Need for Speed: ProStreet

THE BAD:

SUMMARY:
I don't care what everyone else says, this game rocks! Anyone who says this game is disappointing is because they were expecting the old, city based races. In this game, the races are controlled, like the URL in NFS: Underground 2. Unlike NFS: Underground 2 and NFS: Carbon, it is always daytime so you can see where the heck you're going. This game is a cross-breed between the previous Need For Speed games and Gran Turismo. It still has the Need For Speed feel though.

There are some new and enhanced game modes about. Drag racing is much more sophisticated. First you have to heat your tires to get the maximum grip. Overheat or underheat the tires will decrease grip. AFter that is done, the car is on neutral and you must wait for the green light to appear to switch to first gear. Switch too early and you'll be disqualified. In real wheel drives, you must be careful. The car will do a wheelie as soon as it starts moving, twitching the steering will make you loose control and total your car. A similar game mode is the Wheelie Competition, where you must keep your RWD car wheelie longer than your opponent. Other modes include the usual circuit race (called a Grip Race in ProStreet), Top Speed Run, Speed Challenge, Drift, Time Attacks and Sector Shootout which are similar to Time Attacks but split into four sectors.

Unlike NFS: Carbon, the modifications are much more sophisticated. For example, instead of choosing Acceleration or Top Speed, you must modify the gear ratio yourself to suit you race. Compared to games like NFS: Underground 2, the handling is not very responsive and at first it seems like mastering it is an impossible task, but after a few races, you will. Speed is way too exaggerated in my opinion, but it only adds to the fun. At 300 KM/H all you can see clearly is your car, everything else is just a blur. And when the nitrous is pressed, the car seems to be running away from your camera. This effect makes you feel the force of the car slamming you in your chair.

Now that I've stated the good stuff, let me expose to you the few bad stuff.

At first, you might be very confused. No quick race option, no circuit race, no customization etc. But all of these exist in the game so do not worry, it's the strange names and the non-user friendly menu that confused you. Quick Race is replaced by Race Day (here you can choose the tournament you want to race in), Circuit Race is replaced by Grip Race and customization is replaced by blue prints. Just go to Garage in career mode, and choose the create new blueprint option.

Another thing that disappointed Need For Speed fans is that the game is not based on illegal street racing anymore. That means no more police chases and no more free roam.

Also note that visual damage effects were taken away from the PS2 version so you won't see any smashed up bumpers or flying spoilers but damage is still present in NFS: ProStreet. The in-game graphics are not as good as what the trailers had showed us. I'm not sure if it's only in the PS2 or all the other consoles.

Overall I'd say this game is excellent and people should ignore the things other people say and start enjoying this great game!