Jet, set, speed

The latest addition to the NFS library is called Need For Speed Shift. It gets you straight into the driver’s lane without the ‘carrier-rebuild’ graph — typical of NFS Underground and NFS Carbon.

The latest addition to the NFS library is called Need For Speed Shift. It is a refreshing move from the storyline inflicted, world free-roam based racing genre, that Electronic Arts had strayed into earlier.

A pedal to the metal, NFS Shift gets you straight into the driver's lane without the 'carrier-rebuild' graph — typical of NFS Underground and NFS Carbon.

Gameplay
A free lap (Trial of Fire) even before you can feel the car's initial thrust, is an indication of its no-idling strategy. This is to gauge driving abilities and get money for that first car. There are no opponents in this lap, which makes personalised driver customisation possible.

Here on, the game gets fast, competitive and at times sheer ruthless. The regular races like; time attack elimination, drift and sprint have been retained. They're bundled together in a visual spectacle that takes gamers to some of the most famous circuits in the world.

What's new
Apart from the high-end track and car graphic, the NFS Shift boasts of an in-car visual that makes a person feel as if he/she is actually on the racing track. The dashboard view responds exceptionally well to car movements — going back while revving up; smacking forward when slamming the brakes.

Apart from the usual rewards, stars are the major objectives and can be picked up for completing pre-mentioned requisites — podium finishes, lap record, clean lap, etc. A set number of stars can unlock the world tour which is also the climax of this title.