Review: Need For Speed Most Wanted

Racing games generally follow a pattern.

You drive around a sprawling city, earning points along the way; run from the cops when you break the law; and race against others for points.

Need For Speed Most Wanted falls squarely into that mold, but does it in an easily accessible, instant fun sort of way.

In most racing games, you must earn your way to the most sought-after cars, gathering points or wins or something else to drive the best. NFSMW turns that convention on its ear, making all cars available immediately – with one caveat. You have to find them first.

The cars are parked throughout the sprawling city of Fairhaven. Each “jack spot” is marked with the logo of that particular make of car. Simply driving up to it and pressing a button transports you into your new ride.

This innovation does one important thing. It encourages you to drive around Fairhaven, exploring the side roads and back alleys, in search of the hidden vehicles.

The only vehicles not available from the get-go are the 10 Most Wanted. Those vehicles can only be won by head-to-head competition and offer the most difficult challenges in the game.

Another aspect adding simplicity to a sometimes over complicated genre is Autolog 2.0.

Autolog 2.0, just a tap away, gives access to all your important information. From the interface, you can select your next race, go online, review milestones for that particular vehicle, modify your ride and even review what Autolog recommends you do next.

As with any game that often includes illegal racing, the cops are never far away from the action. Drawing the attention of the police will lead to high-speed racing, crashing and general mayhem.

The longer you run from the police – and the more damage you do in trying – escalates their desire to bring you down, eventually bringing in the heavy guns in their effort to capture the scofflaw.

NFSMW also offers a seamless transition to online play through Autolog. A host player creates a Speedlist – a set of 5 events that are played one after another.

When joining the game, Auotolog notifies you where to meet the other cars to begin the competition. If you’re delayed in getting to the Meet Up, you’re automatically transported there to begin the race. Competition continues through the Speedlist.

Competititors are awarded points for winning events, taking out opponents and performing stunts.

The game looks great and runs as smooth as glass, even at 160 mph. The lighting effects are remarkable. I especially liked the way the game simulated the reaction your eyes go through transitioning from tunnels to bright sunlight or driving amid the towering skyscrapers of downtown Fairhaven.

The dynamic weather simulation is also sterling.

Need For Speed Most Wanted gives racing fans what they want. It’s a fast-paced, non-stop thrill ride.

Platform: PlayStation3, Xbox 360

Manufacturer: Electronic Arts

Rating: Everyone

Score: 9 chilies

Review Statement: An Xbox 360 retail copy of this game was provided by Electronic Arts for the purpose of this review.