Angespielt

My system: Intel Q9300, 8GB of RAM, Radeon 4870, Vista 64, Logitech G25

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Driving behavior:

Since I am quite clear simulation fan and with arcade racing games can not do anything, I mean by a "good" driving physics a realistic heavy (but not an unrealistically heavy), while I would an unrealistically simple call "bad." This only anticipated, since some Rzensenten apparently exactly anderssehen around.
How now so the physics of NFS Shift precipitates compared to racing games mentioned above, who see themselves as simulations? Assuming that the highest level of difficulty (Professional) selected and all driving aids off and a force feedback steering wheel is used, the answer is: It's gone surprisingly well overall. In my opinion, in particular load change reactions are even more convincing simulated as in the said reference games (hitherto unbeaten physics of RBR on gravel again excluded). Specifically, this means that the vehicle rear mitlenkt depending on the car or even wild deflects when load changes are provoked. Here, the border area is far in the standard vehicles in most cases, so that controlled cross-Drive works well with practice. In particular, the rear-drive vehicles can be very nice draw with the accelerator. Drifting even costs in NFS Shift time, but also brings a lot of fun (and career points). Otherwise it is in the hunt for the best time here too the right, not to be found on late braking point, the braking distance by no means fail arcade moderately shorter than in the purebred simulations.

Graphics:

The graphics are not overwhelming, but convincingly and in comparison to the above-mentioned games with their dusty graphics engines to denote good even as. Here the game with deactivated VSync, middle shadow details, 4xAA, 16xAF and otherwise maximum settings on my system runs mostly liquid, although every now and then short "trailer" occur.

Concept:

NFS Shift follows a career system. In other words, you have to earn points and money to buy cars and improve and to be able to participate in new races. Before particular difficulty of the players is not provided because it gives points for pretty much everything you do: shoving example also rewarded as clean driving. And here we come to the matter that is ultimately not let the NFS Shift appear as Simulation: Rempler be forgiven by the engine too easily, there are even in the "Expert Mode" no total damage and the AI ​​drives (unfortunately) a battle line, the Arcade Racers a worthy is.

Routes:

In addition to some fictitious routes also included several "real" race tracks. Mention may be made in particular the Nordschleife (unfortunately without GP circuit), Spa, and Laguna Seca. Visually, the Nordschleife anything ever seen before on the PC in the shadows. Whether the route to the centimeter exactly corresponds to the reality, I can not judge with certainty. However, I think some slight deviations from the course of the Nordschleife of GTR Evolution, the so far recognized as the benchmark to have noticed.

Vehicles:

The selection is advised not to small and contains very attractive recreational vehicles such as the BMW 135i and M3 (of three generations!), Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX and X, Lotus Elise, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Porsche Carrera GT (!) And many more. The handling of each vehicle differs noticeably. In particular, the differences between front, rear and all-wheel drive are reproduced traceable via the steering wheel. If the vehicles are equipped with improved parts (eg with a sport suspension), are advanced setup options (eg damper and spring settings) are available, as are known from other car racing games. Ridiculous and prollig however act partially available "bodywork upgrades". And also the possibility of providing its cars with nitro-injection, in my view, would be unnecessary. These points help that the game does not looks like a simulation.

Conclusion:

On one hand, NFS Shift provides a ride that holds even for experienced drivers alike simulation fun as challenges. On the other hand, the picture is clouded by the fact that here was obviously trying by hook or crook, a game that a purebred simulation might well have to be to make a mass-market arcade action spectacle. Whether the game is ultimately meets the needs of the arcade fans can not and I will not judge. For simulation fans it is quite worth the money, even though I have doubts about whether the game in the various racing leagues is well received (in particular due to the deficits in the Multiplayer section). So it's more of a complement than a substitute for GTR Evolution, rFactor and Co.