Need for Speed: Shift

 PC
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 516 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 204 out of 516
  2. Mixed: 157 out of 516
  3. Negative: 155 out of 516
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  1. Grabuss
    Jun 26, 2023
    9
    Need For Speed Shift is a very good game that really makes you feel like you are driving a real car in a real race, the sound of the car engines are very aggressive and divine, the car list is amazing, the graphics from a 2009 game are very, VERY realistic, and let's not forget the legendary themes, when you're in the garage, really beautiful. The soundtrack is fine, and the story is fineNeed For Speed Shift is a very good game that really makes you feel like you are driving a real car in a real race, the sound of the car engines are very aggressive and divine, the car list is amazing, the graphics from a 2009 game are very, VERY realistic, and let's not forget the legendary themes, when you're in the garage, really beautiful. The soundtrack is fine, and the story is fine (even if It didn't really feel there was a story). The personalization is also very nicely done. My rating is 9/10. The main reason why people don't like this game is because: "there is no illegal racing!!!! We want illegal racing!!!!” "We need UG/MW back!!!!!""… Expand
  2. CypriotBall60
    May 20, 2023
    9
    Not bad for a 2009 racing game that emphasizes the Sim-cade racing. Good variety of cars to choose from and great real-world tracks from Brands Hatch to Nurburgring. The progression is brilliant, fun and challenging races.
  3. Axilley
    Jul 22, 2021
    8
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good nfs shift
  4. Cz3rw0ny
    Apr 5, 2021
    8
    Pretty decent game, a drastic change from previous "street" need for speeds.
  5. Shaia
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Not sure why people hate this game, I truly enjoyed playing this game back when it came out and I still play it from time to time! Is it as good as Forza and Gran Turismo? No.
    But just because a Bentley is better than a Mercedes, does it make the Mercedes a bad car? The answer to that is no.
    I truly love the graphics and the physics of this game with my steering wheel. People are being    Not sure why people hate this game, I truly enjoyed playing this game back when it came out and I still play it from time to time! Is it as good as Forza and Gran Turismo? No.
    But just because a Bentley is better than a Mercedes, does it make the Mercedes a bad car? The answer to that is no.
    I truly love the graphics and the physics of this game with my steering wheel.
    People are being quite harsh for whatever reason, this is one of my favourite racing games ever!
    If you can get it for under $6 then I highly recommend it!    … Expand
  6. Guneyw
    Nov 20, 2020
    8
    This games user score is the proof of the NFS fans are bunch of retarded people.Im not commenting on the game just wanted to mention this
  7. SamanthaSmith
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    Awesome game. I can't really understand the negative reviews. Have you tried to change the steering sensitivity in the controls menu?
  8. gold
    Jul 19, 2018
    10
    Было увлекательно. Здесь не было багов, как в "Prostreet". Не было графики, как будто игра 90-х,2000-х, как в "Undecover". Треки как всегда замечательны. На некоторых трассах растительность, при движении машины, выглядит более-менее реалистично, хоть она состоит из 1 или 2 спрайтов. 10/10, нормальная часть немного лучше "Prostreet".Было увлекательно. Здесь не было багов, как в "Prostreet". Не было графики, как будто игра 90-х,2000-х, как в "Undecover". Треки как всегда замечательны. На некоторых трассах растительность, при движении машины, выглядит более-менее реалистично, хоть она состоит из 1 или 2 спрайтов. 10/10, нормальная часть немного лучше "Prostreet".
  9. Nickolababaiko
    Jun 5, 2016
    10
    Need for Speed занесло на симуляторы!))) Что мне сходу очень понравилось так это графика и вид из салона! По тем временам просто супер! Я прошел её на руле и физика не особо то и симуляторная...хотя старается ей казаться!
  10. XDavidX
    Nov 17, 2015
    10
    This NFS is one of the best in series. Amazing handling, Amazing cars, customization, vinyl editor. Races are exicting and awesome. I love that feeling of old Need For Speed !
  11. jangers
    Mar 15, 2015
    9
    Shift is a good rest from street racing like in other NFS's. I am satisfied with the camera from cockpit, physics, many tracks & cars, many options of tuning, and controlling on the pad is correct ! To me, Shift is a good racing game.
  12. PedroGamer
    Oct 19, 2014
    9
    Since I love to play racing games, I Won´t be dumb to rate this game negatively.It´s a racing game with lot of cars and tracks(including the famous Spa!).
  13. mclure
    Aug 23, 2014
    10
    The circuits are real and the vehicles are able to be driven from the inside as back in the first NFS series, altough it's a little heavy on hardware resources.
  14. gesi
    Mar 14, 2014
    10
    Good ride played three times, very fun and very rewarding (compared to shift 2 which is a disaster game) well balanced semi sim racing, it had a free dlc so you have more then 100 cars to drive with plenty tracks, i like the leveling experience a lot it keep pushing me for more so i don't get bored.
