'Flatout 4: Total Insanity' release date, trailer, gameplay, key features

Flatout 4, Flatout 4 release date — Flatout 4 release trailer screen grab Flatout 4 / Official Youtube screen grab

"Flatout 4: Total Insanity," the latest instalment in the popular demolition derby racing series, has been confirmed for a March 2017 release, per several reports. Developed by Kylotonn Games, "Flatout 4" will be available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One; there is still no confirmation on PC or Nintendo Switch versions.

The game series, which began in 2004, is notoriously popular for drivers flying through the windshield besides smashing into other cars and causing mayhem in both online and offline races. Gamers can also acquire a nitro boost to violently crash into opponents at breakneck speed while competing with opponents in a wide variety of game modes and customisable tracks and arenas. The idea is to not follow conventional racing rules.

Flatout 4: Total Insanity to feature destructible environments

Flatout 4 will feature 27 cars with an array of past favourites and new additions such as a unique rocket-boosted ice cream van, mega trucks, Nascar-type racing cars and muscle cars. Some of the game modes include derby racing, assault levels, carnage levels and time trails -- in which the racing environments are fully destructible.

Those who intend to partake in a more serious brand of racing can stick to the demolition derby mode, which will feature a bunch of new arenas. According to the official website, "the Death Match," "the Survivor" and "Capture the Flag" are the three available arenas. Of course, there will be a custom suite.

Moreover, the new-and-improved Assault mode will allow gamers to "use deadly weapons to slow or destroy your opponents," according to Kylotonn Racing Games, who also developed popular racing titles such as "WRC 5" and "WRC 6."

Upon viewing the initial trailer, Team VVV reckoned the game could struggle to compete with other racing titles. "Suffice to say, FlatOut 4 looks visually underwhelming, and the cars seem very weightless judging by the ease in which you can push other racers around. The racing does at least look suitably chaotic, but we don't get to see much of the damage modelling. Still, I have an itch when it comes to destructive combat racers that FlatOut 4 will hopefully still be able to scratch."

Some of the key features include customisable cars (unlock up to 27 cars), dynamic tracks including time trails, assault levels and more, destructible environments, "the stunt mode," multiplayer mayhem and others. There will also be an Indie Soundtrack will feature a global range of indie music tracks. Flatout 4 release date: March 2017. Stay tuned for the latest on a possible PC or Nintendo Switch release.