Need for Speed: Shift

 PlayStation 3
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 148 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 148
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 148
  3. Negative: 23 out of 148
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  1. BatmanTheNr1
    Oct 3, 2021
    0
    It's boring, frustrating and hard..... just awful. Please stay away from this
  2. Ardho
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    NFS but racing on the circuit, very fresh and successful, the racing gameplay is really smooth, I love it
  3. ian350850
    May 2, 2021
    7
    Juego muy entretenido, es diferente a los demás Need For Speed, en este caso es tipo Gran Turismo, circuitos en vez de carreras callejeras, cosa que no a todo el publico le puede gustar, en mi caso esta bien, he jugado casi todos los Need For Speed, este le pongo nota mas baja que los demás por ese motivo, también puede ser algo repetitivo y si quieres conseguir el 100% del juego en 2021Juego muy entretenido, es diferente a los demás Need For Speed, en este caso es tipo Gran Turismo, circuitos en vez de carreras callejeras, cosa que no a todo el publico le puede gustar, en mi caso esta bien, he jugado casi todos los Need For Speed, este le pongo nota mas baja que los demás por ese motivo, también puede ser algo repetitivo y si quieres conseguir el 100% del juego en 2021 necesitas un amigo que pueda ayudarte en los trofeos online.

    Jugabilidad 7 de 10 (Depende el coche que uses)
    Gráficos: 8 de 10
    Diversión: 6 de 10 (Puede llegar a ser repetitivo=
    Controles: 7 de 10
    Facilidad de aprendizaje: 8 de 10 (Si juegas muchos juegos de carreras será fácil)
    Tiempo de juego: 7 de 10 (20 Horas historia y 30 Horas el 100%)
    Precio: 9 de 10 ( 5€ )    … Expand
  4. YigidOx2
    Feb 15, 2021
    8
    Not much like NFS. But that's what I love about this game anyway. Racing is very enjoyable. He was caught between simulation and arcade and they used it very well. It's very frustrating to be underrated compared to others.
  5. piuscorvus
    Jun 24, 2020
    7
    This Need For Speed is made as a driving simulator unlike many other Need For Speed games I played. It doesn't have a story mode really but it offers first person perspective. Driving simulation isn't as good in Gran Turismo 5 but it was still fun to play.
  6. KingJailson
    May 10, 2018
    10
    Melhor NFS de simulador, e também meu simulador de corrida favorito, agora acertaram no realismo
  7. Blanche
    Dec 7, 2017
    8
    Surprisingly a very good entry in the NFS series. I didn't think I was going to enjoy it, but the game proved me wrong and showed back then that the franchise was capable of growth beyond traditional street racing culture.

    The game had a large selection of great cars, exciting racing modes and plenty of challenges and foes to tackle. The cockpit view (at the time) was a brilliant    Surprisingly a very good entry in the NFS series. I didn't think I was going to enjoy it, but the game proved me wrong and showed back then that the franchise was capable of growth beyond traditional street racing culture.

    The game had a large selection of great cars, exciting racing modes and plenty of challenges and foes to tackle. The cockpit view (at the time) was a brilliant addition that brought what felt like an entirely new dimension to the gameplay. Of which was sleek, neat and well balanced with great tuning options.

    Weak points: the game didn't have the best visual customisation options and drag racing was omitted - a bit irritating.

