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. xcale
    Mar 6, 2023
    6
    Need For Speed franchise tried simulation like racing for the first time. They understood that they need to try again to fail better.
  4. bar0yka
    Dec 28, 2022
    7
    Ramazanda sahur günlerinde oynardım konsolla aşırı zevk alırdım ama çk da rage geçirirdim aq oyununda hele de o çöldeki muscle car düellosu beni yaşlandırdı aminakoyim bu arada mekanikler kötü sadece düz yarış kazan oyunu o yüzden beklentiniz yüksek olmasın
  5. The_D4RknesS
    Nov 12, 2022
    0
    crap game, EA should have put any name to this **** except need for speed. the gameplay is horrible and when you enter a race you can't get out of it! Even the optimization is bad
  6. Bogdanhodin830
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Очень сырая часть игры, в которую невозможно банально играть, постоянные баги, а также вылеты.… Expand
  7. johnny__a
    Nov 23, 2021
    6
    Solid racing game. Nice driving mechanics. But cannot reach the comprehensiveness of Forza or Gran Turismo.
  8. Dco326
    Sep 20, 2021
    5
    Ma zajebi, u globalu aj okej je igrica ali ova novija kola sa tastaturom je ubistvo voziti, pretesko bukvalno, nije napravljena za tastaturu igrica
  9. 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
  10. Cz3rw0ny
    Apr 5, 2021
    8
    Pretty decent game, a drastic change from previous "street" need for speeds.
  11. theusernamehere
    Mar 13, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Claims to be a simulation, meanwhile the M3 E92 can not hit 200+km/h in a straight line.… Expand
  12. dimike
    Jan 10, 2021
    7
    Graphics - great
    Handling - ok
    Music - ok
    gameplay - ok
    stability - normal
    7 GranTurismo's out of 10
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. PizzaSubCombo
    Aug 27, 2020
    7
    Shift is generally seen as the step-child of the NFS series for good reason - the hodgepodge of design elements are constantly at odds with one another. Ruthless physics and odd suspension behavior under load act in stark contrast to the game's brief races and Forza/GT-style campaign mode. That being said, when the game is firing on all cylinders and you finally dial in both yourShift is generally seen as the step-child of the NFS series for good reason - the hodgepodge of design elements are constantly at odds with one another. Ruthless physics and odd suspension behavior under load act in stark contrast to the game's brief races and Forza/GT-style campaign mode. That being said, when the game is firing on all cylinders and you finally dial in both your controller and car setup, Shift is pretty awesome and definitely worth playing for racing fans who like the idea of a racing simulator, but don't want to spend eons mastering the individual intricacies of each car.… Expand
  16. Pepino9111
    Aug 25, 2020
    0
    Wow I cannot believe how terrible the driving experience is , it feels like nothing I’ve ever played straight trash , the best “Drivers simulation I’ve ever encountered is Forza Motorsport on the first Xbox , this you cannot even enjoy it it’s too touchy when your going into a turn with some acceleration there’s no gradual acceleration it feels like there’s a 0-50% throttle and then 50%Wow I cannot believe how terrible the driving experience is , it feels like nothing I’ve ever played straight trash , the best “Drivers simulation I’ve ever encountered is Forza Motorsport on the first Xbox , this you cannot even enjoy it it’s too touchy when your going into a turn with some acceleration there’s no gradual acceleration it feels like there’s a 0-50% throttle and then 50% straight to 100% throttle there’s nothing between 50-100 it’s either on or Off causing the car to twitch there’s no control , very frustrated with the game. The steering feels like there’s nothing there you turn left it’s swinging left the Honda S2000 in the game that I selected DOESNT have enough power to roast the tires in third gear making the in game car slide and can’t put the power down two thumbs down on this game .… Expand
  17. Lelik_mc_kawai
    Jul 25, 2020
    0
    Игра ужасна! по причинам, отсутствия субтитров, без возможности настроить управления под себя, прост окошмар!
  18. MaxmilianKohler
    Jun 23, 2020
    6
    I couldn't recommend this game for anything other than really casual, relaxing driving on easy.

    You have to quit the race in order to adjust the controls. With the G27 and/or keyboard the cut scenes throughout the game are unskippable. Including every time you restart a race. They only seem to be skippable with a PS4 controller with DS4 3rd party software installed. It starts you    I couldn't recommend this game for anything other than really casual, relaxing driving on easy.

    You have to quit the race in order to adjust the controls.

    With the G27 and/or keyboard the cut scenes throughout the game are unskippable. Including every time you restart a race. They only seem to be skippable with a PS4 controller with DS4 3rd party software installed.

    It starts you off with a 1 minute long unskippable cut scene. Then you're on a test track to "dial in your settings". Except you can't change any steering settings from the menu in here! You have to restart the whole game and rewatch the minute long cut scene just to be able to tweak the steering settings!

    When using a controller or wheel it still keeps the menu icons on the keyboard keys.

    Switching between a wheel, controller, or keyboard erases all your bindings every time, and there doesn't appear to be a file you can backup.

    Menu can be annoyingly unresponsive.

    HUD is terrible. No telling how far you are from the end or where the finish is. It also randomly turns off my rear view mirror.

    In some of the drift tracks it's difficult to tell where you're supposed to be going.

    There's not always a way to restart the race after you pass the finish line.

    Every time you restart a race it repeats the same dialogue, which can get really annoying. I can't believe this... it even continues repeating the same thing in the next races... This is crazy! I have to play without sound because of this! 3 races per set, 4 sets of races. Even if I did every race the first time without any restarts, why would I need the same exact thing repeated 12 times?!?!?

    The handling can seem really strange sometimes. I'm driving in a straight line, accelerating moderately from 2nd to 3rd on a drift track and my car (Nissan Silvia) just randomly starts spazzing out turning from side to side for no apparent reason. I've played many other racing games with this G27, including the Dirt and Grid series. It seems to happen on all drift tracks with all cars. I guess they do something to the track to make it more "drift worthy", but they should explain these things. I hate it when these car games expect/assume that every player is a car expert.

    There are some tips they give in the loading screens, but they're random. For example, they don't give the drift tips before drift races. They just show up randomly. Also, they disappear automatically so there's not always time to read them.

    I really hate the menu. For no good reason it doesn't show all of the menu options at the same time, but makes you scroll through differently sized texts.

    It screws up your vision (big time - both extreme blur and color) every time you go off the track a bit or make contact. And there doesn't seem to be a way to turn that off.

    Some of the races are really dumb. Just driving in a circle for 5 minutes.

    The AI is unrealistic and imbalanced. Using the same difficulty some races are really easy and then others are way harder and the AI is seemingly not obeying the game's laws of physics (though the racing line/color isn't always accurate). If they touch you you fly off the road, but touching them does nothing most of the time, except rear ending them often makes their car roll over yours, as in you drive under them. If someone bumps you you have to restart the whole race.

