Need For Speed: Heat is currently all I can think about. While still early in the game, its simple loop of beating other racers to acquire prize money, which in turn is spend on better and faster cars, has grasped my attention few other games had so far. Seeing those cars’ overall rating improve is just oh so satisfying.
This gameplay mechanic might not work as well if it wasn’t for NFS: Heat’s extensive collection of modern day super machines, or the fact that I haven’t play a real racing game since Need For Speed: Undercover on PS2. With 127 cars to chose from, car fanatics world-wide are treated to all of today’s fastest street-legal horses. This aspect is boosted further through available customization options; allowing players to swap beefier engines onto existing cars, improving their overall performance or dramatically change a car’s look with body parts. That’s not all. You can also rev your engine to hear the different in sounds these changes make, adjust the noise your muffler produce, and even access an online library of community-made wraps. All of which helps me feel as if I actually do own a Porsche 911 Carrera S.
The game is well-paced and puts story progression into the players’ hands. In moments where I was overwhelmed by my opponents’ speed, the game ensured that there were always other events of lesser difficulty that I can grind the dollars necessary to purchase a new engine or a brand new ride. This much needed break in play allows my eyes to rest after an intense 5-heat level race and think about which new upgrades I want.
One issue I do have with NFS: Heat, however, is the game’s drifting events. No, my complain isn’t with regards to the game’s drifting mechanic, it has to do with how pretty I look while performing them. Having completed 4 drifting quests thus far with flying colors, my Corvette looks like its GPS is being rerouted repeatedly during these events, rather than actually smoothly gliding through corners. Maybe my setup is wrong, maybe I am giving up too much grip in order to boost my drift-ability. But then, am I not being incentivize to give up more grip for drifting capabilities right now? I feel that a bit of guidance from the game could be included by the developer here to help gamers make more informed decisions. Especially when the more I play, the more I am believing that maxing out a car’s drift and road combination is clearly unnecessary.
Overall, the game is fantastic. The developers nailed the feeling of blurriness when a driver hits top-speed, cars cannot accelerate as quickly uphill, and even slower if the car is adjusted for more downforce. You’ll feel the weight of your vehicle when it slams into the ground after a high jump, and you for sure will feel those cops’ breath down your neck when they are chasing you. If you are like me (i.e. haven’t play a racing game since the PS2 days) or others on the Internet that loves NFS and its available customizations, but are sick of microtransactions, Need For Speed: Heat is for you.
First Time Game Reviewer 