THQ has announced a new off-road racing game for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Baja combines tough terrain and off-road vehicles in “the most realistic, edge-of-control racing game ever created.” Baja is scheduled to be released this August.

Edge-of-control racing

Dubbed by THQ to be “the most realistic off-road racing experience to date,” Baja is said to combine “the best elements of the real-world sport with the right balance of arcade fun.” The game challenges players to first build the ultimate off-road machine before conquering vast terrains.

Developed by 2XL Games (the core founding members of the MX vs. ATV franchise), Baja will see players traversing vistas, cliffs, canyons, mud and mountains in over 100 square miles of unforgiving terrain. Players will need to test their mettle in different challenges including hill-climb, head-to-head open class races and circuit races as well as the Baja, the off-road endurance challenge.

Races lasting up to 4 hours

The game features over 40 vehicles in eight classes including Trophy Trucks, 4 x 4’s and Buggies. You will also be able to upgrade your vehicle with over 200 authentic vehicle parts that will affect your vehicle’s performance.

The games open worlds “extend thousands of miles across all landscapes” and races can last up to four hours. Baja’s vehicle physics mean players can expect life-like handling and players can monitor and repair realistic vehicle damage (for example tires blowing out and engines overheating) thanks to the support management system. The game features multiplayer capability with four player split screen, 12 player online and LAN as well as multiple screen panoramic view.

Unparalleled racing experience

“As the long-standing off-road racing leader, THQ is thrilled to bring something completely new to the off-road racing genre,” said Richard Browne, vice president of product development, THQ. “With the level of detail in each vehicle, the vast open vistas and the most realistic off-road physics to date, BAJA will provide an unparalleled racing experience.”