  15. Frststrykr
    Sep 28, 2013
    10
    This game is for serious sim racers only- race physics are even better than Shift 2, with a loyal following on the online driver duel. Been racing against mostly Europeans, they KNOW! Upgraded my PC to quad core; 1 GB 256 bit GDDR5 graphics a must for higher resolutions. This game kicks but on all those console based, arcade racer TRASH! Most realistic race physics since PorscheThis game is for serious sim racers only- race physics are even better than Shift 2, with a loyal following on the online driver duel. Been racing against mostly Europeans, they KNOW! Upgraded my PC to quad core; 1 GB 256 bit GDDR5 graphics a must for higher resolutions. This game kicks but on all those console based, arcade racer TRASH! Most realistic race physics since Porsche Unleashed, lots of JUNK put out in the 9 years in-between. Hanging with Driving Force Pro for now, but plan to upgrade to G25 soon. Like I said, if you're nothin' but a punk console gamer then don't waste your money on this one, It's optimized for PC and serious race enthusiasts only!… Expand
  16. Verik
    Aug 18, 2013
    10
    Need for Speed Shift Electronic Arts Need for Speed Undercover 10 Need for Speed NFS
  17. dfjaljfdal
    Mar 15, 2012
    8
    Very good graphics; sometimes has frame rate issues. Realistic handling though, although AI is too good to be real. Sometimes drivers actually screw up, but not in this game. Other than that, solid racing overall.
  18. Pitbull
    Feb 20, 2012
    10
    Awesome game. I can't really understand the negative reviews. Have you tried to change the steering sensitivity in the controls menu? I am using the "Thrustmaster Ferrari Wireless GT 430 Scuderia" steering wheel and it's working perfect. I changed "Steering Sensitivity" to 20 and "Speed Steering Sensitivity" to 100.
  19. Korvin20110320
    Apr 1, 2011
    9
    The game has decent graphics and not arcadic drive physics. Real simulators, I suppose, have physics closer to the real, but they have low graphics. For me the game is a best tradeoff between realistic driving and good looking picture.
  20. iburnaga
    Aug 27, 2010
    8
    A nice change from the usual excuse story lines and shoehorned cut scenes. I give it an eight since the car selection is good, the tracks are standard package for simulators, the AI is not annoying and can rip you a new one if you aren't careful and the progression is actually pretty quick. Cars don't handle at their smoothest but I've only played with a controller so if someone has aA nice change from the usual excuse story lines and shoehorned cut scenes. I give it an eight since the car selection is good, the tracks are standard package for simulators, the AI is not annoying and can rip you a new one if you aren't careful and the progression is actually pretty quick. Cars don't handle at their smoothest but I've only played with a controller so if someone has a high quality wheel and bothers to tweak please leave a review. I only suggest grabbing it if you need a quick fix that's semi simulator.… Expand
  21. claudiog
    Jan 5, 2010
    8
    although it does not follow the same concept of the best version of need for speed - most wanted, NFS Shift believe is the best version presented in comparison to pro street and undercover, the career mode is excellent and it becomes even better when your skills increase, experience who will not be disappointed!
  22. rightthere
    Dec 9, 2009
    9
    just beat the game. was pretty good. 1st time i installed it i didn't have a gamepad so i gave up but later i bought a gamepad and installed again. i tweaked the controls to suit my style and had a good time. what i love about the game: -graphics are stunning overall, - the cockpit view is fabulous, i played like 90% from that view -the sound is great, you can really feel the engine just beat the game. was pretty good. 1st time i installed it i didn't have a gamepad so i gave up but later i bought a gamepad and installed again. i tweaked the controls to suit my style and had a good time. what i love about the game: -graphics are stunning overall, - the cockpit view is fabulous, i played like 90% from that view -the sound is great, you can really feel the engine and the tires shredding -the career mode is excellent, you get points for everything you do, from being precise to knocking opponents off the track -the ai is pretty good, i played it on medium most of the time and its a challenge. it will kick you out the track, it will block you, it will pressure you, sometimes it will make mistakes, overall its pretty good -i love that i don't have to win every single race, it feels more natural to me when sometimes i have to struggle for 4th or 5th place on a track i don't like that much. i am sick of games where you have to win every single race like you are schumacher, this game allows you to progress without being forced to win every single race -tracks are beautiful, some of them pretty tough, some of them a joy, good mixture of real and fictional tracks -good selection of cars and supercars now what i hated about it: -controls, you must tweak a lot before you can actually drive -physics are kind of shit, most of the time i feel like driving a soap, you either oversteer or understeer through the corners, from cockpit view though the feeling is less present, but its awkward how the cars behave sometimes -drift races, hate them, the good news is you can skip them -loading times are a pain in the ass overall i loved to play it on my gamepad, i love the mixture of sim and arcade. though i beat it I will keep it and have a few races once in a while. many compare it to grid but they are totally different. i loved drift at its time but now i prefer shift… Expand
  23. DarylC
    Dec 8, 2009
    8
    People giving this game 0 - 3 scores, what did you expect this game to be? It's a NEED FOR SPEED game! Have you played the last 5 of them? Seen what they are? They're not Sim games and never will be as long as EA is publishing. However, this game is probably the most fun I've had with NFS since Underground 2. I enjoy the sim style mixed with arcade options. Playing this People giving this game 0 - 3 scores, what did you expect this game to be? It's a NEED FOR SPEED game! Have you played the last 5 of them? Seen what they are? They're not Sim games and never will be as long as EA is publishing. However, this game is probably the most fun I've had with NFS since Underground 2. I enjoy the sim style mixed with arcade options. Playing this with anything less than an analog gamepad is just asking for a headache. You NEED analog shoulder buttons for gas and brake or you'll never drive properly in this game. Graphics are fantastic, and the sense of speed is great (although the blurring of the gauges is kinda funky). Sounds are top notch, if you have 5.1 speakers you'll want to crank them. Cars can be a bit touchy if you don't play with the control settings to find the setup you like, so make sure you spend a good half hour tweaking until you're happy. AI can be a little funny at times, been rear ended coming into a corner more than a few times, and the take certain corners really slow. Overall great mix of sim/arcade styles. Pick it up if you aren't a nutball who expects something this isn't.… Expand
  24. BillG
    Nov 20, 2009
    8
    Great game that requires some practice,good controller/wheel and not a poorly home built pc or some cheap off the shelf pre-built junk.
