt reaction underscores the potential impact of the new feature on the game’s reception.

These comments ultimately illustrate the ongoing struggle for the studio to fuse fresh ideas with the core elements that racing purists demand from a title that aspires to set a new benchmark.