GameHaven

Graphics-4/5
Need for Speed has always been a industry-leading franchise in terms of visuals. However, the past few entries in recent years haven't really lived up to that status, with other games such as PGR, Test Drive Unlimited, and Gran Turismo jumping ahead. However, Shift is a nice reform in status- it's beautiful. While it's certainly still not the prettiest game on the market, Shift really has a fine level of polish, from car detail and damage to the environments and weather. The presentation, in menus and in-game, is ultra-clean, although the white text can be hard to see at times.

Sound-2/5
The sound effects are awesome. All the usual car sounds, from the revving of engines to the screech of tires, are present. However, one big thing is missing- music. No music plays during races, only post-race, and what does play isn't very enticing. Voice acting by the narrator is pretty good at best; it's not too compelling and usually ends up getting skipped.

Gameplay-5/5
Need for Speed: Shift takes the track-focused racing of ProStreet and adds in many RPG-lite elements, resulting in an addictive take on the racing genre. Winning races builds up your Driver level and adds badges to your Driver Profile, earning you a reputation and more money to buy vehicular upgrades with. It's this "one more level" mentality that keeps the game fresh and helps players to keep progressing through the tiers in order to finish the game.

Online-4/5
Nothing too outstanding here, all the same basic matchmaking options. What's here works, and it's all that's expected from a racing game. Runs silky smooth and easy to figure out.

Closing Comments
Need for Speed Shift is a nice comeback after some less-than-impressive entries in the series and the challenge to constantly improve one's Driver Profile and level ends up becoming an addictive battle. Pop in your iPod while playing and you're good to go.

Overall: 4/5
Good: Looks good, easy to grasp a hold of, addictive, large variety of tasks
Bad: Weak sound

-lol_its_raph

NOTE: Thanks to Dan Zlotoff and RocketXL for sending me the review copy as well as supplying assets.