Adam Sherbino

A return to form and a good step ahead for the team at Criterion. The extra year off definitely aided in a more polish and ready product for the market; it's one of the only games this year that I've bought and not thought to myself "hmm this is a little barren or unfinished" I found myself smiling ear to ear for the first 20 hours or so I've poured into the game. Cars are beautiful and widely customizable, world isn't vast, but it's dense, and full of life (And puddles). The story is fun, dialogue can be a little of its time but isn't grating like some of the series past installments. Characters have reasonable motivations, voice acting is good. And everyone looks the part. Speaking of looks; the art style. You either love it, or you hate it. If you're the latter case, you can trim down the effects. Fine. If however you like the effects, great! There's plenty to choose from, it elevates the experience, and the characters really pop. I for one really enjoy the art style. Need for Speed is ultimately an arcade racer and a power fantasy, and it always has been. It's never been a temple of realism and simulation game play (even Shift) and that's okay! I don't want another bland circuit racer or stock car collection game (oh hello Forza series) Only complaints I have is I wish the cops were more present online. I'd like to run away and have my friends nearby to jump in the scramble. Just adds an extra layer to the fun. All in all. It's a good game. If you like need for speeds, if you like customizing cars, if you like having fun. This is the place to do it. We have to remember that this team is trying to shove a racing game into a game engine made for battlefield. (Frostbite) And even with that hurdle they've hit the nail on the head. Don't listen to the hate it's getting from people who don't own it. Play it. Enjoy it.