Need for Speed Carbon

"Great game with innovative controls"

Introduction

Before I played this game I was beginning to wonder if anybody besides Nintendo could make a good game for the Nintendo Wii. It has great graphics, probably the best so far on the wii, innovative controls, great gameplay and is just a solid racing game.

Gameplay 9/10

I'll start with the controls. With the scheme that I use (scheme 2) you turn the wii remote on its side and turn it left and ride just like you would with a real steering wheel, it is very responsive so you don't have to violently swing it to make a simple turn. The object of the game is to win the races in each of the territories until you take over the territories by winning the majority of the races. After you have taken over all the territories in a city, you will be challenged by the boss of the crew that used to own it. If you beat him, you get the city. After you take a portion of each city you will unlock a car or a part for your car. You will also unlock something after you win a race. You can carry a wingman into every race with you to help you out. Some of them have different skills than others. Some of them will show you the shortcuts of the tracks, some will wreck the other cars to help you get in front, and some are drafters. Their specialties aren't just for racing either. They can get you discounts on cars and parts and help you avoid trouble with the police. The different events that you compete in aren't just racing either. In speedbraker you have to have the best speed through the speed zones. In drifter you have to be the best drifter and try not to hit the walls. Sprint is just a point-to-point race. Circuit is a two lap race. When you just want to have a little fun there is free roam mode where you can cruise around the city. In this mode if you run into a civilian or drive recklessly, the police will find out about it and come looking for you. The longer they chase you the more units will get on you. The more times you get in trouble with the police, the higher your heat will rise. The higher your heat is the more advanced your pursuers will become. When your heat gets real high it is almost impossible to get away because they will send SUVs to ram you, corvettes after you and spike strips. If you get caught three times your car will get impounded and you will need another one. Overall there is a lot of depth to the gameplay that will keep you playing for a while.

Graphics 10/10

The graphics are easily the best on the wii surpassing Twilight Princess by a long shot. Everything you see can be moved by being rammed into. There are a lot of buildings that can have their signs knocked down. One building has a giant donut on it which can be used to crush pursuing cops. The lighting effects in the game are great and so is the draw distance. The character models are very well done.

Sound 7/10

The music in the game is okay and is mostly hip-hop. The problem is that you can't really here it because it is so quiet. The voice acting is good and you can understand what the characters are saying.

Story 4/10

This is a racing game so it is not expected to have a good story. Basically you ae trying to get back at an old rival named Darius while making money and building your rep.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/26/07