Twenty seconds in, I'm hooked. Fresh doesn't even begin to describe it. The debut project from Maverick Games, founded by longtime Forza Horizon designer Mike Brown, is gearing up to challenge the open-world driving game status quo with a unique blend of cinematic narrative, arcadey gameplay twists, and a stunning South of France setting that's an absolute feast for the eyes, with the iconic landscapes of Monaco and the French Riviera providing a breathtaking backdrop that will likely leave Forza Horizon fans wondering if they've finally found a worthy rival.

Quick Facts — Clutch

Developer Universal Studios Hollywood Hub
Platform(s) PC
Release Date Spring 2027
Genre Open-world driving game

You'll meet Theo Martial, a guy with a need for speed. He's got a sister, Cass. They're vigilantes at night. High-stakes deliveries are their thing. The story is key. It's what sets Clutch apart from Forza Horizon, with its focus on a more personal, cinematic twist, for a unique gaming experience.

"If Clutch’s story is just as fun as F1’s, I think I’ll be in for a treat."

Ryan McCaffrey, IGN's executive editor of previews

Clutch’s Dirty Secret Forza Can’t Match

Clutch is similar to Forza Horizon. It has a lot of cars. You'll see Porsche, Aston Martin, and BMW. They've also got Land Rover and Renault. The game is different though. It's got a rewind button. This helps you drive. Forza Motorsport had it first. It makes the game more fun. You can try again if you mess up. Clutch also has six open upable tools. The harpoon is cool. It's like the Batmobile's thing in the 1989 Batman film. You can latch onto stuff. It's fun to play with. You can swing from lampposts or do crazy moves in missions. It's a key feature. We've got a unique driving experience here. The harpoon is worth mentioning. It's a key part of the game. You'll use it a lot.

It's a tool. You'll use it a lot. Here's the thing: the harpoon makes driving more interesting, it's for more than just getting around. In Clutch, a mission to get a rare Aston Martin Valhalla from a penthouse is where the harpoon really shines, making the game feel like a movie with its over-the-top action. The driving is key, with the harpoon adding a cool twist to the gameplay, you'll see what I mean when you play it.

Clutch's Hyper-Real Driving Tested

It's real. Clutch's driving feels like the real feel. You'll need smart tactics. The AI is tough. We've seen this in a three-lap race, where aggressive rival-racer AI demands a lot from you. Forza Horizon fans will notice the handling, it's got the real feel, which is key if the team at Brown wanted to pull it off, they've done it, in a way that's worth mentioning, with the South of France setting offering a visually stunning backdrop for driving adventures, with winding roads and picturesque views, it's a great combo.

It's a key difference. Forza Horizon is all about the social vibe. Clutch Preview does things differently. You'll get a more personal feel with this one. The story is what drives it, no pun intended. They've made a game that's perfect for players who want to focus on the story, not just the multiplayer aspect, with Clutch Preview offering a unique take on the open-world driving genre.

Clutch vs. Forza: The Next-Gen Racer War

Clutch is a high-octane rival. It's the real feel you get from driving. Forza Horizon fans will love it. You'll get a unique story with the game. The harpoon is a key feature. It's a big deal for driving games. With a release date of Spring 2027, Clutch will make a splash. The car roster is worth mentioning, even if it's not as big as Forza Horizon's 500 cars. They've got a good lineup, though, thanks to real-world partnerships. We've seen this before, but Clutch does it better. It's a crossover of action and drama, like in Brad Pitt's F1, and that counts for a fun experience.

It's worth checking out. You'll see Clutch has the real feel. The game is key for open-world driving fans, we've got high hopes. With Forza Horizon as a rival, Clutch must bring its A-game, it's a high-octane experience with a cinematic twist, you'll be eager to see more of its full toolset and storytelling depth as the release date approaches, for fans of strong narratives in their driving games, this one is definitely worth mentioning.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for how the remaining five unlockable tools enhance gameplay, potentially offering more creative solutions to challenges.

<strong>Forza Horizon's First Real Rival</strong>

You'll notice the real feel of Clutch right away. It's fun. The game is worth mentioning for its unique mix of cinematic storytelling and gameplay. We've seen 2027 previews before, for Clutch it's different. With a Spring launch approaching, it's key to see if the full game lives up to the hype, especially for fans of driving games like Forza Horizon, who will likely appreciate the fresh mechanics and narrative-driven experience that Clutch has to offer, giving them a reason to be excited.

The Bad Gamer Take

Maverick Games will shake up the open-world driving game genre because their unique blend of cinematic narrative and arcadey gameplay twists in Clutch will attract fans looking for a fresh alternative to Forza Horizon. Universal Studios will likely invest heavily in marketing Clutch due to its potential to draw in a large player base with its stunning South of France setting and high-octane gameplay. WATCH the PC release of Clutch in Spring 2027 to see if it can live up to its promise of delivering a thrilling gaming experience.

Clutch is coming. It's the real feel that matters. You'll see a unique blend of style and substance in this game. The key to its success is how well it carves out its own identity, with honesty from the developers, in a genre dominated by Forza Horizon. We've got a crossover of innovative tools and deep narrative, which is worth mentioning. Clutch will attract veterans and new players, for it's a high-octane driving experience with a cinematic twist.

Key Takeaways

  • Clutch is an open-world driving game set in the South of France, including Monaco and the French Riviera.
  • It features a strong single-player focus with a narrative inspired by the tone and spirit of Brad Pitt’s F1 movie.
  • The game includes innovative tools, such as a harpoon, to enhance gameplay.
  • Clutch is scheduled for release in Spring 2027 on PC.