    Nonetheless, honestly one of the better entries in the NFS franchise,    … Expand
  8. Shadow1
    May 18, 2016
    8
    This game is good Racing Game . This game there is on PC , Xbox 360 , PS3 , PSP and ios . On PSP this game is sucked , On Ios I didnt see , but I played this game on PC and PS3 . On Xbox 360 didnt play , but I have Xbox 360 . This game even better than Need for Speed Hot Pirsuit . In thus game very good graphics for 2009 and this game , Dirt 2 and Motorstorm Arctic Edge are the best racingThis game is good Racing Game . This game there is on PC , Xbox 360 , PS3 , PSP and ios . On PSP this game is sucked , On Ios I didnt see , but I played this game on PC and PS3 . On Xbox 360 didnt play , but I have Xbox 360 . This game even better than Need for Speed Hot Pirsuit . In thus game very good graphics for 2009 and this game , Dirt 2 and Motorstorm Arctic Edge are the best racing games of 2009 . In this game awesome view from the cockpit and view behind . Very good Racing Game . 8/10… Expand
  9. tsakiym
    May 12, 2015
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything more. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it............................… Expand
  10. Freddo222
    Dec 19, 2014
    7
    First i loved it! The driving felt solid and gave me a feeling of steering a high power racing car! Unfortunately it becomes really frustrating later in the game (or maybe i´m just to bad at driving games...) and the drifting is just awful! Overall it has a good balance between simulation and arcaderacer.
  11. Syriamn
    Oct 22, 2014
    7
    It is a pretty good racing car game it looks and sounds great and the overall concept is well built.
    STORY/CHARACTERS: N/A.
    PRESENTATION: Need for Speed always delivers in this category an Shift is no exception. GAMEPLAY: Solid controls and you'll have no problems with this. PROGRESSION: This is the weak point. It's very confusing and you don't feel a real progression. Yes there are    It is a pretty good racing car game it looks and sounds great and the overall concept is well built.
    STORY/CHARACTERS: N/A.
    PRESENTATION: Need for Speed always delivers in this category an Shift is no exception.
    GAMEPLAY: Solid controls and you'll have no problems with this.
    PROGRESSION: This is the weak point. It's very confusing and you don't feel a real progression. Yes there are different Tiers but it's just not enough...
    NFS: Shift lacks the x factor that DiRT 2 has for example. Not comparing both of the games since they're different. Having said that it's a good car game.    … Expand
  12. fateappointed
    Feb 3, 2014
    7
    Variety: 8 out of 10, Graphics: 8 out of 10, Fun: 7 out of 10, Controls (I used a gaming steering wheel): 7 out of 10, Ease to Learn: 7 out of 10, Length: 8 out of 10, Re-play: 4 out of 10, Value: 7 out of 10
  13. Taz786
    Mar 20, 2013
    9
    Really good driving game. The handling is better then most need for speed games. It looks great, unlimited tuning options, good tracks, a lot of sweet cars, and great concept.
  14. ShadowRamen
    Mar 19, 2012
    9
    excellent game. just started playing it again for my second playthrough. the only thing i dont like, is the fact that there isnt any classic muscle cars (aside from the old tier 1 gtr, but that hardly counts), and the customization is pretty difficult to use. you cant rotate you car in a free camera mode, you also can mirror the images you make on one side of the car to the opposite side.excellent game. just started playing it again for my second playthrough. the only thing i dont like, is the fact that there isnt any classic muscle cars (aside from the old tier 1 gtr, but that hardly counts), and the customization is pretty difficult to use. you cant rotate you car in a free camera mode, you also can mirror the images you make on one side of the car to the opposite side. i also found that a lot of the vinyls that you create look fine on the car in your showroom, but when you bring them out on the track, they skew and rotate into odd angles. i just decided to either go with a flat colour, or choose a preset. other than that, the game looks and plays extremely well, and the addition of "Works" is fantastic. i'm really starting to like the "off the streets" racing games since i played ProStreet.… Expand
  15. spsman69
    Jan 5, 2012
    9
    A quick-to-pick-up racing game. It's really fun, and is easily playable by all. Sound is amazing and the in-car view for every car is simply fantastic. Well worth it.
  16. Palp
    Jul 16, 2011
    7
    Need for speed SHIFT can be seen as either a departure from what the NFS series had been trying to establish by way of releasing illicit street racing games such as NFS Carbon and Undercover for years, or can be seen as a refinement and cleanup of the uneven and heavily flawed NFS ProStreet. The result is a gorgeous attempt at a racing simulator that doesn't quite have what it takes toNeed for speed SHIFT can be seen as either a departure from what the NFS series had been trying to establish by way of releasing illicit street racing games such as NFS Carbon and Undercover for years, or can be seen as a refinement and cleanup of the uneven and heavily flawed NFS ProStreet. The result is a gorgeous attempt at a racing simulator that doesn't quite have what it takes to compete with the best on a gameplay front.

    The best part about this game is easily the graphics, which were the best ever in an NFS game at this time. The tracks, cars, and environmental effects such as lighting all looked incredible on an HD tv, and made this game a graphical showpiece for the multiplatform market, and in a way, the graphical aspect of this game is the only part that really made this game stand above the only other high profile racing sim at the time in the form of Forza 3.