  25. DaveA
    Oct 25, 2009
    10
    Everybody who rates this game below 6 are idiots. Judging from their description of their experiences they have configured their controller improperly and that's not the game's fault. This game provides the best racing experience of any racing video game up to date.
  26. StoneyD
    Oct 23, 2009
    9
    Just played the demo for the PC. I totally recommend this game if you have a game pad. It does take some getting use to but once you do, WOW it is fun. I didn't know if I wanted to buy this at first but after playing the demo, I'm going to buy it right now! Play the demo and see for yourself.
  27. VitorR
    Oct 22, 2009
    9
    its not the best of simulators, but it does have its level of fun. The cars are beautifully modeled and unlike most people say the handling isn't that bad, hell I'm surprised I'm able to play it properly just with the keyboard. The tracks detail is rather average but sound quality is very good. Shift does indeed have its problems but as a gamer I'm able to go beyond its not the best of simulators, but it does have its level of fun. The cars are beautifully modeled and unlike most people say the handling isn't that bad, hell I'm surprised I'm able to play it properly just with the keyboard. The tracks detail is rather average but sound quality is very good. Shift does indeed have its problems but as a gamer I'm able to go beyond those problems and found myself addicted to the game. The level of car costumization is reasonable and the paint tool alows the players to express their creativity on the cars paint job. I believe the game is rather good overall and hope EA continues to improve the Shift franchise.… Expand
  28. AlexK.
    Oct 20, 2009
    8
    Its a solid game that takes genuine practice and skill to drive without the assists off, just like in real life. Has a much better engine than any other game and caters to players of all skill levels. And yes you do need a controller or wheel of some sort to play it, but what racing don't you.
  29. JohnB.
    Oct 20, 2009
    9
    An awful lot of moning minnies out there and as far as i can see completely unfounded! Granted i am playing the game on quite a high spec pc with a G25 wheel but surely the console versions cant be that different! I go home pop this on and emerse into a world of realistic racing genious every night laughing my ass of half the time at the mayhem surrounding me. The game isnt easy but An awful lot of moning minnies out there and as far as i can see completely unfounded! Granted i am playing the game on quite a high spec pc with a G25 wheel but surely the console versions cant be that different! I go home pop this on and emerse into a world of realistic racing genious every night laughing my ass of half the time at the mayhem surrounding me. The game isnt easy but neither is the real thing! It takes practice skill and wit and the rewards are also realistic. Ive never really been a fan of electronic arts...until now. GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES.… Expand
  30. BeneF
    Oct 16, 2009
    8
    Reviews with 0 are ridiculous. All I can say from my experience is, that with a good racing wheel (using the thrustmaster rgt) and a bit setting-customizing the games handling (even with aids completely turned off) is in no way unplayable. Its challenging, yes. But please come on: get a grip all you cowards.
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best PC Game of 2009
25
#25 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
38
#38 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. IGN
    90
    A glorious return to greatness (and even excellence) for EA's seminal racing franchise. Slightly Mad Studios has delivered a driving experience that, while not completely accurate in terms of its simulation aspects, is practically dead-on in terms of what it's like to race around some of the world's best racing circuits.
    Read full review
  2. Multiplayer.it
    90
    No longer a classic need for speed game, EA made a true shift, a u-turn, developing a great game, with stunning visuals, and a lot of cars and tracks. The nightly undercover challenges are gone, but the new mechanics, borrowed from games such Forza or GT work well in conveying a great driving feeling.
    Read full review
  3. VideoGamer
    80
    Need For Speed: Shift is a brilliant new start for the franchise and has clearly been built by a team that loves racing.
    Read full review
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