{"id":13797,"date":"2009-12-07T03:50:45","date_gmt":"2009-12-07T03:50:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=13797"},"modified":"2011-02-24T04:30:13","modified_gmt":"2011-02-24T04:30:13","slug":"need-for-speed-shift-pc-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/need-for-speed-shift-pc-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Need For Speed: Shift &#8211; PC Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\";\n\/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"1949837292\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: inline; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/articleimage-jpg.jpg?resize=500%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Publisher:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ea.com\/\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.ea.com\/', 'EA Games']);\" target=\"_blank\">EA Games<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Developer:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.slightlymadstudios.com\/\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.slightlymadstudios.com\/', 'Slightly Mad']);\" target=\"_blank\">Slightly Mad<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Genre:<\/strong> GT \/ Street Racing<br \/>\n<strong>Platform:<\/strong> PC<br \/>\n<strong>Players:<\/strong> 1 &#8211; 12<br \/>\n<strong>ESRB Rating:<\/strong> E for Everyone<br \/>\n<strong>Launch Date:<\/strong> September 15, 2009<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: inline; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/boxshot-jpg.jpg?resize=170%2C240\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Introduction<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You may wonder why I am publishing a review that is so \u201cafter the fact\u201d? Well, the loyal readers of <em>AlienBabelTech<\/em> will know that we do not always conform to the norm. We do not always follow the beaten path. We like to make our own.<\/p>\n<p><em>Need For Speed: Shift<\/em> is by no means brand spanking new, but after three months with the game, it still continues to impress. This review is not an afterthought and despite being delayed a bit, it is late by design.<\/p>\n<p>Some racing games in recent times (even some from this franchise) have caused me to lose interest quickly. From that experience, I thought it wise to continue racing along for a while before heading to the pits to do this review. This would give me a better feel rather than just an initial \u201cWow!\u201d of a review.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift08-jpg.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift08_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Need For Speed: Shift<\/em> certainly has an edge to it that has been missing from the series in the last few iterations. Lasting appeal is what has driven the NFS series. For a few years now, that has been somewhat absent and it is nice to see that the balance has actually now shifted back into EA\u2019s favour, as many NFS fans were disappointed with the last few releases. <em>Shift<\/em> makes you play the game and then come back for more.<\/p>\n<p><em>Need For Speed<\/em> has delivered this time; albeit with some minor drawbacks but none of which really take away from a good gaming experience. Let\u2019s check out the system requirements.<\/p>\n<p><em>Note: The game is patched to version 1.02 which is the latest at the time of this review.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #ffff00;\">Review copy provided by our friends at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rocketxl.com\/\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.rocketxl.com\/', 'RocketXL']);\" target=\"_blank\">RocketXL<\/a>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:Introduction--><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">System Requirements<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>NFS: Shift<\/em> is not a game that will force you to upgrade to the latest and greatest, however, it does require that you at least have some mainstream hardware to run it well.<\/p>\n<p>The system requirements are as follows:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/systemrequirements-jpg.jpg?resize=550%2C313\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Not bad at all for a game with such rich visuals. Indeed, I expect all gamers to appreciate this.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:System Requirements--><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Gameplay<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Need For Speed: Shift<\/em> takes us back to the <em>ProStreet<\/em> days where we race on closed courses instead of on city streets. These courses are models of some of the real life tracks that are used for many major race tournaments worldwide. Many persons may miss the cop chases and the adrenaline from being on the open road. However, all will welcome the exhilarating experience from being behind the wheel of these expensive supercars, competing at the highest level.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift07-jpg.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift07_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>NFS: Shift<\/em> omits a storyline in favour of getting you straight to the action and keeping you there. Jumping behind the wheel of a sponsored BMW M3, you get to start your career as a professional racer by beating the competition and getting to choose a car for yourself.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of \u201cbehind the wheel\u201d, the <em>new<\/em> developers (Slightly Mad) have done a very good job on the behind-the-wheel or cockpit view. Absent from previous titles, this really brings the game up a notch. With all the trimmings, gauges and buttons to match their real life counterparts, the car models are superbly done.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift14-jpg.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift14_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>All the jerks, bumps, bobbing and weaving that you would expect a race driver to endure during a real race is carefully represented and never exaggerated. It\u2019s a job well done that I\u2019m sure everyone will appreciate. You really get the feeling that you are actually there. The view moves forward if you hit the brake, backward if you floor it and there is even a slight blackout moment if you end up in a bad crash.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift04_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The sound in the game is equally amazing. Depending on the view you choose, the audio levels and source are different. For example, in the cockpit view, some of the outside sounds are dulled due to you being, well, inside the car with the windows rolled up. You can hear the engine, whether in front of or behind you as well as the other cars around you. The game music is a winner and thankfully I didn\u2019t have to turn the music in the menus off just to have it off during races. When it is race time, the music is off by default.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:Gameplay--><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Gameplay (continued)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The artificial intelligence (AI) in the game really sets it apart. I think the AI in <em>Shift<\/em> is some of the best I\u2019ve seen in the genre. On the easy setting, they still drive competitively, trying to outmanoeuvre you but they don\u2019t seem to ever get out of 3rd gear. On the hardest setting, there is just simply no mercy. I imagine that that is what it would be like to go up against <a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Michael_Schumaker\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Michael_Schumaker', 'Schumacher']);\" target=\"_blank\">Schumacher<\/a> and his kind. Very tough and very tactical, it really forces you to the be at the last strand of your concentration just to even place, let alone win. Here\u2019s one for those of you who think all racing games are too easy!