The last few installments in the Need for Speed franchise have focused more on a dark storyline than the fundamentals of racing and the thrill of going fast. I'm happy to report that Need For Speed Shift (tested here on the Xbox 360) serves up an exhilarating car centered, heart pumping experience.
2009 has been a great one for racing enthusiasts. Forza 3 rates as one of the greatest video games of all time, not just in the racing genre but in any genre because of its completeness, depth, and user created content. Just when I thought there wasn't room for another racing title this year, along comes Need For Speed Shift.
There are enough differences between Forza 3 and NSF:Shift to make them both complementary purchases. Both feature over-the-top, incredible graphics. However, while Forza 3 aims for a photorealistic rendition, NSF:Shift gives up some detail to convey a feeling of velocity. One factor that may be determinative for some gamers is that all of the cars, or nearly so, are unlocked in Forza 3. In old-school style NSF:Shift makes users earn them, so it will take you a while to save up for the car of your dreams.
There are lots of ways to move up the ranks in NSF:Shift . Winning races is one, but you also get points for either an aggressive or precise driving skills. Home to the fastest way around the track and will be rewarded. Push other racers off the course while not spinning out yourself, and you'll be rewarded. As your skill set improves, as you win races, new cars, races and tracks open up. Competitions that feature a specific car get you behind the wheel of more powerful vehicles than you might otherwise be able to afford at the beginning of the game. Specific types of races, drifting for example, provide relief from what might otherwise be an unrelentingly unvaried racing career.
One of my few criticisms of the game has to do with the relative long pauses between races. Sometimes it is a matter of waiting for the tractor load, but there are also a lot of fill and cut scenes, so that over the course of an hour's play a significant amount of time is spent waiting.
Players familiar with the franchise's history should note that this version of the game is set on playing by the book. You won't find the police chases of old in this version. However, with so many different types of tracks and modes of play, Need For Speed Shift provides engaging, adrenaline pumping action.
