2011 Black Rock Studio Limited
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
Pure was a fun, stylish trick-racing game originally released for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. But unlike most off-road racers lost in the mud of their competitors, Pure stood out thanks to its exhilarating stunts and the clever twist of rewarding style as much as speed.
Upon release, the game was met with glowing reviews. Critics praised its responsive controls, thrilling mechanics, and visual flair. But as is often the case, critical acclaim didn’t guarantee commercial success—Pure only managed to sell around 300,000 copies back then.
So years later, while combing through the internet, I stumbled upon a now-archived Twitter account belonging to artist Calum Alexander Watt. To my surprise, it contained never-before-seen concept art of Pure 2, featuring early character designs that hinted a sequel was in development for the PS3 and Xbox 360. That wasn’t all — vehicle designer Young Suk Ko had also uploaded several stunning ATV designs on his now-deleted blog, further confirming that a follow-up was indeed in the works.
So what happened?
Though no official statement was ever made, it’s likely that Pure 2 was quietly shelved for two reasons: the original’s underwhelming sales didn’t meet Disney Interactive’s financial expectations, and Black Rock Studios were already busy with their next high-octane project — the explosive and equally underrated Split/Second.
It’s a shame we never got to see Pure 2 in motion, but thanks to those unearthed images, we know it existed — even if only briefly — and that’s enough to keep the dream alive for fans who remember just how special Pure really was.
Gallery
