Each Need for Speed game has been something of a direct copy from previous installments. The differences are new cars, new tracks, new environments, improved gameplay, and improved graphics. There are various points in the franchise wherein there has been a police chase simulator, a realistic track racer, and even a Cannonball Run-style action movie that has wheels. This latest installment in the long running racing simulator franchise steps into the first Fast and Furious film as players explore the world of illegal street racing. NFS Underground already covered this car culture over a decade ago, but this time around, there are new avenues for the game’s arcadey but subtly different style of racing.
Need for Speed is Tremendously Rewarding in More Ways Than One
Although Need for Speed is still far from perfect, there are many points that make this racing game truly exceptional. There are jaw-dropping visuals, in which there are some points that you may even forget that you are playing a game rather than watching a live-action sequel of yet another Fast and the Furious movie.
The sense of ownership when fine-tuning your chosen vehicle to perfection rather than grabbing the flashiest vehicle you can find. This notion has proven to be tremendously rewarding, especially for fans of the franchise and to those who are avid racing game fans. Even the breathtaking visuals of blazing through the concrete at insanely fast speeds will make this game absolutely noteworthy. This foundation of a combination of graphics and great gameplay with the help of customization has made this videogame an outstanding one.
But take away the cars and breathtaking visuals and you get live-action cutscenes that do not hold up to par. Scenes in the Need for Speed game have stilted acting, unwarranted fistbumps, and a whole lot of awkward acting. Weirdly enough, none of these live-action scenes take place in cars. Every single one of them starts out with someone arriving and ends with someone else leaving from the scene. Oh, there may be a 30-second conversation in between. But nevertheless, all you want to do after listening and seeing these scenes is just move on and start drag racing once again.
For those who persevere throughout these cutscenes, Need for Speed will reward you with a garage full of your own tricked out cars. For the car enthusiast, or those who are fans of the racing simulator franchise, this is their dream. Fans of this type of gameplay will always be rewarded with utterly beautiful graphics coupled with a superb gameplay engine.