We Support an R18+ game Classification

The search is finally over. At last, the carbon copy, videogame equivalent of any and every summer blockbuster car chase movie is finally upon us. Thus, consider it anything but ironic that Michael Bay was commissioned to make the trailer for said title.

‘Need for Speed: The Run’ (NFS:TR) certainly knows what it is…albeit a simplistic personality at that. This is brainless, mad dash racing at its finest, a pseudo-plot disguised as an excuse to take a roster of muscle and exotic cars across the U.S.’ most scenic places. Some may critique NFS:TR for what it isn’t, however, highlighting its shortage of substance and complexity underlying Electronic Arts’ (EA) other Need for Speed (NFS) titles.

If NFS:TR is all about expectation management, then the educated customer is in for quite a ride. While other reviewers poo-poo’d the title’s short length, lack of modes, and/or substantially open world environment, I scoff at these elitists within my ever-present nitrous cloud of indifference. ‘Forza’ and/or ‘Gran Turismo’ fans: do not buy this game.

Behind this warning lurks a Dr. Jekkyl and Mr. Hyde of vroom-vroom personality. While I enjoy an authentic racing simulation to make ‘Top Gear’ blush, there’s something alluring about a title unafraid to embrace the opposite end of the genre. Even more so one that doesn’t surrender to the arcade-only gods in doing so.

Simply put: NFS:TR is a damn fun game to play. Its unapologetic emphasis on quick hit, XP gainers keeps thing continuously fresh, and does so within perhaps the most beautiful environs ever to encompass a racing title. This game is flat-out gorgeous, consistently surprising with its attention to graphic detail.

In tandem, the game’s brilliant, heart-thumping soundtrack creates an always- urgent atmosphere, where the music seems to carry gamers from one tension-filled checkpoint to the next. Sound effects are also top notch, with engines purring unabashedly in conjunction with tire squealing and both metal and glass smashes upon impact.

Very much worth noting is NFS:TR’s use of the Frostbite engine, a physics-based environmental dynamic that certainly wreaks havoc on truly reckless driving. Ill-advised attempts to pinball a muscle car around a closely packed mountain range will invoke a cycle of physics-based doom and likely your quick reset demise. Too many resets…and fail the section.

Mirroring other EA, NFS offerings, NFS:TR sports the terrific, always updating Autolog system, also challenge and multiplayer modes. The Run mode is horrifyingly short, but thankfully accompanying options and unlocks extend gaming shelf life.  Online is surprisingly packed with racers, also easy to connect to and play.

Still, not all is well in racing wonderland. The Frostbite engine – while clever – encourages demolition derby ad nauseum in multiplayer, where the randomness of human-controlled drivers results in survival of the fittest versus most skillful. Only the most leveled up (sporting premium unlocked vehicles) tend to escape this mess, a reality that can lead to frustrating multiplayer experience.

Also, The Race doesn’t like to play fair. Default vehicles for certain sections can be woefully mismatched, requiring trips to in-track gas stations to swap out. These swap-out sessions sap away valuable time and momentum, replacing what should be a clever feature with staccato-esque racing feel. This is exacerbated by the game’s requirement of ‘till death do us part’ with initial vehicle selection across multiple stages. For instance, I dig my white Shelby Cobra more than any human being should…but not when it’s the consistent starting option within miniscule, mountain-based dirt heavy sections.

Moreover, track design can leave a little to be desired, alternating between incredible turns and nitrous-friendly expanses in unintelligent pacing. What results is far too much non-acceleration…but not braking…to compensate for irregular designs. Muscle or exotic car, folks: make up your mind.

Last – and while the arcade nature of NFS:TR  is thrilling – the lack of open world becomes very obvious within urban environments. As the racing genre is ripe with titles with at least minimal exploration flexibility…even ‘Crazy Taxi’ has some openness…NFS:TR sticks to its gameplan almost fanatically .

In summation – and weighing the purchase merit of Need for Speed: The Run – it again points to what one expects out of the experience. It’s hard not to recommend the game for anyone with a racing wheel looking for a great time. It’s also hard not to recommend simulation-centric drivers to shop elsewhere for more robust offerings.