Electronic Arts jump started its E3 news conference today by revealing Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, an online, cops versus racers chaser developer Criterion Games promises will bring the franchise back to its roots.

Hot Pursuit Creative Director Craig Sullivan had the honor of being the first developer to take the stage for EA, and his live demo of the game got things started with a fuel-injected bang.


"Our goal has been to create cops vs. racers pursuits that are so fun, fast and exciting it really brings to life the adrenaline and intensity of the high speed cop pursuit experience with your friends," Sullivan said.

Gamers will be able to play through a full career as a cop or a racer and get behind the wheel of any number of exotic cars. After that, it's all about driving fast and the thrill of the chase.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is set to launch on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, and Nintendo Wii on November 16.



Sharkey says: The demo looked gorgeous and proved that Need for Speed's classic formula still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Looking forward to breaking the speed limit and outrunning the fuzz.