Rollcage-inspired GRIP XR gets playable Steam demo

Launched in 2016, GRIP: Combat Racing is a spiritual successor to the PlayStation’s Rollcage series. Its unique gimmick is that the cars are flappable, enabling you to drive on walls and ceilings. This is combined with a blistering sense of speed speed, weapons-based combat and a steep difficulty curve.

A decade later, the combat racer is getting a surprise sequel in the form of GRIP XR. First teased in March, the new entry from developer Caged Element is described as a “stylised spin-off.”

While the futuristic combat racer doesn’t have a release window yet, a playable demo has been released on Steam ahead of an upcoming Kickstarter campaign.

The demo includes four tracks and a skate park-style playground environment. In addition, the demo includes two returning cars from the original GRIP (the Cygon Tempest and Nyvoss Mirage), five pickups and three songs from an original soundtrack by Cave Bat.

Since it’s an early work-in-progress, the developer notes that players may encounter vehicle physics issues in the demo.

One of GRIP XR’s new gameplay features is the Crank mechanic, allowing players to roll their car almost instantly to drive onto vertical walls, perform stunts and dodge projectiles more easily.

In response to feedback from the original game, the sequel is set to feature smoother driving physics, improved level design and more vibrant visuals.

The final game will also include a level editor for creating custom races, stunt playgrounds and challenges, while an in-game workshop will let players download and upload their creations.

Although development is already underway, a Kickstarter campaign will launch in June. If successful, the game’s scope will be expanded with a dynamic campaign featuring rivalries with other characters, a custom tournament creator, new tracks, tracks and customisation, and console versions with crossplay multiplayer support.

“We’ve spent years listening to valuable community feedback and have taken it to heart, with GRIP XR being our direct answer to those passionate fans” said Game Director Chris Mallinson.

“With GRIP XR we want to create a killer game, sure, but a big goal of ours is to create a community ecosystem where players can create their own content and easily share it.

“We can’t wait to race and crank our way through their most unhinged levels, and we look forward to give more details we accelerate through development.”

GRIP isn’t the only combat racing series by Caged Element. The developer also helmed Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks, which hits PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on 21st May following its PC release last year.