Likely one of the most anticipated games for any console for the car enthusiast, the latest offering from the NFS stable is a “shift” in the right direction for the series.
From the moment the game boots, you’re bombarded with lush scene of extremely intricately detailed cars battling on similarly beautiful tracks. This sets the stage for an epic ride, as it were.
The menu setup is extremely simple when compared to the likes of Forza or even the GT series. You’re inclined to feel that this alone sets this game somewhere between the silly arcade races and the die-hard sims, which is likely a fair description.
You begin with a drive in a 3 series BMW, to essentially allow the game to rate you as a driver. You do a hot lap, driving as best you can so it can determine whether you’re half-decent or just a pretender. This means of grading you basically controls the rest of the game, as you soon find out. I ended up finishing on the “best” grade, meaning things like braking aids were to be turned off for the remainder of the game.
First impressions of the driving aspect are that of confusion. This game drives very differently to anything I’ve played. The cars tend to move across the track and slide about when over-correction is evident. It is difficult to get used to, particularly when coupled with the bodyroll, but makes for an extremely satisfying drive when you get it right. This is signified not only by your victory, but through “mastering” corners (right line and speed) and through a points based system that essentially elevates you up levels for staying on the right line through the race. Great concept, though possibly not new?
The line up of cars is rather impressive also. Although Shift is no Gran Turismo in it’s expanse of automobilia variety, it is still interesting.
The Japanese are represented by the standard Evo’s and Skylines, as well as the amazing GTR. Mazda’s are on offer, and the oldschooler’s will be happy to spot the legendary AE86 and the C10 GTR Skyline, a welcome addition.
Europeans are covered by the dominant force of BMW, among others. I have a feeling BMW had a financial contribution to the development of this game…
The re-hashed versions of the Mustang, GT, Challenger and Camaro make for a unique American feel, with these offerings along with the Viper Srt-10 struggling through the corners (GT being the exception).
Tuning of the cars is basic, which is an expected concession. The typical “staged” modes of additions to your car are present, with turbos, “engine upgrades” with their “big valve heads” and suspension packages being duly available. The end results are rather impressive however. I began with a stock S2000, and even after only stage 2, it became a fair monster,. Powering sideways from a corner never felt so good!
Nor sounded. The engine sound effects are nothing short of superb. This excites me, with other big name car sims around the corner. Every sim I’ve played has lacked in the engine sound department, but Shift steps up and delivers in spades. It really is incredible how much of a difference such a seemingly un-important factor makes.
With the likes of GT5 and Forza 3 due shortly, NFS: Shift has made a decent fist of being a quality racing game, whilst not falling into the too-hardcore category. However, this may be it’s problem for some of it’s target audience. It is too hard to pinpoint in regards to genre, which may drive sim-fans away, and arcade-types fairing similarly through fear of boredom.
I recommend it heartily. Great fun without taking itself too seriously
Will have to pop some pics up shortly. Bathurst+sun+beers=mildly inebriated
