NFS: Shift

Well, there have been alot of Need For Speed games so no one knows which number this is in the series (not even EA themselves!) but what we do know is that there have been lots of NFS games and they have been getting gradually better and this one isn't too hot.

The Plot: Anyone who is familliar or has even watched an NFS game being played will be understanding with the story and the real lack of one. It's your basic, level up and get money and buy a car and modify it. In comparison with other NFS games it's quite a complex story, with different rivals you face and rank up till you get to the top teir and beat the dude at the top and you become the dude at the top and get bored with the game. 4/10.

Graphics: Best thing about this game by several miles, the in-car graphics are excellent, the guy changes the gear in time with the sound of it, he even slots the stick into the right position rather than just take his hand off the wheel and bring it back a second or 2 later (DiRT I'm looking at you) best thing about this game by far and not just by NFS standards. 8/10

The Gameplay: In short the gameplay in this is game feels like 2 different games at the same time, for example, when you go round a corner and floor it half way through you car will get to the end of the corner and accelerate off, now try this looking at the outside of the car and do this, you rear tyres loose traction all together and you spin out and it's a catastrophe and everyone smashes into you and it's all nasty. Now onto my second problem, when someone hits into you or you hit a wall the whole screen goes grey and you can't see where you're going. Brilliant (NOT!) however the acceleration of cars is very realistic and you really feel it. The HUD moves around if you go over a jump or hit a wall or something, i.e. go over a jump the HUD moves up, then down. I know why they did it I just don't like it, it's really distracting from the racing. Sucks. 4.5/10

The Sound: Decent is the only word I could use to describe it, nothing great nothing awful. I can't really think of much to say, nothing mind blowing. However the engine sounds are very clear and conscise, like them alot, but the in-game music is naff. Average. 5/10

Overall: I really don't like this game at all, average at the very best. Not much of a plot to it, but fantastic graphics. Sketchy gameplay and medicore sounds. 4.5/10