    I played most of the previous NFS games with a keyboard (I've also played Dirt and Grid series with G27). But at default this seemed unplayable with a keyboard. Maybe I needed to turn on various assists or something. This is clearly different from other NFS games, and geared towards realistic sim racing. Much better with the G27 using default profile, vs using a PS4 controller. I improved the controller control significantly but still don't like it.

    The FFB seems to be messed up on 1 or 2 tracks.

    Didn't like the handling with G27 till I installed some mods from nfsplanet and changed the settings to:

    Logitech profiler:
    106
    100
    100
    Uncheck enable centering spring, strength 100
    Check use special steering wheel settings
    Don't report combined.
    404 Degrees, or 320 for drifting.
    Check use special game settings and check Allow game to adjust settings. Ingame FFB is at 10/10.

    Found on edracing. For G27: Dead Zones 0-5% Steering Sensitivity 50% Acceleration Sensitivity 50% Brake Sensitivity 50% Speed Steering Sensitivity 60% FFB 10 Turning lock 100%    … Expand
  19. ChesterField
    May 7, 2020
    5
    I go to act as this need for speed never existed. This is not the direction to go with this franchise. Thats all i have to say. Of course, i do not recomend this one.
  20. 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?
  21. r03vg
    Apr 17, 2020
    7
    Физика действительно довольно продвинутая, сложная. Не получится просто разогнаться и всех победить, нужно долго привыкать.
  22. SrCre
    Mar 10, 2020
    4
    [ ] Perfect
    [ ] Awesome
    [ ] Good
    [x] Good Bad
    [ ] Fail

    Não vejo necessidade em escrever um longo texto analisando uma arte, a nota é apenas um conselho para saber o quanto ela vale para sua vida.

    I see no need to write a long text analyzing an art, the note is just a piece of advice to know how much it is worth in your life.
  23. 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".
  24. Luka1998010
    Jul 10, 2018
    7
    Its a good game,but for a separate series,not Need for Speed.
    There are things missing like more visual customization and vinyl mirror option.
    Also the AI can be really frustrating at times.
  25. ruvinisimus
    Nov 2, 2017
    4
    очень странный нид фор спид, мне не нравится это направление развития серии, ездить по професиональным трассам на машинках с рекламой это не прикольно
  26. 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!
  27. 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 !
  28. mitchm
    Sep 28, 2015
    6
    After finally had tried mods for the game I can re-review my '0' mark. Now I give the game 6 point out of 10. And that is why: if to add mods that let to get rid of collision stutter, hand-shaking and blur all over the screen on speed - the game is finally playable. Also, one moment - u also need a good enough racing wheel, forget about playing with gamepad - you'll get car slides. ButAfter finally had tried mods for the game I can re-review my '0' mark. Now I give the game 6 point out of 10. And that is why: if to add mods that let to get rid of collision stutter, hand-shaking and blur all over the screen on speed - the game is finally playable. Also, one moment - u also need a good enough racing wheel, forget about playing with gamepad - you'll get car slides. But with a wheel - no slides. So, to sum it up, if the game was what it is now, after all my work on searching and installing mods to correct game flaws - then I'd give it 8 jr maybe even 9 point out of 10. But as I wasted too much time to make the game function properly, and no patches from official developers have we seen in the past time - I put 6. Fair enough. Now is fair score from me. And yes, now I enjoy it, after tons of wasted time and efforts to make it proper with mods.… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. 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!).
  31. Marick
    Oct 7, 2014
    6
    I Need For Speed ​​Series goes to another level. He enters the world of simulators and makes very good appearance. Physics are very real, honestly, I really like. And yes .. I think that is one of the longest game in the series.
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. Fresh3gg
    Feb 11, 2014
    5
    Arrow up key: accelerate _ Left Arrow key: turn left _ right arrow key: turn right _ V: brake _ C: handbrake _ X: Nitro _ Z: look back _ Spacebar: change race view. God! those game makers needs to be told what the default mapping keys should be like! WASD?!

    Came 1st place: mode: RACE _ Laps: 8 _ car class: same class _ opponents: 6 _ Time: midday _ track: Alplental Race car to drive:    Arrow up key: accelerate _ Left Arrow key: turn left _ right arrow key: turn right _ V: brake _ C: handbrake _ X: Nitro _ Z: look back _ Spacebar: change race view. God! those game makers needs to be told what the default mapping keys should be like! WASD?!

    Came 1st place: mode: RACE _ Laps: 8 _ car class: same class _ opponents: 6 _ Time: midday _ track: Alplental

    Race car to drive: Porsche Carrera GT

    ((Gameplay, ADJUST CONTROL)):
    SDZ:0 _ ADZ:5 _ BDZ:0 _ CDZ:5 _ SS:95 _AS:75 _ BS:90 _ CS:30 _ SSS:2 _ IS:off _ CYA:Normal

    ((Gameplay, DRIVING)):
    AI Difficulty: HARD _ HM: Normal _ SA: low _ BA: off _ AB:on _ TC: high _ SC:on _ DE: visual only _ AC:on _ G:automatic

    ((Garage, Car tunning)):
    Downforce: 55 _ Gearing: 30 _ Steering Lock: 70 _ Balance: 40

    Now go and test play this game, and see who's the real idiots! Never seen AI drivers so crazy! If to play by AI Difficulty: MEDIUM, it would turned out to be like the movie DAYS OF THUNDER with a lot of cars went sideway on the track, or driving back into the track without giving way to you high speed travelling car, and with bot-cars spinning out of control ALL BY ITSELF like it's beating it's own meat, or suddenly handbraking right in front of you without any reason (same with AI Difficulty: hard), and dead slow speed at bends. The AI is a good laugh, as 1 or 2 of them are aimed to slow you down so other cars can sped way ahead!

    Playing by AI Difficulty HARD isn't so bad, but still there a few good laughs!

    Too bad it has no GRID AND ARCADE mode that allows more acade like gaming, fine tune all the cars so they're suitable to play keyboard like the other game GRID.

