Days of Thunder: Arcade hitting Xbox Live this winter

By Stephany Nunneley

Paramount and Piranha Games announced today the development of Days of Thunder: Arcade, which will be available for download this winter on Xbox Live.

The game “takes its inspiration” from the film of the same name and promises to take players on a “adrenaline-fueled arcade racing experience” behind the virtual wheel of a stock car.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of Days of Thunder, and the film continues to be one of the most popular racing movies of all time,” said John Kavanagh,  SVP of Paramount Digital Entertainment.

“What better way to celebrate the film’s enduring impact on racing in popular culture than by putting its iconic drivers, Cole Trickle, Rowdy Burns and Russ Wheeler behind the wheel again in Days of Thunder: Arcade.”

In the game, players team up with Rowdy Burns as their coach, and the character is voiced by none other than the man who played him in the movie,  Michael Rooker.  As players advance, they’ll compete against the characters from the film, each with AI designed to match their driving style and personality seen in the film.

The game  features road tracks for both single and multiplayer challenges, allowing players to race outside the speedway for an added challenge and variation in turning and car control. Up to twelve players can race online,  and post the fastest times on the leader boards. There are also four different modes – Quick Race, Time Trial, Career, with circuits of varying difficulty, and Derby Mode, where players are encouraged to deal as much damage as they can.

Car customization options and tracks will be unlockable as players progress through the game, depending on how well players place in races, lead in laps, and garner new sponsors. In-game currency can be earned and players will need it for refueling, pit stops, and upgrading cars.

Achievements will be monitored using an in-game tracking system.

No word on whether you’ll end up with Nicole Kidman as a wife in the end, only to dump her for a short-lived affair with a hot Spaniard. One can hope, though.