Need for Speed is the latest installment in this amazing underground racing game saga. It will come to PC in 2016 but since has been released on Xbox One and PS4, we thought we would let you know what we thought. Of course, if something goes horribly wrong with the port, this review will change.
History repeating
Like previous installments and the Burnout Paradise saga - which shares many creative talents - NFS is an open-world racing game. It tells the story of a petrolhead wannabe, who enters the world of illegal underground racing.
What this means in practice is a game where characters set you a variety of driving missions, in exchange for experience points and money to invest in new vehicles. These missions range from classic races, to time trials, and even specific driving challenges – like doing doughnuts all over the city. Basically, nothing new to anyone who has played a racing game in the last five years.
Besides the core Story Mode, Need for Speed offers multiple other ways to enjoy yourself online with friends. Oh, and on the subject of online, even when playing single player NFS forces you to stay connected to the Internet – which is becoming an annoying standard for EA games.
Pleasurably arcade-esq
NFS is a very enjoyable game, and the fans will appreciate the depth of the tuning and customization. During the game you can buy up to 51 different cars on which you can tweak absolutely everything, from pure aesthetics to traction and gear ratio. In fact, in our experience racing online, it seems everyone is racing something different – which adds some exciting importance to this element.
Need For Speed plays like an arcade game, although it is still challenging enough to ensure you will never get bored for feel patronized by any of its trails. Expect lots of handbrake turns and learning how to master the drift.
As for its looks, EA is still taking full advantage of its Frostbite engine to deliver a beautiful and realistic game that cruises along at a solid, unwavering 30 fps. The game engine is complemented with real FMV sequences for story moments, letting you interact with the characters as they discus music, cars, and whatever else the kids of the NFS world are into these days.
Funny and novel
Need for Speed creates an enjoyable racing game, with thrilling set-pieces around its open world-circuits. Visually stunning, it is a pleasure to watch as the licensed cars tear their way around the world. Just do not expect innovation: NFS follows the path of the past titles.
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