Need for Speed ProStreet

"A great game with a few flaws"

Need for Speed ProStreet is the latest iteration of EA's hugely popular NFS series. Largely living up to the standards set by its predecessors, this game packs quite a punch.

Gameplay: 8/10
The gameplay is immersive and manages to get you hooked, I played for three hours straight on my first sitting and I must say, I was hugely impressed by the overall gameplay. The new and improved AutoSculpt element adds a unique touch to every player's vehicle. It also affects a cars performance, as do the new and highly realistic damage models. I was driving along merrily enjoying my 23-second lead, when I paused the game and was amazed to find the front of my Nissan GT-R in shambles, with the front bumper torn of and the hood flapping in the wind. All the camera views (Close, Far, Bumper, Hood) provide enough variety for all users to be content. All the gaming modes (Grip, Drift, Drag, Speed) add nice changes to the game as you progress.

Graphics: 9/10
What is a next-gen game without brilliant graphics? Firstly, all the cars resemble their real-life counterparts very, very brilliantly. All the cars look exactly like the real models, right down to the rims and the colour of the brakes. Also, let me add that the damage models are absolutely outstanding, and give a very realistic feel as you race. You know, I'm starting to run out of adjectives now. In race, the cars look good, but it is the damage, the scratches and the broken bumpers and windows, the popped trunks, and the brushed hood that looks the best.

Controls: 6/10
Sadly, this is where this great game falters. By default, the controls are set to R2 to accelerate, and L2 to brake. The only other configuration available is the Right Analog Stick to Accelerate/Brake. For veteran gamers who have long been accelerating with X and Breaking with Square, it is hard to adjust to this new control scheme that was first adopted by Nascar 08 and now by NFS:PS. However, once you get used to it, the controls become familiar and easy to use.

Sound: 8/10
Every car has its own engine tone, and this is a good effect, so good that you actually strain your ears just to hear the growling Evo or the whining M3. The overall ambience is nice and you can hear the commentator at race days constantly shouting out news about the race, mostly about you, Ryan Cooper. The guy seems to like Cooper a lot, always saying good stuff about him and complementing him.

Interface and Menus: 7/10
The menus in the game are fine, and easy to understand, but it is the Career Map that hampers the experience that this game provides you with. The map is grey, with the races signified by grey and white icons and the highlighted item signified with a green icon. This can be confusing, and isn't as ‘cool' as EA meant it to be.

So – To buy or not to buy?
a – If you are an NFS fan: Certainly, this game adds quality to the NFS series and you won't be let down by it.
b – If you are a racing game fan: Yes, I would recommend this game to you because of the great, immersive gameplay it provides.
c – If you don't like racing games: Er, why are you reading this review?

Overall
Gameplay – 8
Graphics – 9
Controls – 6
Sound – 8
Interface – 7

Overall: 8 – four stars.
Doesn't redefine the genre, but is one of the best games in its class.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/25/07

Game Release: Need for Speed ProStreet (EU, 11/23/07)