Not only is this good for our sanity, but it’s also a good thing for all other auto video games that have taken a backseat to the circus that is GT5. One game that’s getting ready to pounce in 2011 is the new Need For Speed SHIFT 2 Unleashed. As the latest incarnation of the only racing franchise that can stand up to Gran Turismo in the mythical title of "most successful racing video game," NFS SHIFT 2 Unleashed will come petrol full of some noteworthy features, including over 40 unique career events, as well as a bonus pack for those who pre-order the game ahead of its debut later this year.

If you end up being one of those people that’s already itching for the game, you can order it ahead of time and receive access to some pretty special rides, including the Nissan Silvia spec.R Aero (S15), the Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV, and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

EA Games has likewise announced that the game is scheduled to premiere in Europe on March 24, 2011, followed by the US premiere on March 29, 2011. In the meantime, you can check out the new trailer for the game. Chances are, you’re going to have that itch to play it after watching it.

Visceral & Realistic Racing

This March, get ready to push your driving skills to their ultimate nerve-wracking limits as SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED puts you behind the wheel of the only truly realistic and immersive racing game on the market.

Intensely authentic physics and true-to-life degradation of cars and tracks, plus an eye-watering sense of speed combine with the all-new helmet camera to let you feel every scrape and impact in your all-out fight to the finish line.

Your Driver’s Battle doesn’t end at the checkered flag though, as SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED features the advanced Autolog system that takes the action to a new level by letting you dynamically share and compare career stats, driver profiles, pictures, videos, and personal bests with your friends in real-time.

Helmet Cam

The all-new helmet cam lets you experience true in-cockpit vibrations and head movements in your fight to the finish line.

The Cars

Unleash your creativity and turn some of the world’s most elite high-performance vehicles into totally customized 200mph battle machines.

Tracks

Tear into some of the world’s most iconic tracks in both grueling day and terrifying night races.

Racing Disciplines

Experience what the Driver’s Battle is actually like as your skills are put to the test in a fight for position and track dominance that rages right up to the finish line.

AUTOLOG

The revolutionary Autolog system lets you keep the Driver’s Battle raging by dynamically tracking your career progress, personal best times and how they stack up against your friends.