Need for Speed Most Wanted

"Most Wanted; you just can't resist."

I'd like to make it clear before I proceed that I honestly have yet to own a copy of NFS: Underground or the second one before I got Most Wanted. However, it is undeniable that Most Wanted would top the list even if I've played Underground. That's because I've tried both of them, and they still are no match for Most Wanted.

Let's get straight to the gameplay, graphics, and sound effects.

Gameplay: 10/10

I love it. And it will not take too much time until you familiarize yourself with each aspect of the game and go "Wow! I can't believe it. This game totally rocks!". I cannot denie that the game is not perfect. Not in every aspect. Perhaps you will totally go blank at the very-complicating but attractive gameplay style. If you've skipped some of the previous NFS in the series you will understand what I'm saying, although the game is quite similar to Underground (as I've been told).

Basically, you ought to be starting the "Career" mode. Without giving away vital information that may spoil the game for you, this is the story mode. Much like erhm... a different section in the game that is actually the best mode available. This is probably the only part of the game that got me hooked on it.

The game goes really simple, even if it sounds so complicating to your ears or brains. You'll start off the game with a few single races to brief the plot hole to you. Then later on, you will start the whole new career challenge. There will be a total of 15 rivals or opponents for you to compete against, in a mode called "Blacklist". As you defeat each rival in the Blacklist, you will take over their position, and finishing off all fifteen rivals will award you the ending. This, will not be as easy as it sounds. There are requirements for each different rival; it all depends on which rival you're up against; the better they are, the more difficult the requirements given. So, what's the catch?

The whole difficult area in the game is to level yourself or attain good positionings in the game to the 15 sets of requirements. These requirements will want you to go through all sorts of challenges and different types of racing adventures. Once you've beaten the requirements, you will be able to challenge the rival you're up against. This will go on and on until you reach number one.

Fortunately, EA has set up other modes to extend the period of playtime. there is a challenge mode where you choose different challenges and unlock different areas to widen up your challenge options.

I would also like to highlight a feature in the game which adds to the excitement. In the Career mode, players will be able to explore the whole city, through a mode called "Free Roam". You could wander around endlessly in the city (unless caught by the police) or go straight to your "safe house" and race! The whole point is to make you feel free; the game is off limits.

I think the best parts in the game are the whole vehicle package and the police force. You can tune up your car in tune up shops available around the city, which you have to find using the map. Tuning up is incredible and perfect. As you go on through the Blacklist, you will attract the cops and you will have to tune up your vehicle to keep up with the other racers. The cops are smart and well-designed. There will be a "Heat Meter" where it shows how much you are wanted the cops. This will attract stronger police forces as your heat meter goes up. This is when tuning up gets from "important" to "real important". Changing the looks of your vehicle will strongly decrease your Heat Level; thus less police will be on your tail.

Graphics: 8/10

I wouldn't say its darn good. It is, but sometimes I can't exaggerate on the subject. Its just "I love it" or "Its okay". The graphics are for you to judge. But I seriously wouldn't hate it or anything. That's why it deserves a good number 8. Don't take it too seriously; other aspects of the game should be taken into consideration as well, not just the graphics, which is good in my opinion. You will be satisfied.

Sound Effects: 8/10

It never fails to excel. Believe me, you wouldn't really notice at first but if you care to spare a few minutes judging the game thoroughly, you will notice that the sounds are impressive. As you speed up, your engine sound goes from standard to boost, and as you use turbo or go downhill, you will start to enjoy the whole trip. It will be an enjoyable ride, but without the sound effects, nothing will show.

I'm not really into the soundtrack; they're fine and as far as I'm concerned, they don't entertain that much. They just succeed in giving a good feeling as you race. They help you to recognise and bear in mind that this is still Need for Speed. Get what I mean?

Overall: 9/10

I'm not judging the game tto seriously; the whole game is not serious, nor it is realistic in the first place. The game deserves a good 9/10. If you're a die-hard Gran Turismo fan, you may not be looking for Most Wanted. Stay with your own path. For NFS fans, this game without a doubt, impress you in every way. You should not even be reading this in the first place, so why are you? Get the game and enjoy the ride. You have my word on it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/11/06