Need For Speed

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Game Information
Name: Need For Speed
Genre: Racing
Release Date: March 20, 1996
Developers: Pioneer Productions (3DO, DOS & SAT)
EA Canada (PS1)
Publishers: Electronics Art
Age rating: E
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
Console(s): 3DO, DOS, PlayStation, Sega Saturn

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Synopsis
At first glance, Need for Speed may seem like your typical arcade racer, but the moment you mash down on the accelerator you'll notice something different: these cars drive like the real thing

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Gameplay
The cars in this game drive amazingly real for a game that is this old. The cars in this game have their own personality. Each car's dashboard and engine noise has been remade. In addition, the top speed and acceleration have also been remodeled. Need For Speed is just arcades style fun. EA has made this game as simple as possible. The CPU is capable of winning and if youre new to the series ti will take practice to get good at this. Although, if you still dont feel challenged by the CPU, you could always race a friend. The game consists of three point-to-point tracks. They are all divided into different stages. There are pursuits and if you get caught you will be ticketed. After your third time, you will become arrested. The 3 rally courses are amazing. The rally tracks will not help you instead if youre being pursued by the police you are most likely going to get caught. There are 8 tracks in the game including a bonus track. In addition, only nine cars are available which is reasonable since this game was created in 1996.

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Graphics
NFS most disappointing side is its graphics engine. The SVGA graphics are exceptional, but sometimes they become fizzy and it is hard to spot objects in the game. The cars and obstacles disappear. 90 ping might be needed to run this game. There is a replay feature like the theater mode in Call of Duty. Your car can be seen with multiple camera views. You can playback your race. The FPS never drops and the lighting in the game is adjusted in certain parts of the day. Theres not a lot to see but youre having so much fun that you wont notice.

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Controls
The controls work well for the most part but sometimes my car would stick a bit and argue with me. The controls are a bit clunky and I hard time at first couldnt win a race. Once you learn the controls and physics, you can go through the course without braking. Sometimes there are only 2-3 turns so it is easier. You can change the camera angles because it is displayed on the screen. When trying to drift using the buttons I press it too hard and my car begins to spin around and do donuts. If you still need help with the controls the manual has loads of information.

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Ratings (Personal)
With its great attention to detail, exotic course design, and simple gameplay, this game is alright for an old game.
Game play: 8/10
Graphics: 5/10
Controls: 7/10
Overall: 6.5/10