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift03-jpg.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift03_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Competing at the highest level really takes some skill, and along the way to the top you earn badges for your achievements that really define your driving style. Whether it is precision you\u2019re after or you become the aggressor on the track, it is all tracked and this also offers some replayability in Career Mode. If you complete it one way, the challenge might be to do it the other way or even just to create more of a balance in your driving.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift13-jpg.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift13_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The only real drawback is that the control system ends up being too sensitive most of the time and it gets really twitchy in some instances. It is as if the game can\u2019t make up its mind whether it wants to be an arcade style game or a driving sim.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift17-jpg.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift17_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>However, the speed is a \u201cthrow-forward\u201d and feels extremely real. It might even make you quiver when you\u2019re going too fast approaching a corner. The above picture shows a result of this; my poor Bugatti Veyron. How is this for totalling a car with a base price of US $1.5 million?!<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:Gameplay (continued)--><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Gameplay \u2013 Online<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The online component of the game is well thought out and really has some nice features. There are standard Quick Race modes that you can choose, either ranked or unranked races, as well as the Driver Duel mode. This mode will be familiar to the fans of <em>Need For Speed: Carbon<\/em>, where you have to either lead your opponent by 5 seconds or beat him to the line. You have to work your way up to be the top driver; if you slip up, you may even find yourself right back at the bottom where you started.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift11-jpg.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift11_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Since <em>Shift<\/em> has come out, the Slightly Mad team has now released patches. In the latest <a href=\"http:\/\/needforspeed.com\/web\/nfs\/downloads#shift\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/needforspeed.com\/web\/nfs\/downloads#shift', 'patch version 1.02']);\" target=\"_blank\">patch version 1.02<\/a>, we see the racer limit being raised from 8 to 12. More people to eat my dust, means more fun! Along with that, there have been a number of other bug fixes applied which smoothes out the few shortcomings of the game.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift10-jpg.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift10_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>There is also some new, FREE Downloadable Content (DLC) which includes 4 <em>new<\/em> vehicles and an interesting new online racing mode called Team Racing. This pits a Blue Team versus a Red Team using stock cars and the teams have to try to outdo each other with nothing but skill and teamwork.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:Gameplay: Online--><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:Conclusion--><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em> <\/em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift12_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Need For Speed: Shift<\/em> is a game that puts the franchise back into the focus of many gamers. This is truly a driving experience that sets itself apart from others both in the series and in the genre. A nifty balance between arcade and simulation, <em>Shift<\/em> is definitely a title to be had. If you did not purchase it at launch, then you have missed out on about three months of serious racing to date and you should pick it up and get behind the wheel ASAP!!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift01-jpg.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/shift01_thumb-jpg.jpg?resize=240%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>For those interested in the sectional ratings, the graphics and audio get an easy 9\/10 each. The gameplay would also receives 9\/10. Seeing how well the game is presented, that gets 9.5\/10. The lasting effect, although better than the previous titles, gets <em>only<\/em> an 8\/10 for me but based on how much I still enjoy playing it, I give <em>Need For Speed: Shift<\/em> a solid 9\/10 overall. <em>Need for Speed: Shift<\/em> is a great game!!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/Recommended1.png?resize=150%2C251\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Feel free to give your thoughts on it in <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/viewtopic.php?f=60&amp;t=19381\" target=\"_blank\">our forum thread<\/a>, while we eagerly await the next iteration in this wonderful series.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Leon Hyman<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><em>Senior Editor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Please join us in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Forums<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Become a Fan on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142', 'Facebook']);\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Follow us on <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech', 'Twitter']);\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the latest updates from ABT, please <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?feed=rss2\" target=\"_blank\">join our RSS News Feed<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join our Distributed Computing teams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Folding@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 164304<\/li>\n<li>SETI@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 138705<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1', 'World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech']);\" target=\"_blank\">World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=13797\"><img decoding=\"async\" align=top title=\"Author: Leon Hyman\" src=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/Article-Image.JPG\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13799,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2533,7814,5],"tags":[88,1680,1681,359,2848,1682],"class_list":["post-13797","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-abt-news","category-articles","category-gaming","tag-game","tag-need-for-speed","tag-nfs","tag-pc","tag-revew","tag-shift"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13797","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13797"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13797\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13797"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13797"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13797"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}