    Steering lock? I tried to Google it but seem to came up with nothing much. If steering lock is set too high and along with low GEARING (higher acceration), the steering of the car may go dead (locked) when going around a bend. Get a wheel for real? Or rather play GRID? Get GRID first, then don't forget this GOOD LAUGH game that suddenly handbrakes right in front of you like it has seen a ghost of a steering wheel!    … Expand
  35. 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
  36. Verik
    Aug 18, 2013
    10
    Need for Speed Shift Electronic Arts Need for Speed Undercover 10 Need for Speed NFS
  37. lostsideproject
    Jun 28, 2012
    4
    There are seriously overlooked features in this game. For instance, no option to "quit" or "exit" from the race in-game. You must ctrl-alt-del to get out. This is inconsistent from machine to machine. Some have it, some don't. Also there is no way to skip the long prerendered video you have already watched. After your first test race, your account does not save your progress and you mustThere are seriously overlooked features in this game. For instance, no option to "quit" or "exit" from the race in-game. You must ctrl-alt-del to get out. This is inconsistent from machine to machine. Some have it, some don't. Also there is no way to skip the long prerendered video you have already watched. After your first test race, your account does not save your progress and you must watch the video over again AND do the race. These are the simple things, EA. You're killing me. The standard for good games is MUCH higher than this.… Expand
  38. 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.
  39. 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.
  40. Vic
    Dec 9, 2011
    6
    I just don't understand these critics who gave this game 9 or 10. Have they even tried to play this game, cause it's almost impossible to drive straight in this game, the cars just slide all the time like cows on ice skating rink!
  41. Reverz
    Nov 19, 2011
    0
    Worst... NFS... EVER. I thought after Pro Street they couldn't sink any lower with the series but this must be what rock bottom is like. The handling is absolutely dreadful, this game is trying to position itself as a combination of GRID and sim racing and as a result fails at doing either one of those. Went into the closet after less then half an hour of playing...
  42. Khildram
    Nov 13, 2011
    6
    This one is good, expecially with a wheel controler. It's looking nice although Shift 2 Unleashed is now nicer. But it behaves better than S2U and also is less ressources-greedy. A good experience and a good intro for simracing games like GTR², RACE07, or iRacing.
    This gives you a taste of it without beeing too difficult.
  43. shaun37
    Oct 26, 2011
    6
    This game is a terrible excuse for a simulator, it cannot even touch the awesomeness that is Grid and Gran Turismo. The cars do not handle as they do in real life, the multiplayer is engulfed in a mostly horric community and the UI system is the most unnecessarily complicated and confusing that I have ever come across in a PC game, ruining the customization of vehicles etc..
  44. Barny
    Sep 11, 2011
    2
    The game is hardly playable: feels like driving a soapbox car on a greasy road. Depending on the level you choose you either spend your time spinning for no apparent reason or the computer will control too much of your driving. Cars feel slow at 60mph and you may get some sense of speed at 120mph. However graphics are pleasing.
  45. Roeyl
    May 20, 2011
    3
    Boring. I played it for 4h and I haven't played ever since. What else can I say?
  46. 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.
  47. Maximilian
    Dec 13, 2010
    3
    Itâ
  48. 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
  49. lolsorisnub
    Aug 22, 2010
    4
    "0" -very bad console port: all the menus are a pain and being able to use the mouse to select stuff would be so much easier. -it doesnt add anything new to the genre, apart from non-steering cars (reminds me of gta IV) -requests an even longer-than-usual "grind" through low-tier cars before you can unlock anything worth driving. -physics engine makes for fun times, because its a joke"0" -very bad console port: all the menus are a pain and being able to use the mouse to select stuff would be so much easier. -it doesnt add anything new to the genre, apart from non-steering cars (reminds me of gta IV) -requests an even longer-than-usual "grind" through low-tier cars before you can unlock anything worth driving. -physics engine makes for fun times, because its a joke
    i dont understand why they bothered to add vinyls and such when there is no way you can see them since there is no 3rd person camera, meaning driving different cars doesnt change the experience by much. all you'll notice is better speed, etc
    ive been playing and loving NFS since porche unleashed. ive completed the careers for underground 1&2; most wanted, carbon, i liked them all, yet i uninstalled shift after 2 days.. -all the (terribly boring) cutscenes (for example before and after each race) cannot be skipped.
    the critics who gave this an 83 mustve been either high or very well paid.    … Expand
  50. RuneS
    Jan 25, 2010
    6
    Awesome graphics but thats about it. Driving the cars is like driving a car on scalectrix track.You get no input through the wheel.
  51. 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!
  52. PeterTechGuy
    Dec 29, 2009
    7
    Need for Speed: Shift is like a gateway drug to the world of hardcore simulations. With all driver aids on - easy opponents, automatic braking, traction control, no damage, driving line - the game's circuits can be navigated with one hand on the controller. Turn them off and it's totally different. Your opponents aggressively attack you. Take a corner at speed and you'll Need for Speed: Shift is like a gateway drug to the world of hardcore simulations. With all driver aids on - easy opponents, automatic braking, traction control, no damage, driving line - the game's circuits can be navigated with one hand on the controller. Turn them off and it's totally different. Your opponents aggressively attack you. Take a corner at speed and you'll spin out. Crash at all and it's game over. Shift is the first racing game where I've wanted to drive using nothing but cockpit view. It's thrilling, peering over the steering wheel as the screen shakes slightly because of the speed, feeling like the car is just moments away from flight. It also seems authentic. Shift is an excellent balancing act between arcade racing and simulated driving, but there's danger when mixing styles that you end up satisfying neither group of fans. The hardcore get annoyed by all the whoosh-banging menus and lapses of detail. The common man gets intimidated by statistics and toe angles, that's why the user score is far lower than critic score. But Shift is the best attempt in a while at providing something that balances both, while providing a route for the unintiated into an imposing genre.… Expand
  53. 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
  54. 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
  55. WillX
    Dec 5, 2009
    2
    This is not a game designed for a PC audience. Console control themes permeate the game too much and make it far too annoying to play. Bad physics, terrible control, not-quite-there visuals and a half-hearted attempt at intruding into the sim genre rather than staying closer to NFS's more arcade style roots makes for a dismal game. Bring back NFS 2 SE.
  56. JohnC
    Nov 30, 2009
    2
    This was a huge disappointment. The cars do not drive well; the AI drivers are terrible slowing down way too much at turns; and when you do inevitably hit another car, the collision physics is embarrassing. It is not a fun game to play at all. The cockpit view is unimpressive and the effects are forced. If you want to play a game with a great cockpit, try Dirt2.
