IGN: How will the unique features of the Nintendo DS hardware enhance the game design?
Ferguson: First of all, we've integrated touch screen functionality throughout the front end. Dedicated NFSU2 players will acknowledge that making the most of the many upgrade options can be quite time-consuming. The DS interface has been designed so you spend less time in the menu screens and more time out on the track!
In-game, the dual screen display means we can remove a lot of clutter from the 3D racing view. That may seem trivial, but it really helps the sense of speed on a device with a smaller screen like the DS. We also have an entirely new game mode called Own The Zone that really takes advantage of the GPS display on the lower screen, so it's not just a token use of the second screen.
Implementing touch screen control of your nitrous was a no-brainer - who hasn't wanted to re-enact the famous scene from The Fast and the Furious where Vin Diesel pulls out his laptop and goes into overdrive. Players now have more precise control over how they use their nitrous canisters - it is even possible to use two at the same time for a ridiculous speed gain on the final stretch!
Finally, players can use the touch screen to create a custom design and apply it to their vehicle. There are no limits to what you can draw on the screen, so we're slightly curious with what users are going to come up with - especially if our QA team gets their hands on it ! Keep it clean, kids.
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