'Race Driver: Create & Race' is announced

Codemasters has revealed a forthcoming update in the best-selling Race Driver series will be available exclusively on Nintendo DS.

"We couldn't make Race Driver any bigger, so we made it smaller," a spokesperson for Codemasters told Eurogamer. "But you can't just drop the Race Driver experience as it stands onto Nintendo DS and expect it to fly. The rules are different on that platform."

"The handling has been tweaked for a more Nintendo DS-y experience. Race Driver can be an unforgiving game, but the handling for the DS game is firmly set for fun. Don't worry about bashing the other cars or clipping the grass, you'll get away with it. We've done exactly what we needed to do to make Race Driver fun on the smallest screen."

The new game will feature a track editor, allowing players to 'Create & Race' against the DS or wirelessly against friends. Tracks will be developed using the stylus and everything from hairpin corners to challenging chicanes can be added.

A total of 32 circuits will be featured in the game, as well as 25 vehicles. And a number of new cars and courses are also available but have to be earned when playing the World Tour Mode.

A Codemasters spokesperson added, "As far as what the DS can offer, we've incorporated touch. But not in illogical ways. There's no blowing in the mic to clear rain off the windscreen, or an interactive gearstick on the touch-screen. You use the touch-screen to intuitively draw your own courses. Courses you can race against friends on- and off-line."

Race Driver: Create & Race is scheduled for a summer release.