  57. 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.
  58. DavidM
    Nov 11, 2009
    6
    Lot's has been said here already. If you like Arcade/semi-sim racers and you own a copy of GRID don't bother with this; you will be disappointed! GRID although older, is in the opinion of this veteran sim racing driver superior in every way! If you own neither of these "games" buy GRID used for the above reason and it will be a fraction of the price. If you think this is to Lot's has been said here already. If you like Arcade/semi-sim racers and you own a copy of GRID don't bother with this; you will be disappointed! GRID although older, is in the opinion of this veteran sim racing driver superior in every way! If you own neither of these "games" buy GRID used for the above reason and it will be a fraction of the price. If you think this is to difficult to drive don't bother with any of the simbim driving simulations, they make this look easy. IF you want real hardcore sim racing don't bother with Shift or Grid, buy GTR2 for next to nothing. This is the pinnacle of the genera and given the decline of the excellence of PC gaming and rise of console mediocrity it will likely never be surpassed! Codemaster is our only hope. BTY Who is paying the so called expert reviewers who gave this 8 and 9 out of 10? Kudos to "PC format" for having the guts to tell everyone the truth. I'll give this 6 out of 10. If I though it was the best they could do. I would have given them 7 out of 10 but I know that they could have done a lot better if they wanted to.… Expand
  59. 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.
  60. ZakJones!
    Oct 23, 2009
    6
    NFS:S, while far from the simulation game it looks to be, is easily worth a rental. My main complaints are the handling and physics. Never once in the game did I go around a corner without sliding the back end. The damage engine is worthless. It's possible to slide your Aston Martin into a wall at 80MPH and come away with nothing more than a slight pull to the left. The cockpit view, NFS:S, while far from the simulation game it looks to be, is easily worth a rental. My main complaints are the handling and physics. Never once in the game did I go around a corner without sliding the back end. The damage engine is worthless. It's possible to slide your Aston Martin into a wall at 80MPH and come away with nothing more than a slight pull to the left. The cockpit view, however, is pretty freaking sweet. I've never been able to drive from the cockpit view, even though I'd like to consider myself a simulation driver. They're too cramped, too wide, too narrow, too whatever, to drive from. In NFS:S, however, the cockpit view is spectacular! I absolutely loved it. The blurring at speed was a little over the top, but it's not TOO bad. Like I said, worth a rental, but not MSRP.… Expand
  61. 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.
  62. 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
  63. 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.
  64. 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
  65. Eddy
    Oct 20, 2009
    0
    Poorly optimised, flashy graphics, shitty "revolutionary" physics engine (you run your car into a wall at 200 MPH and all that happens is your fender falls off) 2008's GRID beats the crap out of this game in every way, except shiny cockpit effects and graphics... WAY overrated.
  66. glennf
    Oct 20, 2009
    3
    Well been looking forward to this game for a while now and to tell ya the truth... totally disappointed, the handling of these cars in this game is nothing short of crap, not fun and not worth purchasing. It would seem the highlights of EA's franchise is underground 2 which, ok wasn't THAT realistic compared to simbins games (gtr 1+2, gt legends and RACE) or to codemasters grid, Well been looking forward to this game for a while now and to tell ya the truth... totally disappointed, the handling of these cars in this game is nothing short of crap, not fun and not worth purchasing. It would seem the highlights of EA's franchise is underground 2 which, ok wasn't THAT realistic compared to simbins games (gtr 1+2, gt legends and RACE) or to codemasters grid, but it was fun to play, gave you a fair amount of a challenge and didn't pretend to be anything that it wasn't, a true simulator. OK the graphics might be pretty but that's the only thing good i can say about it and to be honest when your immersed in a game you kinda forget all the sparkling polygons flying by because your concentrating and having fun. So my advice would be leave this drissmal game on the shelf, save 15 or 20 quid and go buy GRID, Dirt or a simbim game, i guess the next racing game to look forward to is codemasters f1 2009 game, and unlike EA, codemasters don't continually let you down.… Expand
  67. Tek
    Oct 19, 2009
    0
    Terrible. Absolutely terrible. Whoever wrote the physics engine for this game has obviously never driven a car above 12mph. The controls, even after careful adjustment and much trial, are atrocious. Either severe over or understeer, with no possible solution between. New in-cockpit view? Give me a break. Vision blurring as soon as the car breaks 100mph? I've never seen the gauges in Terrible. Absolutely terrible. Whoever wrote the physics engine for this game has obviously never driven a car above 12mph. The controls, even after careful adjustment and much trial, are atrocious. Either severe over or understeer, with no possible solution between. New in-cockpit view? Give me a break. Vision blurring as soon as the car breaks 100mph? I've never seen the gauges in my car fade to a fogged texture at speed. Feel every bump? Oh yeah. Every single one that's not there. The AI is pathetic, the driving sucks, the upgrades are the same bolt-on no-sense crap usually found in NFS games. The car stats are bar graphs. This game really is EA's attempt to make a Grid, and it's a miserable failure. If you're looking at this for your next driver, go get Grid.… Expand
  68. MichaelH
    Oct 18, 2009
    1
    Game runs smoothly on my core i7 and 4850, that wasn't a problem for me. What is a problem is that every single car feels like it's a stick of butter flying around on the track. It is impossible to drive any of these cars. There is no reason to not have default keyboard controls setup properly for a playable game.
  69. pipelinecache
    Oct 17, 2009
    5
    I really tried liking the game. At first glance it looks and feels like a decent race simulator but once you dive deeper it starts to fall apart. I'm quite a racing fan and have played tons of racing games, both semi arcade and simulation, but I can't recall having so much frustration with one of them like I did with NFS Shift. There is so much wrong with this game. The controls I really tried liking the game. At first glance it looks and feels like a decent race simulator but once you dive deeper it starts to fall apart. I'm quite a racing fan and have played tons of racing games, both semi arcade and simulation, but I can't recall having so much frustration with one of them like I did with NFS Shift. There is so much wrong with this game. The controls being the main issue. I tried playing it with my xbox360 gamepad but it's just way too sensitive. Steering (which is pretty useful while driving) is so hard because your driver is turning the wheel left and right at the speed of light. There's no linear delay. Add the factor of some realistic friction and even your Fiat Panda will go ice skating after each corner. This actually concerns the main skill you'll need for the game: DO NOT SPIN OUT. In general all the opponents are way slower but don't seem to suffer from faulty monkey steering wheels. You can however