Need for Speed: Shift

 Xbox 360
Need for Speed: Shift Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 156 Ratings

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  • Summary: Need for Speed SHIFT brings a true driver's experience to some of the world's most iconic racing tracks, including the storied Brand's Hatch in the UK. The game also features the largest roster of high-performance cars in Need for Speed history including race cars such as the Pagani Zonda F,Need for Speed SHIFT brings a true driver's experience to some of the world's most iconic racing tracks, including the storied Brand's Hatch in the UK. The game also features the largest roster of high-performance cars in Need for Speed history including race cars such as the Pagani Zonda F, Porsche 911 GT2 and Lotus Elise. Players are thrust into the loud, intense, and athletic experience of racing a car from the driver's perspective through the combination of perception based G-forces, the hyper reality of the cockpit view, and the all-new brutally disorienting crash dynamic. Need for Speed SHIFT features an accurate, accessible physics-based driving model that allows you to feel every impact, every change of track surface and every last bit of grip as you push yourself to the edge. [Electronic Arts]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 75
  3. Negative: 0 out of 75
  1. Gaming Nexus
    100
    EA has turned a corner with their development of Need for Speed SHIFT. While it retains some elements of the traditional console game style, it also raises the bar for realism in a console-based racer. Budget for a steering wheel, though, to get fully benefit from the vastly better physics modeling.
  2. MondoXbox
    90
    We expected an overly simulative game, but Need for Speed: SHIFT revealed to be half-way between sim and arcade racing: nevertheless, we found id very entertaining and exciting. If you're looking for a proper sim you'll have to look elsewhere on the market, but if all you want is feeling strong and satisfying emotions, this game could be the one for you.
  3. 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.
  4. PALGN
    85
    Overall, while Need for Speed Shift appears to be aiming at providing a simulation-racing experience, it obviously hasn't forgotten about the series' core fan-base, making a game that can be enjoyed by just about any kind of racing game fan.
  5. 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.
  6. Edge Magazine
    80
    For a game that covers everything from drift events to time trials and eliminators, not to mention bumper-to-bumper tuning options, a top-tier physics model and authentic handling, Shift has enough precision and purpose to give anyone pause. [Nov 2009, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. D+PAD Magazine
    60
    It turns out that EA, first with FIFA and now with Need For Speed, had the answer to beat the cynics all along: simply make a good game.

See all 75 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 51
  3. Negative: 12 out of 51
  1. GreenSkullRider
    Jan 31, 2017
    10
    Solemos asociar la saga Need For Speed con 2 variables, la de persecución y huida policiaca, y la etapa Tuning. Pues eso se acabo ante laSolemos asociar la saga Need For Speed con 2 variables, la de persecución y huida policiaca, y la etapa Tuning. Pues eso se acabo ante la llegada de la saga Shift que paso a ser algo parecido entre Grid y Project Gothan Racing, en otras palabras un completísimo simulador de conducción, con una plantilla de vehículos muy buena, música cañera, largo y entretenido, un despliegue técnico brillante, un juego prácticamente perfecto que en su segunda entrega disminuye un poco su realismo y capacidad para una mayor accesibilidad.… Expand
  2. TizzyDaBrwnBear
    Sep 23, 2009
    10
    This is the best nfs after nfs most wanted. When I heard they have take it to the tracks and off the street I was upset until I played it. I This is the best nfs after nfs most wanted. When I heard they have take it to the tracks and off the street I was upset until I played it. I thought this game was just another nfs pro street(which sucked), but after playing shift I have changed my opinion 180deg. Shift is the best. No cops I can live with that. Nfs changing with time and it is a good change.… Expand
  4. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 2, 2023
    9
    Thankfully abandoning the sandbox environment full of homies and bros, NFS Shift is a return to straight track racing with unlockableThankfully abandoning the sandbox environment full of homies and bros, NFS Shift is a return to straight track racing with unlockable challenges using a star system similar to the Burnout games and a series of side missions gauging your skills like the Kudos meter in Metropolis Street Racer. More rough and ready than Gran Turismo with lots more tire smoke and body contact and the aggressive AI controlled cars make the races feel properly competitive. It takes a while to set up the handling and difficulty correctly but once you've got it the way you like it, it's a fast, exciting and challenging racer that's up there with the best of them.… Expand
  5. JimB
    Sep 20, 2009
    8
    Am loving this game, but it needs to be played cockpit view with a decent force feedback wheel. Forget it is a NFS title and think of it as a Am loving this game, but it needs to be played cockpit view with a decent force feedback wheel. Forget it is a NFS title and think of it as a new (good) racer. Metacritic score of 84 is about spot on!… Expand
  6. iddqd4
    Jan 20, 2018
    6
    Уклон в серьезные автосимуляторы совершенно не идет к лицу известной серии, являвшейся в своих лучшие годы динамичной аркадой.Уклон в серьезные автосимуляторы совершенно не идет к лицу известной серии, являвшейся в своих лучшие годы динамичной аркадой.
  7. ApocalypseBrown
    Oct 25, 2009
    5
    The acid test for this game is how does it stand up to the likes of GRID and Forza 3, well having played all three Shift is the weakest link. The acid test for this game is how does it stand up to the likes of GRID and Forza 3, well having played all three Shift is the weakest link. Racing fast is fine, however the damage modeling, A.I. and bumper car physics are so ridiculous it's beggars belief. I admire EA for trying something new, but it least copy the best aspects of other games and then apply it properly in your own game. This is nothing more than a sup-down Project Gotham, without the class.… Expand
  8. goldenaxe
    Jan 14, 2012
    0
    This game set the benchmark for the WORST GAME EVER MADE. It was shipped incomplete, the controller deadzone was 20% making you feel likeThis game set the benchmark for the WORST GAME EVER MADE. It was shipped incomplete, the controller deadzone was 20% making you feel like you're trying to keep an out-of-control schoolbus on the road, the game was frustrating and broken at best, nothing made any sense. JUST THINKING ABOUT THIS GAME MAKES ME MAD I WASTED MY LIFE PLAYING IT. never again EA ever.… Expand

See all 51 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
18
#18 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2009