- Need for Speed: Shift
- Need for Speed: Shift (Touch)
- Need for Speed: Shift (J2ME)
- Need for Speed: Shift (PSP)
Need for Speed: Shift is the thirteenth main entry in the Need for Speed series released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Mobile Phones, and PlayStation Portable. It is said to be a "hardcore racing simulation" and a more realistic entry in the Need for Speed franchise.
The game was developed by Slightly Mad Studios, overseen by Black Box producer Michael Mann and senior vice-president of EA Games Europe Patrick Soderlund.
Shift also marks the return of in car dash views in the Need for Speed series since their last appearance in the PlayStation 2 release of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2.
Online services were shut down on August 31, 2021.
Gameplay[]
Career Mode[]
The player is tasked with driving a BMW M3 (E92) on a two lap course of Brands Hatch at the beginning of the title.
The title will suggest a difficulty level for the player depending on their performance within the Brands Hatch race. Players are allowed to change the difficulty level at any time in Need for Speed: Shift. The levels distinguish themselves by driving assists and physics.
The goal of Need for Speed: Shift is for the player to unlock the NFS World Tour event although the player is required to collect 280 stars from other events before they are allowed to enter it. Collecting stars allows the player to level up with both a Driver Level and driving style.
Cars provided in the title are allocated into four tiers; Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4. Tier 1 features everyday vehicles, Tier 2 features sports vehicles, Tier 3 features high performance vehicles and Tier 4 features super cars.
Players purchase and modify their cars as they progress through the career. Players unlock greater rewards, higher performance vehicles, more difficult events and greater competition as they progress through the career.
Quick Race[]
The Quick Race Mode seen in Need for Speed: Shift is the same as in previous Need for Speed titles. Players can choose cars, tracks and settings individually. Parts are only available if they are unlocked in career mode.
Race Modes[]
- Car Battle - Two drivers compete with specified cars in three various race events.
- Driver Duel - Racers face off against each other in the vehicle of their choice.
- Drift Race - Racers compete against each other to see whom can earn the most amount of style points whilst drifting.
- Endurance Race - Racers compete against each other along a Circuit course with a large number of laps.
- Lap Knockout Race - The last racer to complete the lap of a course is eliminated from the race.
- Time Knockout Race - The racer in last place is eliminated from the race once the time expired
- Time Attack Events - The player has to beat the fastest lap record before the final lap is declared.
- Manufacturer Competition - Two racers face off against each other in the same vehicle.
- Series Competition - Racers compete against each other in a tournament competition.
- Circuit Race - Racers compete against each other along a Circuit course.
- Time Trials - The player must complete a set distance of a course in a specific amount of time.
Cockpit View[]
The game features an interior perspective that responds to G-forces that the driver of the car would be subjected to.
Customisation[]
The title has a larger variety of performance tuning than visual modification.
Fine-tuning is just as comprehensive as in Need for Speed: Underground 2. The title has simplified options like steering lock and gearing adjustments for beginners and inexperienced racing simulation players. These options are listed under Quick Tuning.
Players may also use the Advanced Tuning option to fully enhance a car's performance. In this category it's possible to individually calibrate some parts of a car such as its suspension and tyre pressure.
Need for Speed: Shift also allows players to convert their 'normal' cars to full race-spec vehicles with such conversions being known as Works Upgrades. Works upgrades greatly improve every performance statistic of a car and can only be applied once a car has been sufficiently upgraded.
Car List[]
Tracks[]
Achievements / Trophies[]
Achievements and trophies can be unlocked through gameplay:
- Achievements for the Xbox 360 release.
- Trophies for the PlayStation 3 release.
Downloadable Content[]
Special Releases[]
Special Edition[]
An European retail release which includes various bonuses, such as exclusive packaging, a poster, early access to the BMW M3 GT2 (E92), and a Super Series race event.
Media[]
References[]
- Joystiq Hands-On - Need for Speed: Shift
- IGN: Need for Speed Shifts Into Gear (Interview with Development Team)
- Gamesradar - Need for Speed SHIFT preview
- Joystiq - Need for Speed SHIFT careening to release in September
- Complete Car Roster
- IGN: Need for Speed Shift Review