Need for Speed: Shift | Xbox 360

About the Game

players' goal in Need for Speed: SHIFT is to take part in the Need for Speed World Tour and become the ultimate champion. As opposed to its predecessors, this doesn't mean racing around an open-world city with pimped cars. Instead the game is more similar to GRID with races taking place on closed city circuits or even famous race tracks like the Circuit de Spa-Franchorchamps. At the beginning of the game, players drive a test round as well as a race.

Gameplay & Core Systems

During this tutorial the game evaluates players' skill and changes the realism settings accordingly ranging from the usual arcade-style controls with many driving aids to an almost realistic simulation-like driving model. Then the main game begins where players have to successfully earn stars in order to unlock the next tier and ultimately gain access to the World Tour. These range from simply gaining a specific amount of points in the race to more challenging objectives like driving a clean lap. Points on the other hand are earned by players through his driving style and are separated into two groups: Precision and Aggression. While the first group honors clean sectors or driving on the race line, aggression-points are earned by hitting other cars or sliding through curves.

Standout Features

• Once players have earned enough points (both categories are summed-up at the end of an event, he gains a level and by doing so unlocks new upgrades for his car, gets a big money bonus or receives an invite to a special race event.
• The car park includes many licensed cars from normal middle to high class vehicles to high-powered racing cars which can all be bought through the money earned by winning races or leveling up.
• In addition the look of the car can be changed by unlocking new vinyls.
• To keep players even more motivated, tons of badges are waiting to be earned which are in part also the same as the available achievements/trophies.
• The available events include normal races in various variations, a time attack mode, a car attack in which players need to be either five seconds in front of his opponent or get 1st place in order to win and drift events.
• Also available are extensive upgrade and tuning options allowing players to change every detail on his car down to the tire pressure.

Modes & Ways to Play

Player support includes Co-Op, Free-for-all / One-on-one (VS), and 2 Players.

Presentation & Atmosphere

Display support includes HDTV 720p, HDTV 1080i, and HDTV 1080p. Audio support includes Dolby Digital.