Only the key creatives behind the successful Forza Horizon series possess the influence to establish a new studio and secure the substantial funding required to develop a cinematic experience intertwined with a racing game. Enter Clutch, a “cinematic open world action-driving game where the worlds of professional and underground street racing collide across the French Riviera.” The game’s setting in Monaco is fitting, as its visuals exude an unmistakable aura of luxury.
With over six million sales within days of its release, Clutch stands out as the only racing franchise currently achieving numbers comparable to renowned third-person action titles from major players like Sony. This raises an intriguing question: why not create a game that mirrors the appeal of those popular titles but centers around cars?
Narrative and Gameplay Fusion
The concept is compelling. Much of the allure of heist films and globetrotting adventures, such as the iconic Bond series, lies in the depiction of charismatic characters driving high-end vehicles through stunning landscapes. While simulation-focused racing games meticulously recreate these cars, and more casual racers evoke nostalgia for classic arcade experiences, few racing games manage to forge a genuine connection between players and the characters behind the wheel, even in rare narrative modes.
Clutch aims to change this dynamic by investing heavily in fully motion-captured actors, a plethora of cutscenes, and an expansive open world. A recent hour-long presentation at the Summer Game Fest showcased the developers’ meticulous attention to detail, from the licensed vehicles to the authentic recreations of European cities. The story follows siblings Theo and Cass Martial, promising newcomers in the R1K racing league, as they navigate the murky waters of street racing.
In a thrilling demonstration, Theo steals a car equipped with “Clutch Tech,” using a harpoon to launch off a penthouse deck, grapple onto a helicopter, and swing the vehicle into the hills outside Monaco. This moment hints that subtlety may not be a primary focus for Clutch.
What captivates me about Clutch’s narrative approach is its potential to weave together various racing styles into a cohesive experience. Players will face police chases, requiring them to break line of sight and hide in parking lots. These scenarios are not mere menu selections; they unfold dynamically as Theo attempts to evade security while stealing a car, utilizing a dedicated button to duck out of sight in his BMW convertible. Getting caught triggers a chase, adding an exhilarating layer of tension.
Engaging in street racing with the Midnight Collective allows players to earn money for new cars. Here, Clutch embraces its Forza Horizon roots, featuring in-game livestreams of street races that enable players to boost their popularity and earnings by performing viewer-requested stunts mid-race, such as drifts or near-misses with oncoming traffic. Winning is essential, but a flashy performance can sometimes outweigh a straightforward victory, introducing an exciting variety to gameplay objectives.
As Theo and Cass transition back to the R1K track, the racing becomes more serious. I had the opportunity to experience a brief hands-on session, where I quickly learned that speed can lead to penalties for veering off the track. Clutch promises to blend the narrative framework with an open world populated by rival racers and mission snippets, allowing players to form memories of specific locations tied to their racing exploits.
While I find myself slightly mourning that Clutch may not align perfectly with my racing preferences, I recognize its ambition. Even with its arcade-like elements, I worry it might feel too grounded, encouraging cautious driving rather than exhilarating speed. However, for those who resonate with the Forza Horizon experience, particularly its vibrant energy, Clutch appears poised to deliver a captivating alternative.
It seems that Maverick Games is banking on the idea that players will engage with the narrative, a departure from the more formulaic storytelling found in Forza. The hope is to create a game that not only looks stunning but also keeps players invested in the characters and their journeys, avoiding the temptation to reach for their phones during dialogue. With a vision that combines the thrill of racing with a compelling narrative, Clutch aims to carve out its own niche in the gaming landscape.
