Need for Speed: Shift

Need for Speed: Shift - Review

Wow! Need for Speed Shift is a top notch racing game offering one of the truest driving experience offered by any game to date. Be warned, this is unlike any of the previous Need for Speed racing games, and you won't find any high speed cop chases in this game. This is a breathtaking arcade racing game, the attention to detail is second-to-none, the speed effects are absolutely stunning and the sound and feedback effects just make this game one of the best ever.

Need For Speed Shift first tests your driving ability, which at first will probably not be great, as it does take some practice to get accustomed to the handling and speed of the cars. The skills levels and driver aids will then be set according to how well you perform, all of the settings can be altered allowing you to have full control of your vehicles as you gain experience. These settings do help to make the game more accessible, but you will need to disable many of the aids in order to fully enjoy this game.

The main 'Career' game focuses on 4 Tiers, which you need to complete in order to reach the Need for Speed World Tour. In order to make progress through the Tiers you need to earn stars, which are awarded throughout the game, in addition you need to earn as much cash as possible in order to purchase more powerful cars in order to compete in the different tiers. Whilst progressing through the Tiers you will also be invited to compete in international events which give you the opportunity to compete in races above your current tier level (gives you a taste of whats in store) you can also earn extra stars and cash by competing in these races.

Need for Speed Shift offers a variety of types of racing game which include standard races, time attack races (set the fastest lap within a certain amount of time), eliminator races (keep out of last place), drift races, driver duels (take your pick from 2 cars and beat your rival over 3 races), endurance races, manufacturer races (all cars are identical) and hot laps (beat set times to win the stars). The standard races, time attacks and drift races allow up to 8 competitors.

The car selection is excellent, with most cars being available (when you can afford them!), the only exception being the Ferrari's. The handling of the cars is superb, although it is sensitive and does take some time to master. It's also worth investing in upgrading your cars (many upgrade options are available) to improve acceleration, speed, handling and braking. Besides the upgrade options you can also customise the look of your car, although some customisation options have to be unlocked as you progress through the game. Car Tuning is also available allowing you to futher enhance the performance and handling of your vehicle.

The graphics in Need for Speed Shift are stunning, the cars are amazing, the cockpit detail is superb (the cockpit view windscreen will show dirt, scratches, and even cracking after contact) and the tracks and stands are extremely well presented. The speed effects are amazingly well done, with blurring effects that are just perfect. The crash effects are absolutely superb, with blurring and awesome sound effects, the crashes simply have to be experienced to be appreciated (you will probably want to crash at full speed a few times just for fun!).

The sound effects are also superb which adds to the complete realism of the game. The car engine sounds are extremely realistic, the crash sound effects are superb with the driving panting after a big impact, and driving through a tunnel really does sound like you are driving through a tunnel.

Need for Speed Shift also offers great online racing.

This is the best racing game currently available, and is certainly going to give the immenent Forza 3 and the long awaited Gran Turismo 5 some competition.