Need for Speed SHIFT Demo

EA's Need for Speed franchise goes back to 1994 when the American developer/publisher released the first title in a series bound to become one of the best racing game franchise ever created. With Need for Speed: Shift, EA tried to add a more realistic feeling to the game heading towards a racing simulator rather than the arcade racing encountered in previous installments.

Unlike some of the previous installments in the franchise, Need for Speed: Shift doesn't have a story and takes the action to various circuits around the world, while playing as a pilot in the NFS Live World Series.

There are no more than 19 unique tracks in the game including licensed circuits, such as Nurbrugring Nordschleife, Silverstone, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Brands Hatch, Willow Springs, Donington Park, Road America, and Spa-Francorchamps, on which you'll have the chance to prove you're the best driver out there.

With this installment, EA brought over 60 licensed cars divided in 4 tiers depending on their performances on the race track. Thus, Tier 1 will give you the chance to drive various entry-level sports vehicles, such as the Audi S4, Mazda RX-8 or Nissan 350Z, while Tier 2 will bring mid-level performance cars like the Subaru Impreza WRX, Porsche Cayman S, Lotus Elise or BMW M3.

As soon as you reach Tier 3, things will change a bit, meaning you'll now be able to get behind the wheel of supercars like Aston Martin DB9, Lamborghini Gallardo, Dodge Viper or Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. Finally, Tier 4 is reserved to a unique selection of hypercars, including Bugatti Veyron, McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda and others.

In terms of customization, Need for Speed: Shift treats the subject with more maturity by including a heap of choices for both visuals and car performance. What distinguishes this title from the previous ones is the in-depth tuning options available, which will now affect various car parameters, such as aerodynamics, gears, differential, alignment, brakes or tires.

To add a more personal touch to your ride, you can still use paints, vinyls, and rims to make any car look just like you want it too.

Although it's a game entirely centered around circuit racing, nitrous is also present as a tuning option, adding an extra element to each race, which can keep you on the top spot if used at the right time.

Need for Speed: Shift manages to rise from the ashes of its not so successful predecessors bringing a realistic driving simulation with an addictive career complemented by the extremely well executed driver's view mode.

The driving experience is at its best in Need for Speed: Shift thanks to its improved controls and photo-realistic cars and tracks.