Surely you already know about Smash Cars, our tricked-out RC car racing game, right? Right? With real-time physics simulation and vehicle customization, players twist and turn, grind and gear up, perform aerial tricks and stunts while racking up points, bump into obstacles, blah blah blah. Our new DLC tosses in some great new features to enhance that fast-paced experience.

The new Smash Cars: Virus Run features an all-new online racing mode for up to six players to battle to the finish line. But this time, one randomly selected player quickly becomes the group’s foe! The “infected” car rushes the racetrack with the ability to contaminate other players. When the infected player hits an opponent’s car, the victim joins the effort. And, just to make things even more interesting, we tossed in a new Skate Park at the center of the island, complete with half-pipes and springboards to perfect your trick and stunt skills during the Virus Run mode.

Adding to the tears of joy (or fear) we know you’re all shedding, TikGames-Creat Studios is thrilled to show how we’ve been listening to all of you that have sent countless emails, blog responses, bulletin-board posts and screams from rooftops. We’re including the feature that has been, by far, the most requested for Smash Cars: local two-player split screen! Gamers can now race their mini-cars past angry beach-goers and over boardwalks while playing against friends and family, and show just much better they are than everyone else. The Add-On will be available for download on June 8th in North America for $2.99.

On a serious note, we know that a few of you original Smash Cars owners had some trouble with our online multiplayer mode. We really want to thank all of you for the feedback (some folks were incredibly generous with their time!) and to let you know we indeed have been listening. Available June 8th in North America, a free patch will be available for automatic download for all Smash Cars owners on to improve your online multiplayer experience.

We say this every time, but it will never, ever get old: Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your support and feedback. We can’t do what we love without you. And one more thing… be sure to join our Facebook page and follow @CreatStudios on Twitter for updates live from E3, including our just-announced PSN-exclusive title TerRover!

The response from the Game Developers Conference in March was great. The E3 reactions were even greater. And, finally, coming to PlayStation Network on August 20th, it’s SMASH CARS from TikGames / Creat Studios!

So, just what is Smash Cars? Why, it’s is our tricked-out single or multiplayer online RC toy car racing game. With real-time physics simulation and vehicle customization, players can twist and turn, grind and gear up, perform aerial tricks and stunts while racking up points as they knock friends off the track and race to the finish.

Everyone can download all the high-end action and six-player online multiplayer competition starting Thursday, August 20th for $14.99. TikGames and Creat Studios are very excited about this launch, ‘cause we know you will have a blast playing Smash Cars.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. A great action racing game at a great price might be cool, but… what about trophies? What about downloadable extras? What about a contest to win a convertible sports car? Here’s the deal:

• Trophies, trophies and more trophies. Rack ‘em up and brag to your friends.
• Downloadable content is being discussed. Stay tuned to this here space.
• Oh, please! We’re not giving you a car. We’ve already worked hard on a great game… sheesh!

Thanks so much to our fans for your support. We really appreciate all the kind words and helpful suggestions. Please share your thoughts about Smash Cars. We just know you’re gonna love it.

Sound interesting? Of course it does. So here’s more details: real-time physics, innovative stunts and next-generation graphics combine into a dynamic, tricked-out single and multiplayer RC car racing experience where players twist and turn, grind and gear up, performing aerial tricks and stunts while racking up trophies and points as they race to the finish, all in an unlikely location. Set on a beautiful and tranquil Mediterranean island, the fast-moving, bumper car gameplay style transforms this calm and relaxing setting into a dynamically frenzied raceway. A high-speed mini car racing game with a distinct arcade flavor, gameplay is presented from the unique perspective of a small RC vehicle, setting out to conquer the big world. Players will enjoy realistic driving physics and suspension as the tiny vehicles interact with full-size people and other beach dwellers along their path to victory.

To win the race, RC vehicles must achieve nitro-fueled rocket boosts for accelerated speed bursts by grabbing big air and pulling off gnarly tricks and jumps. Points are earned by performing the best jumps and aerial tricks, hitting dynamic obstacles, colliding with other cars, skidding and “drifting” along sharp turns, and finishing first. Players can choose from the default Monster Truck style chassis, Buggy or Sports Car configurations, and a visit to the Workshop offers players the opportunity to personalize their vehicle by selecting paint color, glass styles, and decals. Additional body styles are unlocked as players advance.

So, Smash Cars is part kart game, part racing game, and all awesome! So awesome, in fact, that Sony has honored us by featuring Smash Cars in their booth next week at the 2009 Game Developers Conference (GDC). See? We’re not the only ones who think the game is super duper special! I’ll let you take a few minutes to absorb this incredibly wonderful news, and if you have any questions or comments, I’ll be here for a bit to respond. Seacrest, out.