GRIP XR announced as “stylised spin-off” to GRIP: Combat Racing

Back in 2016, GRIP Combat Racing, a spiritual successor to the original PlayStation’s Rollcage series, launched in Early Access before the final release in 2018. Featuring cars (and WipeOut-style anti-gravity ships in a later update) that could flip and drive up walls and ceilings, it was fast, frenetic and unforgiving.

Ten years after the initial Early Access release, indie studio Caged Element has announced a surprise follow-up.

According to the Steam announcement, the next entry in the futuristic racing franchise is called GRIP XR. This could be a reference to WipeOut XL, the renamed US version of WipeOut 2097.

Described as a “stylised spin-off”, it will introduce a new ‘Crank’ driving mechanic, as well as a livery editor with an in-game Workshop for player-created tracks, a new Playground mode and “stylish visuals” with a “sci-fi aesthetic.”

“GRIP was definitely not the perfect game, but it was a lot of fun when you got into the flow state of intense speeds through physics-bending racetracks,” Game Director Chris Mallinson wrote, announcing the spin-off on the original game’s Steam page.  

“Our aim with GRIP XR is to enable players to experience that flow state gameplay as much as possible, through improved level design, physics, combat interactions, and visual style.”

More details will be revealed in the next few weeks ahead of a Kickstarter campaign to secure funding, with a playable demo also planned.