tweak the controls (did didn't really work for me) and maybe a future patch will solve this problem but till then I don't recommend this game to anyone without a steering wheel (and helmet). Don't even think you can play this game with only a keyboard. Another issue are the loading times. I've quite an high-end game machine but the loading times are way too long. Most of this time the hard disk isn't active so the game is probably precalculating, which could have been done in advance and saved on disk. Even when the next event contains the same drivers, the same track, the same everything: the loading screen appears (with some very exciting hints and tips). There's a mini map in the lower right corner, which shows the track you're racing. This is ofcourse quite handy if you don't know the track and it would be alot handier if it didn't have an alpha blending of 20%. It's way too transparent to be any helpful. What I do like however was the great cockpit view. I mostly race all games in from the cockpit view but this one is without doubt the best. The fov is just right and the blur effects are great. The graphics are good/okay. But nothing near breathtaking. I've played the game on a GTX285 and it runs fine (ofcourse), but since the lack of polish in all other areas it wouldn't surprise me that you actually need quite a decent card. Don't believe the skin deep reviews on the web. A user score of 45(!) against 85 should say enough.… Expand
  70. DanG
    Oct 16, 2009
    1
    Very choppy, and unplayable, on even a high end machine. Physics are sloppy and arcade like. Why would you want to see your wheel and hands in motion especially when you are using a wheel and can see your own???
  71. 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.
  72. Remi
    Oct 14, 2009
    1
    I gave 1 for graphics... it work good as expected. When I'd launch NFSS first time and run the first 2 laps I though Im just so bad and i dont understand physics of that game. After that i tryed to finish first race... it was impossible. car spinning around like twister! turning was terrible.. like online with ping 450-600. I was frustrated by cut scens taking ages to start race I gave 1 for graphics... it work good as expected. When I'd launch NFSS first time and run the first 2 laps I though Im just so bad and i dont understand physics of that game. After that i tryed to finish first race... it was impossible. car spinning around like twister! turning was terrible.. like online with ping 450-600. I was frustrated by cut scens taking ages to start race every restart. finaly i decide to quit. and what happed? THERE IS NO QUIT IN MENU DURING FIRST RACE !!!!!!!!!!!! that is just unforgivable. Need for Speed SHIFT is actualy WORST race game i've ever played.… Expand
  73. AlexV
    Oct 14, 2009
    2
    Inferior to GRID in every way. The single most important point in a racing game is the handling. In Shift it's horribly broken. Graphic effects are strange, at 60mph in cockpit view you'd think youre car is falling appart. KI is dumb, too.
  74. BlakeE
    Oct 13, 2009
    3
    Phil.... Gamespot was one of the two review sites to review the game right. (The other was Eurogamer.) The rest of the sites must have been paid off by EA. Seriously, this game doesn't deserve a 6, and it is a crime to rate it a 9! The sound is terrible! What the heck is the hype! The handling and physics could have been put into a game called "Gas Powered Shopping Carts!) and been Phil.... Gamespot was one of the two review sites to review the game right. (The other was Eurogamer.) The rest of the sites must have been paid off by EA. Seriously, this game doesn't deserve a 6, and it is a crime to rate it a 9! The sound is terrible! What the heck is the hype! The handling and physics could have been put into a game called "Gas Powered Shopping Carts!) and been awesome, but retarded. The cockpit of my vehicle in real life does not tremble and shake when I get to 60 mph, sorry. I don't get tunnel vision at 70 either. If you hit the nitrous in this game the engine revs up no matter what speed you are going! I was going 160mph in my 700hp Camaro 2010 and hit the nitrous and it fricken went from 6000rpm to rev limiter and the speed went up 2mph! Like it was on ice. What the **** EA! The handling model from Need For Speed underground would have been better than this!… Expand
  75. BreonnE
    Oct 13, 2009
    4
    I don't think the game was as bad as some of the other before me seem to think, a bit too harsh. but the game is a disappointment. i liked the graphics, on par with Forza and Grand Turismo, but the comparisons stop there. handling and physics are really poor, especially on the supercars(which is why i bought the game in the first place). also, it looks like there is suppose to be a I don't think the game was as bad as some of the other before me seem to think, a bit too harsh. but the game is a disappointment. i liked the graphics, on par with Forza and Grand Turismo, but the comparisons stop there. handling and physics are really poor, especially on the supercars(which is why i bought the game in the first place). also, it looks like there is suppose to be a story line, but its extremely crappy. boss races(or rival races) don't have any meaning, unlike in previous nfs games. i personally think nfs need to go back to its roots, thats where they grew their fanbase. their gonna lose all of their support if they keep pumping out games like this.… Expand
  76. LucaD
    Oct 12, 2009
    9
    I'll start by saying that I'm not really a 'racing-game'-fan. After playing this game, I think I've become one. I plugged in my joystick, and set the graphics to high. First I had to configure a lot of settings, but once that was done, the fun started ! This game has very nice graphics, but it sure doesn't end here. Once I started playing, I simply I'll start by saying that I'm not really a 'racing-game'-fan. After playing this game, I think I've become one. I plugged in my joystick, and set the graphics to high. First I had to configure a lot of settings, but once that was done, the fun started ! This game has very nice graphics, but it sure doesn't end here. Once I started playing, I simply couldn't stop. The game really puts you in the driver's seat. This game might not be the most realistic racing game out there, but it sure is a lot of fun playing. And after all that's the only thing that counts. If you have a pc that fullfills the requirements, I see no reason why you shouldn't buy this game!… Expand
  77. MichaelK
    Oct 12, 2009
    6
    Although I usually purchase for the PC, this time I just wanted to try out this game on my PS3. Although the game is visually and aurally magnificent, once you're past the first few tiers and get into the higher level cars, the game just falls apart. As previously mentioned here, the bugs simply prevent this game from getting any higher of a score. It took me forever to beat the Although I usually purchase for the PC, this time I just wanted to try out this game on my PS3. Although the game is visually and aurally magnificent, once you're past the first few tiers and get into the higher level cars, the game just falls apart. As previously mentioned here, the bugs simply prevent this game from getting any higher of a score. It took me forever to beat the Bugatti Veyron Invitational thanks to the bouncing physics problem, and then when I did, the game caused my PS3 to reset to the XMB! That's happened over 4 times since I started playing on Friday. That's simply ridiculous! It blows my mind the review that have been given by the above websites. Did they play it any farther than Tier 2? Just a horrible, horrible job...where was the QA on this game? EA still hasn't learned that the developers need time to get things right. I expect more from a Console game. I expect it to be near bug-free and to just work. Now, console games are apparently no different than what has become of PC gaming. Release then Patch. EA has reall screwed the pooch on this one. I'm returning it on Monday and picking up GRID or Dirt 2 instead. Shame on the professional reviewers, too! You guys have lost alot of respect from me on this one!… Expand
