Ever since 2001, Universal's Fast & Furious franchise has given gearheads and fans of high-octane action films plenty of reasons to love going to the movies. In May of 2020, the ninth movie in the core series will pull up to the starting line, engines purring and lots of gas in the tank to go for yet another ride around the box office track. Alongside the release of FAST & FURIOUS 9 will come a video game titled Fast & Furious: Crossroads, a pedal to the metal racing game featuring voice performances by original members of the Fast famaily.
The game hails as a product of BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., Universal Games and Digital Platforms and Slightly Mad Studios, and has been described as "a team-based, vehicular-heist action game set in the adrenaline-fueled Fast & Furious universe." Presented as members of the Fast & Furious: Crossroads cast are Fast alums Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Tyrese Gibson, who will of course reprise their roles of Dom, Letty and Roman, respectively. They'll also be joined by two new characters to the series, who're set to be voiced by Sonequa Martin-Green, and Asia Kate Dillon.
"Fast & Furious remains one of the most beloved franchises of all time and continues to innovate in extraordinary ways," Universal Games and Digital Platforms SVP of Production Jim Molinets said in a statement. "Fast & Furious Crossroads is an authentic experience that stays true to the series by amplifying the signature elements that fans love – a star-studded cast, high-stakes story, over-the-top action, deep family ties and, of course, fast cars."
"As huge fans of the franchise, it’s an honor to be able to expand the Fast & Furious franchise into the world of video games with a brand new story, the introduction of a new crew with ties to beloved characters, and iconic and stunning set pieces," Slightly Mad Studios Chief Creative Officer Andy Tudor added. "With Easter eggs throughout for fans and an intense multiplayer experience, Fast & Furious Crossroads is a thrilling collision course that puts players behind the wheel."
Since the reveal of Fast & Furious: Crossroads at last night's Video Game Awards show, the interactive racing experience has come under a bit of fire, with fans being quick to point out the title's stiff character models and questionable track design. As someone who's worked in the video game industry prior to my time at JoBlo, I'll wait until I get my hands on the finished product before I pass too much judgement. So long as the cars handle well, and the story serves as a nice extension of the Fast universe, I think we'll be okay.
Fast & Furious: Crossroads will race onto Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam in May 2020.