Need for Speed: Shift is EA’s newest foray into racing. Long gone are the street races known to many NFS fans, now replaced by both real and fake circuit tracks. The game will start you off on a test track, in the cockpit view. While 3^rd person is available, switch to it for one track and you will tell right away that the focus was put into the cockpit view… and what a view it is. Everything from the interior of the car to the blur at 200 mph is done to great extent.

The tracks, on the other hand, are lacking the same detail. It is hard to notice going at normal race speeds, but odd textures on forest tracks are prevalent. While cars are modeled well, the damage seems to be hit or miss. You can fly into a tire wall and not crack your windshield, and then a race or two later destroy it going half the speed. Damage on the cars looks good, though it doesn’t seem to have a realistic effect.

Just like EA’s shooter Bad Company, the sound in this game is amazing. Engine revs, tire squeals, and collisions all sound amazing in surround sound. Driving on tarmac, dirt, and through a tunnel all sound like they should. There is a lack of music, even in the menus.

The career mode will take upwards of 10 hours to beat, and you could add more if you try for every badge and star possible. Online racing could be great with friends, but the game encourages reckless driving, so expect people to try as hard as possible to take you out. At the same time, it is taken back a notch from the singleplayer. You won’t spin out (or spin others out) as easily.

Overall, Need for Speed: Shift is a great racing game, with one foot on the simulation pedal and the other on arcade. It will definitely tide you over until some of the bigger racers come out to play.

8.0 - Presentation: The best racing cockpit, with a dynamic camera and customizable HUD. Loading times are horrendous.

9.0 - Graphics: The cars, both inside and out, look great. Tracks don’t blow minds, but when travelling 170 mph, who notices? Damage leaves something to be desired.

9.5 - Sound: Tires squeal with realism, crashing against a wall will leave a ringing, and then a heartbeat, in your ears.

8.0 - Gameplay: Default controls lacking. Career mode offers a variety of race types, as does the online.

7.5 - Longevity: Plenty of badges, stars, and races to do. Online mode doesn’t offer much playtime unless you like ruthless drivers.

Overall: 8.4/10

Afterthoughts (no effect on final score): Ordered off Amazon for $35 shipped, and at that price it is hard to pass up. The achievement list is a little lazy, requiring you to advance through career mode and earn a bunch of badges.