  78. TomS
    Oct 11, 2009
    8
    It took a bit of tweaking to get the controls adjusted, but once that was done the game is great. It's not the kind of game you can just floor it and go, nor is it the best simulator out there, it's just something fun. Kind of a cross between the simulation and arcade styles. The cars them selves don't match their real world equivalents, but meh, it's still a fun game.
  79. JamesB
    Oct 11, 2009
    0
    Seriously anyone who gave this game a high score works for EA and is simply uploading good reviews. Why is there no one who says the game is alright but needs to improve in certain areas? because its a huge propaganda campaign: 1. get all the reviewers and, well, employees to say how great this game is. 2. Watch as it sells millions of copies. 3. Laugh as you go to the bank! Seriously Seriously anyone who gave this game a high score works for EA and is simply uploading good reviews. Why is there no one who says the game is alright but needs to improve in certain areas? because its a huge propaganda campaign: 1. get all the reviewers and, well, employees to say how great this game is. 2. Watch as it sells millions of copies. 3. Laugh as you go to the bank! Seriously don't buy this game and when you read a good review of this game don't believe it, what have I got to gain by saying its a bad game when actually it's a good game? it is the worst game ever!!!… Expand
  80. DaveL
    Oct 11, 2009
    1
    You cannot be serious? Why is this game getting high ratings? Graphically, this game is sound. A few glitches here and there, but otherwise visually stunning: and that's where the good stuff ends. The cars handle like shopping trolleys whether you're using a steering wheel or a gamepad, whether you have all the assists on or off, it's makes absolutely zero difference to You cannot be serious? Why is this game getting high ratings? Graphically, this game is sound. A few glitches here and there, but otherwise visually stunning: and that's where the good stuff ends. The cars handle like shopping trolleys whether you're using a steering wheel or a gamepad, whether you have all the assists on or off, it's makes absolutely zero difference to whether your car handles like it's supposed to. I am constantly wrestling with every car, some may say this is how a simulation is supposed to be... all lies. a simulation is supposed to be realistic. This game however, is not; even as an arcade racer, it just isn't fun to play. If there was ever a case where the high-profile reviewers were allured by EA, this is it. Shocking game, if you want to buy a decent racing game until F1 2010 comes out, may I suggest Grid, GTR2 or Dirt.… Expand
  81. SimonD.
    Oct 9, 2009
    9
    Wow, impressed. I thought GRID was the best it could be but I was wrong. NFS: Shift is good for multiple reason. On PC, it looks really good. Cars are incredibly detailed. The dashboards are incredible. I could play on very high detail with 16x AF and 2x AA and it was really fluid except on some rare occasion when you'd have 8-10 cars bumping on each other in a curve. It's Wow, impressed. I thought GRID was the best it could be but I was wrong. NFS: Shift is good for multiple reason. On PC, it looks really good. Cars are incredibly detailed. The dashboards are incredible. I could play on very high detail with 16x AF and 2x AA and it was really fluid except on some rare occasion when you'd have 8-10 cars bumping on each other in a curve. It's really not serious however. The controls are really advanced. If you play with a gamepad, you really can't use experience steering. I did it for half of the game. It works but it's really frustrating and I don't recommend it. Playing on normal with adjusted deadzones and sensibility, it started to shine. All the curves were tricky and rewarding but not frustrating. AI is tough. I'm playing at medium and I'm regularly beaten. You can't really win without going a bit on the risky side. I guess it could be easier if I bumbed other cars more but I don't find it as fun as going for precision and working my way up by making perfect corners. The game XP system is rewarding. Making perfect corner (following the help line while not touching another car or grass and by following speed guideline) marked the curve as Mastered. If you master all the curves of a track, you get a kind of achievement. Great stuff. I also like that you get point when you cleanly pass someone. If you trade paint, you'll also get points however so.. whatever happen, you never feel screwed. Always finish race because even if you loose, you'll get XP for the track. So it's still great stuff. You can also concentrate to master curve for example. The physic can be a bit screwed up however. It's easy to completely lift another car in the air by just going for his back-side. It's a bit weird and when it happen, cars looks like toys. When you crash in a wall or take a car from the side, it looks perfect however. You get AWESOME feedback with blur and the screen desaturate. You really get confused youself and seriously.. crashing hurts. It's so good in fact that I hope to see more game do that. The driver animations inside the car are awesome too. When taking a rough turn, you see the driver really holding the wheel hard and going with all his strength. You can almost feel the Gs yourself. To me, it's more technical than GRID by far. Grid had more arcade feel, even if it's awesomely rewarding too. In Grid, I can absently do a track and win. In NFS, you can't. You have to really focus on the track and put a little somehting that'll make a difference. Tracks are beautiful. Some curves are really tricky and the line help really had to the driving experience. I haven't finish the game yet but I'm on Tier 3 now. What I didn't like was that the tracks were often only 2 laps. It makes things really short and if you don't go aggressive from the very beginning, you just can't win. I would have prefered 4 laps or something like that. I'll have to see if I can change that for career. I know you can in Quick Race however. You seem REALLY limited in term of racing type. You get Racing, Drift, Battles, Time Attack. I liked Grid Drift FreeStyle and the Togue. Time attack just feel exactly like Races but lap-time count instead of race time. Battles are even less fun. While technical, it feel a bit plain to me and if you crash, there seem to be an elastic logic where the AI will go less fast. I didn't like it. The game is still worth trying however, really. I don't call it a definitive buy but if you're looking for a new racing game and are interested by racing simulation, I'd take this. You'll get challenged by every corners! If you prefer a more arcade feel, take GRID. Drift is REALLY tricky. I only tried it on experienced handling. I'll have to try again. It took me a long time to even get the race and I never did one cleanly. Definitely more technical. 8.7/10 ATI HD4870, Intel E8400, 4GB of RAM and Win7.… Expand
  82. StefL
    Oct 9, 2009
    5
