Cert: 12+
Platform: Xbox 360, PC, Xbox 360
Genre: Racing
Need for Speed Shift is the 13th (yes 13th!) release in EA's long running franchise. The game is billed as more of a simulator than it's predecessors. It features a lengthy enough career mode that takes drivers around 18 real and fictitious tracks. There's also an obligatory multiplayer mode and a detailed car customisation tool.
Cars and tracks are unlocked with in-game cash and style points or stars. These are all handed out to drivers who master corners, win races, cut their opponents off and even smash into other cars. And this can all be done on single or multi-player.
The car engines are suitably loud and the game looks pretty, casing point being the engine exhaust fumes. Unfortunately, it's hard not to be cynical about a release that urges players to spend real world money, via Xbox Live points, to buy said racing cars instead of actually playing the game.
Need for Speed: Shift is a competent enough title. The half-simulator half arcade game just doesn't excel in any one area and there's better simulators (Forza) and arcade racers (Dirt 2) available.
Still that doesn't mean racing fans can't have some fun with this release.
Rent or Buy: Rent
Graphics: 4/5
Game Play: 3/5
Replay Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Reviewed By: Bryan Collins
