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Need For Speed Shift IGN Review
Would have to try it first,but it doesn't look that bad at all to me.
Graphics :
Not really mind blowing but they do the job.DIRT 2 looks prettier than this for sure.There are no frame rate issues (which plagued the earlier games) whatsoever and no hint of slowdown.There is some very minor pop up in places but its hardly noticeable to be honest.The game runs at an impressive rate once you get your hands on the more powerful cars.
7/10
Sound :
Wow !,I can't remember a driving game which sounded anything like this.Screaming flat out round the old Nurburgring sounds absolutely incredible.
9/10
Gameplay :
Excellent single player career mode offering a balanced mixture of racing and driving challenges.I would describe the handling of the cars as semi - realistic (like Forza,Gran Turismo) with (PGR style) arcade enhancements.You work up the career mode by earning 'stars' either for technical driving or aggression.Apart from the Burnout series (or perhaps a Renault F1 driver !),where else do you get rewarded for purposely crashing a race car ?.Spin out an opponent without crashing yourself earns you points as does very aggressive overtaking or blocking moves.Cars in similar catergories are evenly balanced which is refreshing.For example a BMW M3 will fly down the straights while the Audi RS4 will generally corner,brake and accelerate better.This leads to some truly intense battles as you fly past in the M3 only for the Audi to nail you at the next corner,tuck in behind and try to stay in its slipstream and you will be able to repass as soon as track opens back up.It leads to intense racing,which is just tremendous fun.Also the game creates a real sense of speed while still looking semi-realistic.If you crash heavily the screen goes blurred as your driver regains consciousness.The game has loads of neat little touches such as this and they all add to the fun.
9/10
Overall :
Ridiculous as this may sound,apart from simulation fans the other people who will probably dislike this game are Need For Speed fans.There is no facility to buy a 1.2 Nissan Micra,ram a nitrous injected F-15 fighter engine in it then bolt Boeing 747 wings on its roof.If you wanted the usual Need For Speed : Chavved To The Max rubbish,which the series had evolved into then you will be very disappointed indeed with this,it is nothing like that whatsoever.Its a great racing game which you can just pick up and play,its well produced and is loads of fun.Who would have thought one the best racing games currently available would be a Need For Speed title ?,not me for sure.
Recommended 8.5/10
Need For Speed Shift is out tomorrow (18/9) and there will be a demo available to download from the 1/10 on PSN and 2/10 on Xbox live.
> I am going mental or does this look like it actually might be
> quite good ?!? :S
Omg you may be right!!
Need For Speed Shift IGN Review
Would have to try it first,but it doesn't look that bad at all to me.