Need for Speed World open beta revs up

With less than three weeks separating today from Need for Speed World's July 20 release date, Electronic Arts is using the time to hammer out the massively multiplayer online racer's final kinks today by opening its beta for all.

The beta kicked off today at 10 a.m. PDT and allows gamers to get behind the virtual wheel and check out what those who got into the closed beta experienced. Those interested in jumping into the game can sign up at World.NeedForSpeed.com and hop into the action when the servers go live.

Need for Speed World is currently in development at EA Black Box in Vancouver, Canada. It is EA's first online-only racing title and is free to play until level 10. For those seeking a deeper experience, EA will also offer the Need for Speed World Starter Pack, which costs $20. Inside the digital wrapping are access to level 50, a Toyota Corolla AE86 vehicle exclusive to the pack, and $20 worth of speedboost (NFS World's in-game currency). Starter Pack purchasers also receive a discount on power-ups, double experience point periods, and rental cars.

NFS World has 150 miles of in-game road to traverse, including NFS: Most Wanted's Rockport locale and NFS: Carbon's Palmont city streets, as well as a full day/night cycle. For more on the game, check out GameSpot's latest preview.