GRID 1.5? Forza Light? Nah, just NFS Shift!

For several days, the thing runs in my console and I can only say: refocusing succeeded! Need For Speed ​​Shift creates the happy medium between realistic simulation and action-packed, ostentatious Gerase. Here, the game assigns neither in Arcade, still in simulation. This game has its own unique charm and is not therefore compare GRID or Forza!

Read here my positive and negative criticisms on the graphic sound gameplay scheme.

Graphics: The optical package that is on offer here is simply impressive. The 70 car models look almost real, the routes are bursting with great attention to detail along the course and wonderful lighting effects, reflections and lively audience. Optical highlights that make NFS Shift at the same time so special, are the super-designed interiors: Each car can be driven from the cockpit perspective that is really super successful. All interiors were nachkonstruiert faithfully and shine with crackling sharp textures. A special effect is the virtual head in this view. Is it gas, so the head is pressed back. Leaving your foot off the gas, then the skull leans slightly in front. In case of accidents we winces again and again: The blurred black and white effect and the wobbly head in severe collisions brings the driver's short daze over perfect!

For all the praise, there are three points of criticism in terms of graphics: A few bugs are present (Boxenluder stands in the car before the race) and the game runs (at least constant) with 30fps. Sure, a real disadvantage is not the latter, but the optical degree of realism would have been perfect with 60fps. Well, seis drum. Last but not least would not really hurt some weather effects. By the Nordschleife in the rain. That's it really.

Sound: You can hear the turbo, the whistle of the engine at high speeds, the driver switch, the heartbeat and the driver's wheezing. One word: amazing. The German voice of your partner who gives you your instructions, is also well done. The background music in the menu fits perfectly with the mood of NFS Shift.

Negative criticisms would be there again three things. The first time I'm not quite sure, but it seems so, as if only 5 songs on the disc. During the drift racing constantly run the same pieces. In the menu, the music for the race turns on, but I recommend rather for off during both types of races, because the music does not fit to the atmosphere anyway. Second complaint are the dropouts: During the evaluation after some races we hear how for example your brake constantly repeated (like a broken CD).. That must not be! And the last point: The squeal of tires sounds very scratchy, one feels back in the 70 displaced (no joke).

Gameplay / scope / Control: At the beginning of the game you drive a round of testing, so the game analyze your driving behavior and can allocate an appropriate handling model. I was the model "Learn" allocated: braking and steering assistance from, ABS and traction control on. And so NFS Shift plays in my opinion also the best: with activated braking and steering assistance to any vehicle controls as if on rails and the claim that yes partly accounts for the gameplay, flutes goes. Basically, I find the use and controllability of vehicles in order, one learns with time all the tricks and moves like a pro.
Nevertheless, I am criticizing the handling especially in brakes! I am not as the racecar-Oberchecker, but it can not be that really EVERY vehicle such slips when you brake just a little bit. Well, the higher degree of realism as opposed to the previous NFS parts is nevertheless undeniable and it can be played properly in time. At higher speeds, but you can not afford a single mistake! And that's frustrating to shift. After a ride into the gravel can be equal to reboot. A rewind function, as it was to enjoy even in Grid would have eradicated this giant disadvantage. Something bad.

When extent there is nothing to complain about: There are 4 stages, and the NFS World Championship Tour, all of which are peppered with numerous events. In lap and Zeiteliminator race, normal time trial, Car-Battles, manufacturers race and drift racing, the variety is not too short. It is also important to collect some badge. Many different tasks such. B. profits consecutively for 10 times, 50 times the use of the opponent's slipstream, Complete all curves on the routes in Japan and so on have to be mastered. Since these badges are connected to the Xbox 360 achievements, the whole thing doubly motivated.

NFS Shift shines through the really well-designed driver profile system. This "done" automatically, you drive just the way you always do. During the race points will (go racing line, clean overtaking) for precision and aggression (ram opponents, ride in the slipstream, curves drift) collected and then allocated. The score, which predominates, is your profile. And these profile points are simultaneously also your "Experience" as in an RPG, because in NFS Shift you climb in the level and on new rims, vinyls, upgrades, special invitation events ( The unlocked depending on your profile) free and get prizes from sponsors. Until Level 50 you can ascend for long-term motivation is so worried! Since I prefer to rase professionally, I have a precision profile, but aggression points I had already plugging) The profile system reminds me a little of the good and evil system of RPGs like Fallout 3 and Fable 2. An extremely motivating affair , were it not for the balance problems: for "evil" actions you usually get more points than precise.

Of course, at the beginning not all vehicles, levels and Events unlocked. This will open up when you collect stars. Basically, you get always 3 stars for first place, two stars for reaching scores during the race and a star for a specific task such. B. "Turn 4 opponents to" or "Driving a clean lap". This system is extremely motivating: Stars are like the most precious commodity for the player, you go as far as possible in order to get always the same all five!

My personal downer are the drift racing: If you think how to rumschlittern cool in Underground 2, which can abschminken the confidently. The drift racing in NFS Shift personally unplayable (not a disadvantage for all!) For me.

In terms of vehicles and tuning is also every reason to rejoice: from VW, Nissan and Porsche to Pagani, Lamborghini and Koenigsegg are all common "race cars" available. The optical tuning is now of secondary importance (which I applaud), but the wealth of opportunities that satisfies. Painting, placing and editing, performance upgrades, special racing parts and precise vehicle tuning via sliders allow so some vinyls. For purists who like to screw millimeter by millimeter, is all but too little.

Finally, I can only say that NFS Shift has become a really successful racing game. Although some quirks are not to be overlooked, but Slightly Mad makes just so much right that you have to call his own shift! Each game type is happy here: driving aids can be switched off, the control can be adapted in all fields precisely. Those who have no more buck on trashy street racing and once again would like a proper racing game, which I can more than recommend Shift!

AND NOW ... EA MAKES UNDERGROUND 3 !!! :)