    I'm getting old... While during the time of NFS the first and NFS SE my TT rankings were on a hair length from the world record without having to dedicate one bedroom for a formula 1 cockpit Fair play, playability (Sidewinder 3d pro) and days of training motivated by an unrivaled sense of immersion of open road driving supercar feeling NFS Shift lets down quickly. Driving skills need I'm getting old... While during the time of NFS the first and NFS SE my TT rankings were on a hair length from the world record without having to dedicate one bedroom for a formula 1 cockpit Fair play, playability (Sidewinder 3d pro) and days of training motivated by an unrivaled sense of immersion of open road driving supercar feeling NFS Shift lets down quickly. Driving skills need to be maintained. You really thinks that after 15 years you can still handle a super car? + Graphics they are very ok especially in motion + Sounds of engines: lovely + Sense of speed + We can buy some upgrades -Drifting occurs at slow speeds on roads that are wide as a highway (I hereby thank 89 Audi 80 Turbodiesel with Econo 175 width tires for saving my life many times at high speed 90km / hr corners) -Learning curve by fake realism -Tuning controls can be a pain (unlike Grid, you have to quit your race to fine tune sensitivity, dead point etc,... Crazy) -No damage model, no punishment, no total loss. (apart from the hood obstructing your view) -because of no damage model you can skillfully use other cars as means of braking -because lacking damage model results in lack of tension and educational value like in Toca 3 (cars are supposed to be higly vulnarable to impact / abuse just like the humans they contain) Despite the renewed realism touch, NFS Shift's damage model is so bad it compares to playing a FPS in god mode. I can reassure those of you preferring the god mode racing that the all times standard view where you "control" the care by floating in the air 10m behind your car is still available (tradition dating from the times that rendering a cockpit was technically impossible.) Missed chance. I see no evolution here so I can only conclude this game is aimed at the next army of teenagers that plays their first likewise racer.… Expand
  83. AdamH
    Oct 7, 2009
    3
    Overly generic racing game with sub-par handling and controls, boring career progression, AI that doesn't function on the same rule set as the player, the list goes on. The game looks good though and a lot of people seem to be basing their entire decision on whether or not this is a good game on the graphics. One thing must be noted, approx 40% of the races in career mode do not use Overly generic racing game with sub-par handling and controls, boring career progression, AI that doesn't function on the same rule set as the player, the list goes on. The game looks good though and a lot of people seem to be basing their entire decision on whether or not this is a good game on the graphics. One thing must be noted, approx 40% of the races in career mode do not use your car that you customise throughout the game. Overall, a very disappointing game.… Expand
  84. andrewr
    Oct 7, 2009
    3
    A broad range of tracks, cars, challenges and upgrades make for a promising new title from EA. However, poorly executed physics and unrewarding gameplay dissapoint all round. The game has a very uneven learning curve where smaller races are far too easy and then become disproportionally more difficult with each progression through the game. If you're likely to be using the keyboard A broad range of tracks, cars, challenges and upgrades make for a promising new title from EA. However, poorly executed physics and unrewarding gameplay dissapoint all round. The game has a very uneven learning curve where smaller races are far too easy and then become disproportionally more difficult with each progression through the game. If you're likely to be using the keyboard rather than a wheel, don't buy this game, buy GRID instead. The controls are so unforgiving that all the rear wheel drive cars (almost all of the top-end ones) are unusable because of uncontrolable oversteer round the gentlest of corners. If you do have a wheel, you still won't be impressed as the physics and car control are well below standard. The graphics are completely unremarkable and don't measure up to Gran Turismo 3 on a PS2. In particular, dissapearing objects and cars in the rear-view look rubbish. Despite being relatively large compared to other titles like GRID, the game feels poorly finished and generally unsatisfying. It just doesn't measure up.… Expand
  85. Odd
    Oct 7, 2009
    9
    Fantastic game which makes my heart race every time I fire it up. The most fun I've had with a near-simulated driving game. Totally realistic graphics and gameplay, but take the time to configure your controller yourself - it's worth it. Runs great on my ATi (AMD) HD4850x2 on crossfire @ 1920x1200 all highest settings >50 fps. Single GPU works fine with AA turned down or off. I Fantastic game which makes my heart race every time I fire it up. The most fun I've had with a near-simulated driving game. Totally realistic graphics and gameplay, but take the time to configure your controller yourself - it's worth it. Runs great on my ATi (AMD) HD4850x2 on crossfire @ 1920x1200 all highest settings >50 fps. Single GPU works fine with AA turned down or off. I pity those who had a hissyfit and given this a low score without looking further into it. Adjust your settings and you'll love the game. Zero? How immature.… Expand
  86. BAMBAM
    Oct 6, 2009
    9
    Great driving game. Everyone who is giving this game a bad score must be flippin retarded. I have never played a racing sim that is this good. When Im playing in the cock pit view with a 7.1 surround sound system and a 24 in. monitor it really feels like i am driving the vehicle. I get so into i am startled when im actually wrecking feeling the shock of impact. Once again i must say great Great driving game. Everyone who is giving this game a bad score must be flippin retarded. I have never played a racing sim that is this good. When Im playing in the cock pit view with a 7.1 surround sound system and a 24 in. monitor it really feels like i am driving the vehicle. I get so into i am startled when im actually wrecking feeling the shock of impact. Once again i must say great game. The only flaw is that it is to easy to make money to buy the best cars. Other than that the gameplay is flawless.… Expand
  87. DannyB.
    Oct 6, 2009
    3
    I was really looking forward to this, the nfs franchise moving forward in what i thought was the correct way, although i do miss the old ones (cop chases in particular) This game is pretty bad. It try's to be semi realistic, yes maybe the cockpits are kind of there, however, the handling of the cars is rediculous. utterly brainless. The graphics are too. Lots of nice flashy rubbish, I was really looking forward to this, the nfs franchise moving forward in what i thought was the correct way, although i do miss the old ones (cop chases in particular) This game is pretty bad. It try's to be semi realistic, yes maybe the cockpits are kind of there, however, the handling of the cars is rediculous. utterly brainless. The graphics are too. Lots of nice flashy rubbish, which doesnt represent anything close to even semi realism. Its all very tacky. oh so tacky.. its even tackier than the underground series. It feels more like a meeting in a car park with your suped up corsa than any other nfs game. The controls are also really really bad... I tried and failed to get any kind of feeling of the cars with my logitech g25. The sensitivity is all over the place, and the same goes with the deadzone, no matter how hard i try to mess around with the settings, its either way too sensitive or i not at all.. Some of the reviews ive read are laughable, 9.0's and 80%+ haha, it almost makes me wonder if they are paying the magazines/reviewers to give it an obviously fake score... This was the nail in the coffin for nfs. once an amazing cop chasing/robber chasing thrill ride, to a local meet up at tesco's car park with a few chavs, who have the brainpower of 0. what a joke....(although the gfx are nice :P ).… Expand
  88. hardikzalawadia
    Oct 6, 2009
    10
    FOR THOSE OF U WHO SAY THAT U CAN KEEP CONTOL OF THE CAR AFTER 60 MHP, U R IDOITS WHO CANT CONTROL THE CAR. DON'T PLAY RACING IF U SUCK

