This is one I've been looking at for a long time, I stopped paying attention after Undercover (got back into the franchise for Heat) but this was always on my 'should I, should I not?' list.
Thing you must know #1 - This is not, nor has it ever been, the direct sequel to the 2006 Most Wanted. Everyone wants a sequel to that and there is.... its called Carbon.
Thing you must know #2 - This is not a Need For Speed game, its a Burnout game.
The modification system doesn't allow liveries, the customisation is under the skin entirely (nitrous, tyre type, aero type...) the only way to change car colour is by driving through petrol/gas stations, and you get points for takedowns ... just like in Burnout Paradise.
It seems like EA were going to try merging the franchises: Burnout gameplay, with NFS's licenced cars.
That being said, its an absolutely fantastic Burnout game.
Its starting to show it's age, as you'd expect.
Like the HUD can come over a little crowded at times especially during races, the handling model is based on drifting (in the series' typical clunky control style, thank god for the double-tap gas drift in Heat!), and the big reason I moved away from NFS after Undercover... there is no manual gear shifting.
Honestly, get it when it's on sale. Its currently $3, the Terminal Velocity DLC adds a big new area that is worthwhile, but nothing to really write home about.
PS: Switching between cars in the world is a great choice by the devs, and the switching cutscenes are pure dopamine
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One day, one day, I dream of the day when Need For Speed comes back home. I dream of the day when the Need For Speed titles have lustre, they have polish, they're revered as a stalwart of the racing genre. I dream of a resurrected Need For Speed that carves its own niche between what it was and what it will be.
Come to think of it, they almost had it with Need For Speed 2016, but it was hampered at launch because EA TOLD racers that they don't want a manual gearbox option. Its a shame really, NFS titles in the last 10 years were there-or-there-abouts... they never really hit that sweet spot EA wanted them to. If they did hit, NFS wouldn't challenge Forza Horizon, but they'd be a barnstorming second.
Rest In Peace, Need For Speed, my love.
You never forget your firsts. We've grown together, from our respective very starts, and even though we grew apart, we came back to each other in the end. That, thats is a sign of true admiration and love.... a second chance.
