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. SnaggyD
    Nov 30, 2009
    10
    Really good driving game, recent patch has cleared up the previous problems and regularly get 12 player races now..
  2. JGG
    Sep 19, 2009
    10
    The best racing game I´ve ever played. I liked GTR2, Rfactor, GTLegends, GT5 Prologue, etc.. But I like this better. I like Grid too but this can´t be compared, Grid feel is much more arcade. Driving "Shift" with the G25 wheel, the cockpit view and a 106´ screen (projector) is incredible. If you enjoy cars and racing I really recomend it

    PS, Im sorry for my english...
  3. OlivierB
    Sep 23, 2009
    10
    As most people will have already said, this is not the hardcore simulation that you'll experience with GT5 or Forza. That being said, this is no Outrun USA or Sega Rally; i.e. this is not a arcade racer. What is is though, is the most immersive racing experience you can get. This game is FUN, it's challenging, it looks good. Is that what games are all about?
  4. KingJailson
    May 10, 2018
    10
    Melhor NFS de simulador, e também meu simulador de corrida favorito, agora acertaram no realismo
  5. 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
  6. JackThomson
    Sep 20, 2009
    9
    Great game, welcome return to the series. Not perfect but somewhat of a perfect starting point, was afraid that i was gonna waste my money but didn't, there are a few issues but keeps me coming back for more, sound is great, graphics top notch, damage models could have been better, well much better, but the gameplay is awsome. best nfs to date i think
  7. ErikV.
    Sep 22, 2009
    9
    It's a small step for a genre, but a giant leap for a franchise. NFS Shift more than delivers and manages to satisfy arcade and sim racing fans alike.
  8. luisb
    Sep 29, 2009
    9
    Men!! This is the REAL GTR2-like-upgraded experience for the 360 that I was hopping Race-pro to be. I cant believe those people who say that NFS-shift is not as "real" as say Forza2 or GRID!! DO NOT BELIEVE the reviewers who say that NFS-shift is neither an arcade or a sim title. In fact, shift accomplishes the task of being a sim which does not takes itself too seriously. I mean they say Men!! This is the REAL GTR2-like-upgraded experience for the 360 that I was hopping Race-pro to be. I cant believe those people who say that NFS-shift is not as "real" as say Forza2 or GRID!! DO NOT BELIEVE the reviewers who say that NFS-shift is neither an arcade or a sim title. In fact, shift accomplishes the task of being a sim which does not takes itself too seriously. I mean they say it is "arcadey" because you can use nitro, but the last time I checked, nitro actually EXISTS IN REAL LIFE, doesn't it? This is a "tunned-car" simulator!!. In the other hand the say it is not arcade because you have to actually drive, but I assure you that you will have more FUN DRIVING with this "sim" than playing with any other "cars-game". I don't give it a 10 just because the Force Feedback with the MS wheel is not "perfect". It is pretty good, but I think that GTR2 had a better FF model (I love to feel those track bumbs when braking ). When Race-pro came out I really wanted to support SIMBIN but they didn't deserve it, well this time EA and SMS really deserve our support as gamers. Simply put, while not perfect, I think it is the best racing game available for the xbox you cant go wrong with this even with the ubber-exaggerated-artificial Forza 3 coming out.… Expand
  9. JacobP.
    Sep 21, 2009
    9
    Even with the generally favorable reviews, NFS Shift is a sadly underated racing-simulation. I myself have not enjoyed the last installments since Underground 2 in the NFS series, however this game has taken a 180 turn in creating one of the most enjoyable racing games up to date. This game compares to a little more enjoyable the GRID in my opinion, but stands out in a Gran Turismo/Forza Even with the generally favorable reviews, NFS Shift is a sadly underated racing-simulation. I myself have not enjoyed the last installments since Underground 2 in the NFS series, however this game has taken a 180 turn in creating one of the most enjoyable racing games up to date. This game compares to a little more enjoyable the GRID in my opinion, but stands out in a Gran Turismo/Forza fusion. I myself am a fan of Touring Car and track racing. If you have a passion for cars and racing, this might be your best buy next to the highly anticipated Forza 3 coming out soon too. What this game might have that Forza won't is a more focused career mode in which I am still enjoying greatly. I'd suggest anyone looking for a good racing game to pick up NFS Shift. It gets a 9/10 for lack of local multiplayer.… Expand
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  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. 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.
  16. Ardho
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    NFS but racing on the circuit, very fresh and successful, the racing gameplay is really smooth, I love it
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. RyanS
    Sep 20, 2009
    8
    Need for Speed headed in a different direction, and it worked. It's a solid game and is a lot of fun to play. It may not be Forza or Gran Turismo, but it's definitely a breath of fresh air to see a good game again from this franchise.
  20. SimG.
    Sep 20, 2009
    8
    I'm not that much into Gran Turismo, Forza or the street racing gig. SHIFT offers the right balance between simulation, arcade and car modifications. However, I have one big issue with the PS3... the FRAMERATE. The framerate is very unstable. There are so many visual and audio glitches, menu flickers and there is polygon clipping all over the place. If someone has enough power and I'm not that much into Gran Turismo, Forza or the street racing gig. SHIFT offers the right balance between simulation, arcade and car modifications. However, I have one big issue with the PS3... the FRAMERATE. The framerate is very unstable. There are so many visual and audio glitches, menu flickers and there is polygon clipping all over the place. If someone has enough power and influence, they should arrass EA to release a patch to fix that. I'm having a lot of fun with the driving mechanics and the overall game structure, but I see myself putting the game aside really soon if there's not hope that it'll be fixed. I didn't bought a 1080p HD TV to play games like this.… Expand
  21. 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.
  22. ChrisS.
    Sep 21, 2009
    8
    I'd love to give this game a nine and I would have if not for the occasional stuttering framerate. I am more than a little curious why most if not all the reviews failed to mention this. It does affect game play and is most noticeable from the cockpit. That being said I still really like this game. The handling is fantastic and the cockpit view is perhaps the best yet seen in a video I'd love to give this game a nine and I would have if not for the occasional stuttering framerate. I am more than a little curious why most if not all the reviews failed to mention this. It does affect game play and is most noticeable from the cockpit. That being said I still really like this game. The handling is fantastic and the cockpit view is perhaps the best yet seen in a video game. Computer ai is very good but a tad too aggressive at times. I am having a lot of fun with this game and recommend it heartily to any racing fan. Just remember that there are framerate issues that affect gameplay. Maybe a patch is in the works.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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 »