Clutch, a new narrative action/racing game developed by Maverick Games, is being created by several key members of the team behind the Forza Horizon franchise. The game promises to evolve the formula established by Forza Horizon by integrating a story-driven experience with robust racing mechanics. The development studio was founded by former Forza team members, including the director of Forza Horizon 5. The game is slated for a 2027 release.
Players will step into the role of Theo Martial, an elite driver adopted into a racing family alongside his playable sister, Cass. The game's narrative unfolds through a series of cinematic scenes, with the story penned by Jamie Brittain, co-creator of Skins. Clutch's narrative is described as being rooted in the realistic racing circuit but infused with action-movie elements, drawing comparisons to the Fast and the Furious film series. Prologue sequences showcase Theo and Cass as children, their progression into vigilante driving and participation in unsanctioned "Midnight Collective" races, and their eventual entry into the premier R1K racing circuit. A significant crash during the R1K prologue event serves to sow seeds of doubt regarding racing safety and sparks a pledge for new measures from the R1K commissioner.
The game utilizes Unreal Engine 5, with advancements evident in detailed facial capture technology and expressive character animations. The primary setting is Monaco, depicted with considerable visual fidelity. Gameplay will feature familiar attractions for Forza Horizon fans, such as speed traps. Players will also have the ability to explore environments like Theo's villa and car meetups in a third-person perspective, fostering a deeper connection with the game world and vehicles beyond traditional racing perspectives. Cars can be purchased directly at these meetups.
Clutch features two distinct racing modes: R1K races, which focus on achieving first place, and Midnight Collective races. The latter are live-streamed events where success is measured not only by placement but also by style and viewer engagement. Players earn viewers through style points and on-track performance, with risk-reward mechanics involving shortcuts that may sacrifice checkpoints for potential ranking gains. A notable gameplay element demonstrated involves Theo using a harpoon gadget equipped to an Aston Martin Valhalla to escape an apartment complex, showcasing the game's blend of action-movie physics and vehicular gadgets.
In hands-on play, the driving mechanics are described as feeling similar to Forza Horizon, though perhaps slightly stiffer. The game retains familiar amenities like a driving line and a manual rewind functionality, allowing players precise control over when to revert gameplay. Despite a limited time with the game, the preview suggests Clutch is a highly anticipated title for those who enjoyed the Forza Horizon series and are looking for a more narrative-focused racing experience.