    The gameplay in SHIFT is where Slightly Mad Studios decided to cater to newbies and racing sim vets all in one go with mixed results. While the cars do handle somewhat believably, the sense of speed is absurdly exaggerated, giving the game an awkward blend of both realism and arcade. The result of this middle ground makes gives the game a hard time satisfying either the arcade fans, who want something more along the lines of NFS Most wanted and those who want something more along the lines of Forza 3.

    Had this game committed to being one genre, it could have been so much greater, but it ended up being a solid racer sandwiched between two genres that that ultimately feels disappointing to both the arcade and simulation crowd.    … Expand
  17. SalarymanDaishi
    Dec 21, 2010
    9
    Very entertaining crossbreed of an arcade and a simulation racer, featuring lovingly recreated cabin views for each car, excellent sound effects, and plenty of addictive little challenges to spice up the otherwise mundane campaign mode.
  18. Kithuni
    Dec 3, 2010
    9
    I never cared much for the Need For Speed series but Need For Speed Shift is actually a pretty decent game. Especially now when you can collect it cheap from the bargain bin.
  19. Stealthgear
    Oct 19, 2010
    6
    The physics in this game make it unplayable. Driving feels like a slot car flying out of its track. At first I was impressed with the realistic graphics and sound, but then I realized there is something deeply wrong with the game. It is not as good as NFS Underground or Hot Pursuit 2. Grid is also a better. Game. By the time you read this review nobody will be playing this as EA won't stopThe physics in this game make it unplayable. Driving feels like a slot car flying out of its track. At first I was impressed with the realistic graphics and sound, but then I realized there is something deeply wrong with the game. It is not as good as NFS Underground or Hot Pursuit 2. Grid is also a better. Game. By the time you read this review nobody will be playing this as EA won't stop making garbage NFS games.… Expand
  20. lolsorisnub
    Aug 22, 2010
    0
    "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
  21. SageSmith6079
    Aug 20, 2010
    9
    Great mix of arcade and simulation and.....woah.....speed. I loved Forza 3 and GT5P and hated all th previous NFS franchise offerings but Shift really is in a class of its own. Loved every minute of it and the cockpit view is one of the best of any racing game on the market right now.
    Really looking forward to NFS Shift 2. Please don't mess with it too much you guys at Slightly Mad    Great mix of arcade and simulation and.....woah.....speed. I loved Forza 3 and GT5P and hated all th previous NFS franchise offerings but Shift really is in a class of its own. Loved every minute of it and the cockpit view is one of the best of any racing game on the market right now.
    Really looking forward to NFS Shift 2. Please don't mess with it too much you guys at Slightly Mad Studios. It's not too far off perfect as it is. Favourite car - the Pagani Zonda R is an absolute beast of a motor. Bring in a track editor for the next installment please.    … Expand
  22. harryf308
    Aug 14, 2010
    8
    Good game. Although the single player is certainly repetitive, what could you possibly expect from a racing game?! Love the simple, satisfying driving style. Currently aiming for a lot more trophies now, which isn't made too hard if you look at some online guides. What can I say, a brilliant arcade racing game.
  23. alex
    Jan 2, 2010
    8
    the game should be amazing, but constant gliches arizing from nearly every aspect of hte game slows down the fun. you start a race, the flag girl is standing INSIDE your car. you finish a 30 lap race, the scoring breaks and even if you finished first, you get 9th place. you can't move the decal the way you should. it freezes. the paint all of a sudden pops off your car. all these the game should be amazing, but constant gliches arizing from nearly every aspect of hte game slows down the fun. you start a race, the flag girl is standing INSIDE your car. you finish a 30 lap race, the scoring breaks and even if you finished first, you get 9th place. you can't move the decal the way you should. it freezes. the paint all of a sudden pops off your car. all these little things kills the joy of going 185 mph on the Nurburg ring in a all out duel against a single other opponent. the game would be a 10 if these problems were gone. the need for speed franchise was close on this one, but no cigar yet… Expand
  24. DavidE
    Dec 28, 2009
    7
