Burning virtual rubber has rarely been as fun as it is in
Need for Speed: Shift, the latest instalment of the racing game franchise published by Electronic Arts since 1994. British developer Slightly Mad Studios created the new title for the Xbox 360, Windows PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch, and most mobile phones.
Strap yourself into the cockpit of a high-performance car and race around tracks such as the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, venue of the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix, and the tight F1 City Racing Circuit in London. Gamers have an excellent selection of cars, including the boxy Toyota Corolla GTS AE86, the insanely fast McLaren F1 and the sleek Dodge Viper SRT 10.
Need for Speed: Shift is this year's most intense, authentic racing game, with its signature, first-person view delivering a lifelike experience. It accurately reproduces the intense physical and emotional experience of being behind the wheel of a highly tuned racing car, combining a physics-based driving model and the all-new, brutally disorienting crash dynamic.
Players see their hands rattle on the wheel and feel every impact, change of track surface and last bit of grip in a race.
Since drivers have different racing styles, the game introduces a profile function that provides to each player a unique game experience based on the way they drive.
Gamers can also view other players' profiles when using the online multiplayer racing mode. Components include personality (aggressive or passive) and profile points (every car passed, corner mastered and opponent beaten). So win or lose, a player gets to score points, which can be used later to buy replacement parts or a new car.
The graphics are generally outstanding. There are a few jittery frames every now and then, but you hardly notice them when you're focused on passing other racers.
The sound effects are excellent. When the engines start revving up and tires screech, you could be in the middle of a real high-speed race.
Need for Speed: Shift delivers nothing innovative but it provides a solid, well-crafted race simulation that racing game enthusiasts, new or old, will enjoy.
Pros: Highly immersive racing experience.
Cons: Nothing innovative.
GAME ON
