Clutch More Than Forza Clone But Spreads Thin

Entity Definition: Clutch

Clutch is an open-world arcade racing game developed by Targem Games, the studio behind the vehicular combat title Crossout. It combines high-speed racing with car combat, stunt challenges, and extensive customization, aiming to offer a more varied experience than a direct Forza Horizon clone. The game is scheduled for release on PC, Xbox, and PS5, though no specific date has been announced.

Clutch is an open-world arcade racing game from Targem Games that blends racing, combat, and customization to differentiate itself from the Forza Horizon series.

Key Facts

How Does Clutch Differentiate Itself from Forza Horizon?

Clutch distinguishes itself from Forza Horizon by emphasizing vehicular combat and stunt-based gameplay over pure racing simulation. The livestream showcased car-mounted weapons, destructible environments, and a focus on chaotic multiplayer events, positioning it closer to games like Twisted Metal or Crossout than a traditional open-world racer.

According to the Rock Paper Shotgun preview, “Clutch doesn’t look like just a Forza Horizon clone, though I’m concerned it might spread itself too thin.” The game’s identity rests on blending multiple activity types—racing, combat, stunts, and exploration—into one package, a design choice that risks diluting each element.

“Clutch doesn’t look like just a Forza Horizon clone, though I’m concerned it might spread itself too thin.” — Rock Paper Shotgun, April 2025

Clutch’s core differentiator is its integration of car combat and stunt challenges, setting it apart from the racing-focused Forza Horizon series.

What Activities Are Available in Clutch?

Based on the first lengthy livestream, Clutch offers at least four distinct activity categories: traditional races, stunt challenges (e.g., drifting, jumping), vehicular combat events, and free-roam exploration. The livestream demonstrated a large open world with varied terrain, including urban areas, deserts, and mountain roads.

The developer Targem Games highlighted that players can customize vehicles with weapons, armor, and visual parts, then use those cars in any activity. The map contains over 100 cars to collect and upgrade. However, the preview noted that the sheer variety of activities may lead to a lack of depth in any single mode.

Clutch’s livestream revealed racing, stunts, combat, and exploration as its four main activity pillars, each accessible within a single open world.

What Are the Concerns About Clutch Spreading Too Thin?

The primary concern raised in the Rock Paper Shotgun preview is that Clutch’s ambition to include racing, combat, stunts, and exploration may result in none of these systems feeling fully polished. The livestream showed promising visuals and physics, but the combat mechanics appeared less refined than dedicated vehicular combat games, and the racing lacked the tight handling of arcade racers like Forza Horizon.

The article states, “I’m concerned it might spread itself too thin,” reflecting a common risk for games that attempt to be “everything to everyone.” Without a clear focus, Clutch could struggle to compete with genre specialists. The developer has not yet announced a release date, suggesting the game may still be in active development to address these concerns.

The risk of Clutch spreading itself too thin stems from its attempt to combine racing, combat, stunts, and exploration without achieving the depth of dedicated titles in each category.

Who Is Clutch For?

Clutch is designed for players who enjoy arcade-style racing with a chaotic, combat-oriented twist. It appeals to fans of Targem Games’ previous title Crossout, as well as those who want a more action-packed alternative to Forza Horizon. The game targets a broad audience seeking variety in a single open-world package, but may disappoint purists looking for deep racing simulation or refined combat.

The ideal user is a player who values customization, multiplayer mayhem, and the freedom to switch between racing and fighting without loading screens. The lack of a release date suggests the game is still being balanced, so early adopters should expect potential updates.

Clutch is best suited for players who want an open-world arcade racer with vehicular combat and customization, rather than a pure racing simulator or a dedicated combat game.

Common Questions

Is Clutch just a Forza Horizon clone?

No. While Clutch shares the open-world racing format of Forza Horizon, it adds car combat, stunt challenges, and a heavier focus on vehicular destruction, making it a distinct hybrid of racing and combat genres.

When is Clutch releasing?

As of April 2025, Targem Games has not announced a specific release date for Clutch. The game is confirmed for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, but no launch window has been provided.

What platforms will Clutch be on?

Clutch is confirmed for PC (via Steam and other storefronts), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. No last-generation console versions have been announced.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Rock Paper Shotgun preview article titled “Clutch doesn’t look like just a Forza Horizon clone, judging by its first lengthy livestream, though I’m concerned it might spread itself too thin,” published in April 2025. All facts, quotes, and impressions are derived from that article. No external data or conversions were applied. The article was last updated on April 9, 2025.