The last two versions of The Need for Speed series concentrated on the illegal street racing craze. While I enjoyed playing both games, I could not help but to wonder that I am in a jazzed up car doing insane stunts and not a single cop is around me? I have to admit as fun as the last two games were they needed that missing element. At times it just seemed you were on a set course and the only reward was being able to unlock a body part or decal. Sure it was fun and at times challenging, but I like that added thrill of being chased by the police. I have made several comments on this topic both in print and to other racing fans.

Die-hard fans of the series may know this is the tenth year anniversary of the very first NFS game. I was able to attend a special event in Vancouver known as EA community day for the Xbox and Xbox 360 version of Need For Speed Most Wanted. Not only did I play the demo and the actual game on both systems (Xbox and Xbox 360), I was able to see and even suggest things for the next game. I will warn you now that reading this preview will not spoil the game since we are not able to write everything we learned, just yet anyhow. EA plans on releasing more info on a weekly basis about the cars and other features. So sit back and let me tell you my thoughts on the game.

How Does NFS Most Wanted Compare to say Underground 2?

The first thing you have to know is its comparison to NFS Underground 2, NFS Most Wanted is twice the size and the cops are back. The title says a lot. You will earn a rap sheet and try and take down the top names on the Blacklist. If it sounds a bit boring, think again. The game will feature a mix of the gameplay found in the last two Underground games and then will also switch to look like the regular Need for Speed games fans have loved in the past. When you take on a Blacklist member, you’re risking more than just your ego. Screw up or get nailed by the cops and you will lose that sweet ride. Succeed and you will earn the reputation from the person you defeated. You can also earn his ride and even a favor later in the game.

Need for Speed Most Wanted Xbox 360 Screenshot

Drive Smart — Otherwise It May Be Game Over!
I have played all Need for Speed games in the series and this one has the most interesting concept I have seen. EA decided not only to give you a chance to unlock parts and out-run the cops, but they also threw in conciseness for your choices and actions. I wish I could go into all the details. I can tell you this is the first game in ages that will have a “GAME OVER” screen if you screw up too badly! In case you think this is a typo, it’s not. The game will show a Game Over message and you will need to restart the whole game again. When I heard this, I could not help but take it as a challenge. I mean come on in today’s gaming industry there are about 3 games I can think of that have been rolled out in the last 2 years that have a Game Over screen. So you know when EA says this one is different, it’s not hype or a catchy tag line. They mean it.

It’s More Than Just Racing for the Sake of Gaining a New Part.
I can also tell you the story line and intro sets up the game and helps any racing fan feel like they are doing more than racing for the sake of parts, decals and paint. I think EA knows fans want to get back to the roots of the game a bit more. I personally think the way they mixed the two game styles works very well and really adds to the overall title. For fans of the Underground series, they did leave in plenty of parts and other things players have expected. They also tweaked a few things, and for the better. You now buy a whole body kit instead of each part separately. The game has more parts than the last game. It’s just that they are unlocked differently.

An Advanced AI System Ensure Losing Those Cops Won’t Be Easy.
Justin, who is working on the A.I for the cops and the other racer you will face, told us that you will need to pull off several moves to lose the cops. Again, at times it seemed more of a challenge and less than a statement. That is until I played the full version. You now have more control and will certainly need it. The cops are smart. They are so smart that they will learn your driving pattern. Let me explain this, because it sounds pretty insane! You will be able to outsmart the first chase or road block by using the old 360 and the swerving on another road. The next set of cops won’t fall for that maneuver, so you will actually have to change your getaway methods as in a real life high speed pursuit.

Need for Speed Most Wanted Xbox 360 Screenshot

The Open Map Is Here, So Are the Cars — But So are the Cops Leadfoot!
The game has the open map as in NFSU, but this time if you’re in any mode of the game and are speeding, the cops will chase you. I had the cops chasing me for a good 15 minutes and they are tight behind the rear view. So players will see how the game switches from the classic NFS series and back to the NFSU. The switch is smooth and instant. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you much more than that when it comes to the way the game will play. The safe houses are very cool and play a huge role in the game. If you’re wanted and your car is too hot to be spotted, you can switch cars. Of course EA has a few other neat options that we will update you with as soon as we can. The cars I can list off for you include BMW M3 GTR Street, BMW M3 GTR Race, Mazda RX-8, Porsche Carrera GT, Ford Mustang GT, Lotus Elise, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Audi TT 3.2 V6, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Corvette C6R, Corvette C6, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, and Toyota Supra.

Need for Speed Most Wanted Xbox 360 Screenshot

Its Still An Arcade Racer, But Now It Has a Brain.
This is just a taste and the amount of cars is incredible in the full game. The way they handle is impressive and we were told to expect even better handling in the final version. It is still an arcade racer but they had experts come in just to adjust what is possible and what would simply look stupid. I could tell playing the demo and then playing the newest build that changes were made and the focus is not only on a sharp looking game but one that also handles well.

Xbox 360 Graphics In Action – Can You Say OMG!
One thing that I had to ask was the question “if you race in manual rather than automatic will you have an advantage?” Since most games always give a slight edge to those who drive in manual, a surprise answer of no was given. I have to be honest most of our playing time was on the regular Xbox version. When they brought in the 360 units and hooked them up, I was excited. The “Ring of Light” is pretty and the 360’s graphics are amazing. When the weather changes and it begins to rain, you will want to wipe off you’re TV screen. It looks that real. Ever see a game capture that look of the heat rolling out from the hood before in any game? You will in this one, at least in the Xbox 360 version.

Need for Speed Most Wanted Xbox 360 Screenshot

The roads look incredible right down to the cracks and different surfaces. An asphalt road looks very different than one made of concrete. You’re car will also handle differently on each surface and in various weather conditions. The feel of the 360 controller is nice. I noticed it seems a little loose compared to the Xbox S-Controller. When asked I was told it is probably a combination of getting used to the new controller and the fact they have used the controllers a great deal. Everything we have seen or wrote about the Xbox 360 is true. It’s sleek, the controller is great and even though I was not thrilled about a white controller, it looks sharp. The time I had on the Xbox 360 only makes me want one sooner.

Xbox Demo — Drag Races are More than Just Shifting Gears
We were handed out a demo to play and it is made up of three stages. The first is a flat out time run called Toll Booth. You have to reach each toll booth before time runs out. In case that sounds boring, after a neat cinematic cut-scene, you then need to outrun the cops for a certain time limit. The second was Sprint, which is a race against four of the Blacklist racers and yes the cops will be out when you pull off a great move or grab air. The computer will show it in a slow-motion style. The final race on the demo is a drag race against one of the Blacklist guys. You can adjust the controls but the default settings using the right analog stick to shift works the best. Unlike the drag races in NFS Underground, not only will you need to deal with traffic you also will drive a longer course that has some nasty turns and obstacles. If you beat him in the race, you will then have to outrun the cops until the timer goes to zero.

I have so much more to add but there is limited space and a lot of what I saw is still not allowed to be talked about or posted. The game will have everything fans loved in the whole series. The amount of time they took on the detail and looks alone is incredible. I can say that they have included in some great destructible areas that will add to the racing and to evading the cops. It’s nice to see that the game is returning to the roots.

In closing, I have to give credit for a few of the personal Pictures seen to Kyle Bell at Game Freaks 365 and Jon Long at EA and the entire Need for Speed Most Wanted Team. Without them this would never have been possible.

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Written by Rich Reed, XBS Head Writer and Product Specialist.

Filed under: Xbox 360

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