Carmageddon Making a Bloody Return to PC

The cult classic Carmageddon franchise is returning to the PC, Xbox Live and PlayStation Network next year.

Developer Stainless Games has regained the Carmageddon IP and is currently working on Carmageddon: Reincarnation for digital distribution on the PC and current consoles. Stainless Games was the team behind the original-yet-controversial DOS-based PC game and its bloody sequel Carmageddon 2: Carpocalypse Now released back in 1997 and 1998 respectively.

"Carmageddon has returned to its Indie developer roots, and the time is right to bring the game to a new audience," said Patrick Buckland, CEO and Stainless co-founder. "Originally an ambitious title that tested the hardware limits of its day, we’re excited that the game will finally get the showcase it deserves on today’s platforms."

Inspired by the cult classic movie Death Race 2000, the original Carmageddon crashed into the PC gaming scene with a unique style of racing – or rather, the bloodshed it caused. Players were required to complete a race/mission in a limited timeframe, but could extend the clock by damaging other cars, collecting bonuses, performing tricks and running over pedestrians.

Given the game's sandbox style of driving, players could seemingly go anywhere to track down and flatten pedestrians into a mush of blood and meat. Many countries banned the game from their shelves, whereas others accepted revisions that replaced humans with zombies (green ooze) or robots (black oil).

The first Carmageddon DOS game was followed by the Splat Pack expansion pack which included new tracks, vehicles, environments, network levels and support for 3DFX cards. 1998's Carmageddon 2 for Windows brought the same amount of controversy over its extreme level of violence as well as the third installment – Carmageddon TDR 2000 – which was released in 2000 and developed by Australia-based Torus Games.

With the Carmageddon franchise back in thier hands, the original creators plan to stay true to its roots.

"Carmageddon: Reincarnation will feature the same black humour and comic violence that made the original game such a success.” said Neil Barnden, Executive Director and Stainless co-founder.  “All the laughs, the crazy power-ups, and extreme destruction will return. We will make sure the existing fans get what they want and expect from a Carmageddon game, and a new generation discovers the delights of sliding into a Cunning Stunt."

The game is currently in its early stages, but the team hopes to have it in digital distribution channels sometime in 2012. To follow the game's progress, head here to read the company blog.

Now we just need Postal 3, another Hexen, another Heretic....