Shift 2 inspired by Bizarre, says Slightly Mad

Speaking to Videogamer, Slightly Mad designer Andy Tudor has said that now-defunct Bizarre Creations inspired the studio with its work on Shift 2: Unleashed.

Tudor said that ideas from games like Project Gotham Racing and Geometry Wars helped with the development of EA's imminent racer.

"You know, absolutely unfortunate. Those guys, we're kind of following in their footsteps with the work they set out on Project Gotham. Absolutely fantastic game," he said.

"I remember playing that 'til midnight and beyond on some nights. And then things like Geometry Wars have inspired modes within our games as well.

"You know, with Autolog, when you look on the HUD, I can see your name on there, which is a constant reminder of your score, your fastest lap - something like that. And that was such a critical thing in Geometry Wars, like playing that game and seeing your name on there - which was frustrating as hell - and just wanting to beat you. Not necessarily wanting to beat my own score, but to beat you. That was really motivating."

Shift 2 releases on April 1 in the UK for PS3, 360 and PC.