Need for Speed ProStreet

The Need for Speed franchise is one of the premiere racing titles in terms of name recognition and flat-out speed. This was a game that, when it was first introduced back in 1992 (on the PC), set the bar for racing titles. There is a bit of history to the franchise, but let it go at this – this is a franchise that has produced several checkered flags, a few flats and seen multiple platform releases.

So it’s been about 15 years and the franchise is releasing ProStreet for the PlayStation 3 console system. Rather than relegate people to drifting or underground racing, in some ways, ProStreet takes the series back to a simpler racing style. This is still peddle to the metal racing on street courses, but rather that being illegal, ProStreet buckles players into the drivers seat as a rookie trying to make a name for himself on the circuit. To do that, you will have to win and impress those who readily show their disdain for you.

EA has done a very nice job with this package. GameZone was able to strap in and give the game a ride with a gold master code, and this was the NFS title that has been missing the past couple of years. From great race physics to a simpler selection of racing choices, NFS is ripping up new tracks, laying down the rubber and pushing skill above raw horsepower.

Why? How?

Well, in many of the races you begin with, you are driving cars that are identical to what others are driving. This means that if you drop to the back of the pack in a grip race (basically, just win), you may have a hard time catching up. Conversely, if you start at the back of the pack, because it really isn’t your car, banging a few competitors out of the way en route to the head of the class won’t cost you much. Your car will take damage and that will affect the handling, but brushing is only light damage and you get a fully repaired vehicle for the next race anyway.

The game does have the usual suspects when it comes to game modes – online is supported (though unavailable at this time), and you also have the quick race and career modes. The latter will have you enter a Race Day schedule that includes ¼ mile drag racing, the aforementioned grip race and a time trial. The goal is to garner enough points to boost your reputation and advance.

Three difficulty levels allow you to gear up in the manner most suitable. The low end will do all the shifting for you and help you through the corners while the hardest setting simply let’s you do all the work. Where this comes into play is in how you see corners and shifting. The game will give you a line at the gentler settings and show you how your speed relates to that line through the turns. Too hot and the green markers will go red. Tap the brakes and they will back down to yellow or back to green, which means you have the right speed for the corner.

The drag race, though, is a bit of a different beast. You begin by “warming” your tires. This is a revving exercise that asks you to try to keep the RPMs in a certain range. The warmer your tires, the more grip you will have when you race. It also shows off the great next-gen smoke effects.

Once you get the green light to go, you tromp on the gas, watch your RPMs and when it hits the right zone, you shift. R2 is the accelerator, L2 is the brake, L1 is the clutch and you change gears using the right thumbstick. Up shifts up and down shifts down. It all works rather well.

As for the rest of the controls, EA’s dev team has done a solid job of making certain that this is an extremely accessible title. It does not take much to get up and moving. You can switch camera views as well to get the perspective that is right for you.

The sound is handled well, but can be a bit repetitious. You have an announcer at the Race Day events that is loose and casual, but can repeat himself. The engine noises dominate the audio, and the music is understated. Graphically, though, this is a gem. The car damage looks very good, and the lighting effects and environments are well done.

NFS ProStreet is a very good next-gen title. It may be a touch on the easy side, but the game has the mechanics and racing challenges to keep PS3 owners happy for a while.

Look for this game to release to retail in the middle of the month.