The racing genre of video games is in a bit of a slump. Part of that may be due to the abundance of similar racers that hit store shelves last year and part of it may be due to changing interests in the current generations of gamers. Some gamers want more story, some want more action, and that's exactly what Electronic Arts is having developer Black Box deliver on the next installment of the Need for Speed franchise.

Need for Speed: The Run is the first NFS title that literally puts the players in the shoes of the driver, both inside the car and out. First debuting at EA's E3 2011 press conference while Game Rant was in attendance, The Run follows the protagonist (only known as "Jack" at this time) as he's forced to race from San Francisco to New York, hitting real-world locales along the way as he runs from cops and other antagonists.

While quick-time, cinematic events are a new addition to the gameplay in this 18th installment of the Need for Speed franchise, the focus remains on the car-driving as emphasized in the 'Run for the Hills' gameplay trailer released by EA last week. Today we have a brand new trailer which emphases that in the player's high-octane trek to New York, they'll need ever "advantage" they can get, those advantages being the extra cars that purchasers of Need for Speed: The Run can only acquire through the game's Limited Edition.

NFS: The Run Limited Edition comes with three exclusive cars and five additional racing events which allow players to earn additional rewards and achievements. The real draw is the cars, so here they are:

  • Lamborghini Aventador - Open up this 700hp untamed beast on the highway and you'll see the fear in your rival's eyes.
  • Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 - When your life is on the line the Camaro will be bullied by no one.
  • Porsche 911 Carrera S - Finally, who wouldn't want to drive the most highly anticipated car of 2011? With its raw power and pin point handling, the Carrera S is exclusive to Need for Speed The Run.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk6Xwh27RTA

Like all major releases nowadays, Need for Speed: The Run also comes with retailer exclusives depending on where players choose to pre-order the game, with unique offerings coming from Gamestop and Amazon (you can also pre-order directly through EA's controversial Origin service):

NEED FOR SPEED THE RUN MOST WANTED CHALLENGE SERIES

If you preorder from Gamestop, you'll get access to two bonus cars and three events inspired by Need for Speed Most Wanted. Upon getting behind the wheel of the BMW M3 GTS, and Razor's famed Mustang Boss 302, you'll scream down open highways with cops hot on your tail and battle your way through a variety of racing challenges. Experience the thrill of Need for Speed Most Wanted all over again!

NEED FOR SPEED THE RUN UNDERGROUND CHALLENGE SERIES

If you pre-order from Amazon you'll get access to two bonus cars and three events inspired by Need for Speed Underground. Behind the wheel of the Nissan 370Z, and the famed Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, you'll race through nighttime city streets against the hottest tuner cars while you battle for your street cred. Experience the thrill of Need for Speed Underground all over again.

If you dug Hot Pursuit or Shift 2: Unleashed, The Run is a game you'll want to check out - but will you pre-order the Limited Edition?

Need For Speed: The Run will be coming to the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii and 3DS on November 15, 2011.

-

Follow me on Twitter @rob_keyes.