Review: Need For Speed: SHIFT (360)

As soon as you begin you’re flung behind the wheel into the helmet cam, the default (and best) camera option available thanks to the insane sense of speed it can create. At the start you’re put straight into a race to gauge how good of a driver you are. Upon completion a number of options will pop up suggesting what types of assists and the AI difficulty best suits your skill level. From here it’s straight into the career where a mad voiceover tells you what needs to be done in a tone of voice making it seem like the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Once in the career you’ll start to wonder really why EA decided to advertise this as a pure simulation because while it may have started off as one, it’s almost as if they got scared and decided to add elements to keep fans of the previous Need for Speed games happy. So while at the end of each race you’re given points based on your precision driving (clean overtakes, following the racing line etc) you’re also given points based on aggression. The points being dished out based on ramming other cars off the road and other dirty tactics. It’s a bizarre inclusion that makes it feel like the developers weren’t entirely convinced they were heading in the right direction.

Of course it’s not hard to slam into other cars when more often than not they coming after you. The AI drivers at times can be just as aggressive because they’ll stick to the racing line like glue. Imagine if you spin and your car is planted in the middle of the track, there may be room either side, but for the other cars that’s not acceptable and instead plough straight through sending you spinning. This is where car physics also play a part in destroying the simulation illusion. During one race we hit a car lightly only for it to almost flip up onto it’s side. They all appear to lack any form of weight whatsoever, it’s like crashing two micro machines into each other.

So far we’ve been fairly unforgiving on SHIFT, but really this is down to expectation.  As the package containing the game got unwrapped we were expecting a Forza-like experience, instead we didn’t. Once we got to grips with the unique handling model however and unlocked more races enjoyment was starting to be had. You won’t be able to just pick up and play SHIFT, it takes time to get used to the way it plays. The more powerful cars can be especially unforgiving with only a slight tweak needed to send them spinning into a wall. Various race types on offer from simple time trials to races, to the more unique offerings from the series. The best would be the one on one battles where it’s the best of three rounds as you aim to beat your rival, either by beating him to the finish line or getting five seconds ahead. The other, not so good race type is drifting. Imagine trying to drive a car on ice and you’ve pretty much got the right idea. It’s unforgiving and most importantly, not a lot of fun when you’re spinning out for the millionth time.

What makes the game difficult to put down is the amount of content you’re given, from unlockable medals and stars to the sheer variety you’re given. Badges are unlocked for completing certain objectives whereas stars are key to your progression. These are gained by getting podium finished, maximum points or specific objectives, such as a clean lap. Collecting cars also adds to the longevity, with a slight Forza feel to the proceedings. Cars can be tweaked or upgraded, and even given a new pant job. While it lacks the in depth nature of said game, it will however still keep you hooked as you build your virtual garage.

As has become the norm, online races are available and unless you’re playing with friends then be prepared for a horrid experience. Imagine the video game equivalent of bumper cars and you’re spot on. Unfortunately very few people actually go for the precision driving and concentrate on the aggression. If you dare to brake for a corner then most of the time you’ll end up hit in the back. Good times. It does play smoothly though with zero lag, so that’s something.

SHIFT is an odd beast. Happy to straddle that middle ground between simulation and arcade, it doesn’t necessarily master either. Maybe with the next iteration they’ll go all the way and give Forza a run for its money, until then however, this’ll have to do.

Rating: 7 / 10

Words by Adam Gulliver