    NFS SHIFT ONE OUT YET. THE GAME IS JUS THOUGH FOR THE PROS. DON'T COMPLAIN UNLESS U PLAYED IT. AND DONT COMPLAIN IF U STINK.
    10/10 FOR NFS
  89. HiredG
    Sep 30, 2009
    3
    A polished turd, clearly made for consoles, with little respect shown to the PC. Has a capable engine deep within, which is severely dumbed down to appeal to the mediocre console masses. An obvious attempt by EA to maximize profits by trying to be a sim and an arcade racer in one with watered down results. They have made a lot of money with it, but it's one big sell out.
  90. SandyG
    Sep 30, 2009
    6
    For all those that expected it to be street racing, its not. Thats why everyone is giving it bad reviews. i have played the game a lot. got used to it and turns out its not bad at all. Car selection is amazing, just cant see it beating forza motorsport 3. Personally i was expecting street racing but its not. theres no other leading games designers doing street racing games i wonder why.
  91. MikeP.
    Sep 30, 2009
    0
    This is not only the worst NFS game ever, it is the worst racing simulation for a PC ever. It is simply appalling in every way. Even if they get to patching it, they surely have blown the Christmas season by letting this out in such a state. I'm returning mine and getting another copy of RFactor instead. Just mind-boggling how poor the final product turned out.
  92. TonyL
    Sep 30, 2009
    1
    This game is a complete fail. If you are looking for a solid sim racer, this is not it. It is not realistic at all, graphics are cheap, control and feeling is horrible. This game is not worth your money, don't believe the critics and avoid this game. I'm giving this game a 1 just because it ran flawlessly on a GTX 280, 4GB DDR2, Q9550 4Ghz, 19x10 res, and every setting at almost This game is a complete fail. If you are looking for a solid sim racer, this is not it. It is not realistic at all, graphics are cheap, control and feeling is horrible. This game is not worth your money, don't believe the critics and avoid this game. I'm giving this game a 1 just because it ran flawlessly on a GTX 280, 4GB DDR2, Q9550 4Ghz, 19x10 res, and every setting at almost max. And even then, the graphics are still cheap and fake.… Expand
  93. ChrisC
    Sep 29, 2009
    7
    First of all, to all these tools saying about how bad the handling is, it is because you have it on easy, and your playing with a keyboard. Before even thinking of commenting on how a racing game handles play it on a Logitech G25 and on the Simulation settings. I laugh at these idiots complaining how bad the physics and handling is when they are playing it with WASD or arrows. Second of First of all, to all these tools saying about how bad the handling is, it is because you have it on easy, and your playing with a keyboard. Before even thinking of commenting on how a racing game handles play it on a Logitech G25 and on the Simulation settings. I laugh at these idiots complaining how bad the physics and handling is when they are playing it with WASD or arrows. Second of all, this game is only 1 in 3 NFS games coming out for real systems. The other 2 is a free run game set in Carbon and Most Wanted and is only online where you have a sandbox mode and play with people around the world. The other game is a tuner game made by Criteron. So obviously this game is made to please the semi-arcade gamers. IMO, this game is very enjoyable when played wiht a simulation spec wheel and there is nothing better than going round the 'Ring in a Zonda R, as this game does perfectly. Please wait until the other NFS come before complaining that its not like MW or Underground.… Expand
  94. JakeE
    Sep 29, 2009
    0
    Can i just say, that this game is absolutely awful. ive been a fan of need for speed since the glory days of hot pursuit, i enjoyed playin underground 1&2 over and over, after that tho, the nfs series just got worse and worse. i seen it advertise on the telly, this shift, and thought it looks good, granted its nice to look at, and has good graphics, but the game play is rubbish, the Can i just say, that this game is absolutely awful. ive been a fan of need for speed since the glory days of hot pursuit, i enjoyed playin underground 1&2 over and over, after that tho, the nfs series just got worse and worse. i seen it advertise on the telly, this shift, and thought it looks good, granted its nice to look at, and has good graphics, but the game play is rubbish, the physics arent even there i dont think, there is no sense of control as soon as you hit high speed, it feels as tho your driving on ice. my computer is an alienware, with core i7 extreme processor, and a gtx295 graph card, and it still runs absoloutly shoking. this game is a waist of time and money, if i were you, get a 360 and wait for forza 3, for those who have played previous forza games, youll no its amazing and its generally brilliant.… Expand
  95. PhilS.
    Sep 28, 2009
    0
    What the hell is this garbage you see the ads on tv and wow it looks amazing you read the reviews on IGN and gamespot (until now i respected their reviews) and your thinking finally a good NFS since underground 1 & 2. when in reality you sit down to play, admitably the graphics are very pretty but sadly that's where it ends. As soon as you hit 60MPH it feels like somebody has What the hell is this garbage you see the ads on tv and wow it looks amazing you read the reviews on IGN and gamespot (until now i respected their reviews) and your thinking finally a good NFS since underground 1 & 2. when in reality you sit down to play, admitably the graphics are very pretty but sadly that's where it ends. As soon as you hit 60MPH it feels like somebody has replaced your suspension with pogo sticks the cars cant even drive in a straight line without losing control. This has to be one of the worst driving games on handling and physics since the PS1 days and i have played loads of Driving games since then. If you want a Sim get Race07 GTR or Forza if you want Arcade get GRID until something else comes along that honestly is better. All i can say is roll on forza 3 good times to come :) avoid this EA lack of creativity garbage EA big boys are killing the industry by eating up all the little boys they are killing the imagination that came from the numerous small guys that used to be out there how long are we the consumer going to put up with this and this trend that has been happening since the beginning of this decade. slightly mad studios is about the most appropriate name i could come up for the developers you have to be mad if you think this absolute s**t is going to compete with Forza, Grid, Colin Mcrae and dare i say the evil PS3 Gran Turismo (lol) all these titles leave you standing eating their brake dust if you had any sense of decency you should call in a product recall redevelop this tripe and refund all the mugs like myself that believed the paid of reviewers and the well presented ad campaigns. (i did give it a fair attempt of 2 days of frustration i cant take no more after upgrading my RX8 to max spec it still handles like a robin reliant with two fat ladies sat in the back).… Expand
  96. IsaacM.
    Sep 28, 2009
    6
    I would have given it 9/10 if it could run on 4870 the way it run on GTS 250, but bugs are PC user`s way of life. Has terrible AI and super cars are not realistic, e.g Bugati beaten by a Zonda and muscle cars are undriveable. Compared to Grid, the game is big and has replayable value, but it looks to be a rushed job. To be honest, with all problems i enjoyed it and playing it on higher I would have given it 9/10 if it could run on 4870 the way it run on GTS 250, but bugs are PC user`s way of life. Has terrible AI and super cars are not realistic, e.g Bugati beaten by a Zonda and muscle cars are undriveable. Compared to Grid, the game is big and has replayable value, but it looks to be a rushed job. To be honest, with all problems i enjoyed it and playing it on higher difficulty second time around and am more experienced to deal with the AI and the racing line… Expand
  97. DannyK
    Sep 27, 2009
    0
    Simply awful game. Deserves a negative vote.
  98. RossM.
    Sep 27, 2009
    0
    How did this game pass the testing phase? It's awful on every level. The graphics are dull and lifeless, the engine is old, the gameplay is static and repetitive but worst of all is the handling is akin to doing aerobics in cement. The NFS really dropped the ball on this one.
  99. zimaf
    Sep 27, 2009
    5
    Wow. 85 average according to critics and only 5 out of 10 according to users? this shows that either critics are all sucking up to companies and thus should not be trusted... or are completely out of touch with the gamers and thus... should not be trusted. what a paradox! but seriously. giving this fish 85? that's hypocrisy. GRID or GTR are not dead yet to warrant the urge of gamers Wow. 85 average according to critics and only 5 out of 10 according to users? this shows that either critics are all sucking up to companies and thus should not be trusted... or are completely out of touch with the gamers and thus... should not be trusted. what a paradox! but seriously. giving this fish 85? that's hypocrisy. GRID or GTR are not dead yet to warrant the urge of gamers to buy anything with a word 'racing' in the description. hence, if you have any of the mentioned games, you already own a game more advanced, better looking and handling than SHIFT.… Expand
  100. Protec
    Sep 26, 2009
    8
    Great driving game, runs smooth with e8600 + 8800GT and 4GB ram + Vista. Good physics, very good. But the controls are bit sloppy. Not very sharp. Great engine sounds. Who needs music if you can listen to the roaring engines. And stop complaining about bad physics and sliding cars. This game requires that you use brakes too ;) Great and lots of fun. Every racing game fan should pick this Great driving game, runs smooth with e8600 + 8800GT and 4GB ram + Vista. Good physics, very good. But the controls are bit sloppy. Not very sharp. Great engine sounds. Who needs music if you can listen to the roaring engines. And stop complaining about bad physics and sliding cars. This game requires that you use brakes too ;) Great and lots of fun. Every racing game fan should pick this up. Good mix or realism and arcade. Best racing game of the year so far. NFS Rebirth indeed.… Expand
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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

All reviews »
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.
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  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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