    I'm gonna start with the cons of this game first, the biggest one is..... THE PHYSICS ENGINE SUCKS! I mean, come on, I do drive a racecar and it is nothing like this. I know this is susposed to be a mix of sim and arcade racing, but whenever you hit somebody in the rear quarter panel at 60 mph, you do not go into an uncontrollable spin. You may get loose a little, but it does not I'm gonna start with the cons of this game first, the biggest one is..... THE PHYSICS ENGINE SUCKS! I mean, come on, I do drive a racecar and it is nothing like this. I know this is susposed to be a mix of sim and arcade racing, but whenever you hit somebody in the rear quarter panel at 60 mph, you do not go into an uncontrollable spin. You may get loose a little, but it does not take you out of the race. Also, there is no real sense of speed in the game, ironic because the game is called Need for Speed. I was driving in the very first race thinking i was going about 50 mph. To my surprise, to spedometer said 170mph. Nowhere close to what I was expecting. Now, that is the biggest issue with the game. On a lighter note, this game is alright, with all of the 'helpers' off, this game is quite challenging and wants you to keep playing. Nice cars and upgrades for them kept me playing for a while. All in all, an OK game. If you want a great game, get GRID or Forza 3, if you just want a game to take up a few weeks of your time, this is for you.… Expand
  25. samj
    Dec 17, 2009
    8
    Very good 1st try at sim,not there yet. I feel if they want to be seen as a hardcore sim such as G.T. or Forsa, then in time they will. Electronic Arts has been into gaming almost as long as I have. I am 60 yrs young, 1st started gaming with pong, b&w tv. Shift broke new ground in racing, set new standards in a few ways. I will be looking & hopeing for Shift Two.
  26. SnaggyD
    Nov 30, 2009
    10
    Really good driving game, recent patch has cleared up the previous problems and regularly get 12 player races now..
  27. timc
    Oct 18, 2009
    8
    Some cars are very challenging to drive others are easy. But alll in all i very much enjoy the game. the sence of speed is very real. fist racing game in along time ive been able to enjoy.
  28. [ANONYMOUS]
    Oct 14, 2009
    5
    Oh, this COULD be sooo good. Starts out like it'll be, but soon enough the problems/bugs show their ugly faces. Most all cars are quite bouncy to begin with, but you'd expect that to improve with upgrades. Nope, it remains and some of the cars actually get SLOWER! Wow, ever seen a fully modified Lambo have trouble climbing a slight hill? Ever seen an Infiniti G35 slide a corner Oh, this COULD be sooo good. Starts out like it'll be, but soon enough the problems/bugs show their ugly faces. Most all cars are quite bouncy to begin with, but you'd expect that to improve with upgrades. Nope, it remains and some of the cars actually get SLOWER! Wow, ever seen a fully modified Lambo have trouble climbing a slight hill? Ever seen an Infiniti G35 slide a corner at 35 mph? Yep... bugs everywhere once you get past the first few tiers. Almost makes me cry, because at the start I was so excited about progressing through the game. Huge let down.… Expand
  29. timo
    Oct 9, 2009
    9
    the game is great, should tie me over until gt5 when it comes out in 2020!! :( The graphics are decent while racing i love the sense of speed and the tyre noise and engine noise is fantastic, the framerate is also stable for a change in nfs game, and the controls are fine once they are tweaked(the sensitivity and dead zones for steering accelerating and braking), yes this game has a the game is great, should tie me over until gt5 when it comes out in 2020!! :( The graphics are decent while racing i love the sense of speed and the tyre noise and engine noise is fantastic, the framerate is also stable for a change in nfs game, and the controls are fine once they are tweaked(the sensitivity and dead zones for steering accelerating and braking), yes this game has a similar feel to gird as in the style of game, but is much more fun in my opinion although NFS shift's damage modeling doesn't stand up to grid's, it does an okay job. and the drifting is fine, i dont know why people are complaining, maybe they should try a practice some more....… Expand
  30. JoshuaR
    Oct 7, 2009
    8
    Its a great game and the and the handling is better then most need for speed games. Its not a sim game so its not perfect. P.S. You don't try to drift and All-Wheel Drive Evo unless your in a movie.
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best PS3 Game of 2009
19
#19 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2009
20
#20 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. IGN UK
    87
    Need for Speed Shift gets the most important part of a racing game right and it does so with a flair that’s uncommon in a frequently po-faced genre, providing driving that’s genuinely thrilling.
    Read full review
  2. 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
  3. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    90
    The most substantial upgrade the NFS series has ever received, along with some of the best visuals in the genre's field. [Nov 2009, p.83]
See all critic reviews »