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Need for Speed Shift

Franchise entry with over 60 cars and realistic simulation

7.2

494 Votes

  • Category Racing games
  • Program license Trial version
  • Version 18
  • Size 1.22 GB
  • Works under: Windows 8
  • Program available in English
  • Program by ELECTRONIC ARTS

Another racing game from the popular EA Entertainment racing franchise

Announced in 2008 and released the year afterwards, need for Sped: Shift is the thirteenth game in the Need for Speed franchise and an example of the continual evolution of the genre. The game's highlights include 60+ cars, numerous patches and DLC content that expands the car library and adds additional tracks, realistic handling and realistic tuning complete with aerodynamics and weight effecting performance. Need for Speed: Shift was part of a three game release and did very well, selling over 4 million copies across all systems. It's success prompted a sequel in 2011.

Game Play

Need for Speed: Shift is about the cars. There are five tiers of cars ranging from tier 1 consumer sports cars like the Audi TT and ranging up to the tier 5 classed hyper cars of which the Bugatti Veyron belongs. Within each car, there is extensive tuning and customization, from cosmetic to performance. The tuning system has been overhauled from previous Need for Speed's and has more options and depth. A notable different in Shift is the added realism of handling; each car handles differently and as you'd expect while the mods you make to the car make real differences on the track. Braking, areodynamics and engine can all be modified. Nineteen different tracks hosting locations all around the world give lots of variety to the game and the tracks are very diverse. Multi player support is supported over the internet.

Presentation

Need for Speed: Shift is a great looking game. The selection of cars is very deep, even deeper when you delve into DLC, and the models are well made. Customization to rims, paint, body kits as well as putting vinyl stickers on the exterior make it so even if each car in the race is the same model, likely no two will look the same. Race locations are varied enough and have lots of background eye candy that you may be able to appreciate while zooming by. The rerun camera comes back, allowing racers to watch their past race and how they did.

Pros

  • Great selection of cars and and tracks
  • Customization of cars is deep
  • Great looking game, from the models to the driver view out the windshield

Cons

  • Even though the handling is much improved, there is still some glitches to overcome
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