"The need for speed?"
What was the first thought that entered your mind when reading the news of a new Need for Speed? It was probably ‘yes, yes, YES!' or ‘Another one?'. The last few games have been more of the same. It has hot girls, a good soundtrack, fast cars and… o yea, racing! So does this new game feature anything new that will make the haters become lovers?

The difficulty was always a good part when it came to the Need for Speed series. Never too easy, never hard enough to cause the gamepad/keyboard to end up as trash. This time that rule doesn't seem to apply. The game starts easy and, sadly enough, stays easy. It won't become difficult until the very last minute. The game makes a 180 degrees turn and decides to tell you it's not all fun and games. Who is prepared to switch from easy to hard in pretty much a minute? You tell me.

Don't worry though, the game also brought something good in return. It comes with a crew feature. You can hire up to 3 members and pick one who'll race with you whenever possible. Each member has his/her own speciality. This can be a blocker (will keep other racers behind), scout (checks for shortcuts) or drafter (gives slipstream). It's up to you to pick what you like and activate them whenever you want. It's be a perfect idea if they didn't tend to get in your way most of the time.

So what is this Need for Speed about? More of the same, basicly. It involves a cute girl, territories to re-gain and cops. The same cop that you met in Need for Speed: Most Wanted. And he seems to know you. Possible reference? You tell me.

The graphics are as smooth and good as ever. It has the effects you want without you having to have a perfect computer. The perfect balance. The sound effects are good, but the music is pretty much boring. What happened to those R&B and metal/rock songs? Nothing stands out this time, which is a shame.

Finishing this game won't be much of a problem. Compared to the previous games, this game is a joke. The real difficult part starts around the end of the game. This makes the replay value drop down by a mile or two. Who wants to replay a game that takes a few hours of easy racing before you get to the real stuff – just to find out you finished the game?

If you are into Need for Speed, make sure to get this. It's not bad, it's just the ‘same old stuff again' factor that'll make most people decide to just get another game. The real question is – do you have the need for speed?

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/04/06