Shift 2 Unleashed

Shift 2 Unleashed is another polished title from EA and sits at the top end of the racing genre on iOS. Sim fans and arcade racers alike with both get a lot of joy from racing around the many tracks on offer and the upgrade system is impressive.

Shift 2: Unleashed is bigger and better than its predecessor, with a lot more variety of races and excellent single-player career mode.

In the end, EA have created another fun game on the iPad and iPad 2 and have successfully ported their Need for Speed universe onto this format. The gameplay works well on the iPad and the controls are almost perfect, although a little simplistic at times.

In this iPhone version, Shift 2: Unleashed can't take advantage of the wide iPad screen to maximize its excellent first person driving experience, but the overall results are still excellent in terms of quality: the tilt controls work great, they're completely customizable and there are plenty of races and modes to play with. However, the lack of an online multiplayer is really disappointing.

A little better than the first Shift for iOS – new tracks, new cars, very similar visuals and a bit more fun. [September 2011, p.76]

Featuring new locales, new vehicles, improved graphics, and Origin integration for social gaming elements, Shift 2 Unleashed doesn't bring a lot of innovation but it does continue to provide a high level of racing excitement that the casual user can enjoy.

The sumptuous feast of cars, the variety of different racing challenges, high production value along with simple brand recognition assure Need For Speed – Shift 2 – Unleashed will race to the top of the charts – where it deserves to be.

Need for Speed Shift 2 is a sequel that improves on the original, but not enough to make it a must buy.

As a game it doesn't really offer us anything new. Its driving mechanic is a little clumsy and frustrating, but it's got enough variety and depth to keep you moderately entertained. As a portable driving distraction it's a decent attempt. But it could hardly be called the breakthrough ingenious iPad title we are all still clamouring for.

Shift 2 Unleashed is definitely a good game, that emerges from the racing games's chaos on the App Store.

A game that improves upon the original, but without offering anything innovative, just new vehicles, tracks and the possibility to exchange content through Origin.

So, for those looking for crazy racing fun, look no further than Hot Pursuit. But, for those of you who do like their racing games on the more realistic side of the road, then you still can't beat Real Racing 2 and it's great online multiplayer.

Quotation forthcoming.

There's definitely a good amount of variety here, from time trials to drift runs, but we've seen it all before. EA took the previous Shift, copied most of the content and produced a cookie cutter sequel. Solid overall, but you'd be wise to look elsewhere for your racing fix.

Originally SHIFT would tempt players to drive like a devil or an angel as you danced around the track - SHIFT 2 rewards lumbering, brutish tactics and despite the wild speeds you can't help but feel the weight of such blunt tactics dragging the game down.