Need for Speed: Shift

Last updated

Need for Speed: Shift
Need for Speed Shift.jpg
PAL cover art with a BMW M3 E92 GT2
Developer(s) Slightly Mad Studios [a]
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Director(s) Andy Garton
Producer(s) Suzy Wallace
Designer(s) Andy Tudor
Programmer(s) Ged Keaveney
Composer(s) Stephen Baysted
Mick Gordon
Mark Morgan
Series Need for Speed
Platform(s)
Release
September 15, 2009
  • PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable
    • NA: September 15, 2009 [2]
    • EU: September 17, 2009 [2]
    • UK: September 18, 2009 [3]
    • AU: September 24, 2009 [4]
  • Java ME
    • WW: 2009
  • iOS
    • WW: December 18, 2009
  • BlackBerry OS
    • NA/JP: March 19, 2010
  • Bada
    • EU: May 24, 2010
  • Android
    • WW: June 4, 2010
  • Symbian
    • EU: October 15, 2010
    MeeGo
    • EU: September 27, 2011
Genre(s) Racing
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Need for Speed: Shift is a 2009 racing video game developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360. Developed by EA Bright Light, a distinct version of the game was simultaneously released for PlayStation Portable. Two mobile adaptations were developed by IronMonkey Studios for Java-compatible devices and iOS and released in 2009, with the latter version subsequently being made available for several other mobile devices. Need for Speed: Shift is the thirteenth installment in the Need for Speed franchise.

Contents

Shift's gameplay focuses on simulation, rather than the arcade racing of previous titles. It was followed by a sequel, Shift 2: Unleashed , in 2011. [5]

As of 2021, Shift is no longer available for purchase in any online stores. [6]

Gameplay

In-game screenshot which depicts the cockpit view, a feature that was absent in the series since 2000 Nfs-shift-promo.jpg
In-game screenshot which depicts the cockpit view, a feature that was absent in the series since 2000

Aimed at a hardcore gamer-style audience, Shift reverts to the sports car racing simulation style of its 2007 predecessor, Need for Speed: ProStreet . Although the gameplay of these two titles are similar, Shift recreates car handling much more realistically than its predecessor, and does not contain a story. Upon starting the career mode, the player performs two laps around the Brands Hatch circuit to determine their skill. Once completed, the player is welcomed to the NFS Live World Series, and must earn stars in races to earn money, and unlock new races and tiers.

G-force plays an important role in the game, as it affects both the player and the AI opponents. The in-car view also returns, making its first appearance in a Need for Speed game since Porsche Unleashed . The in-car view is highly detailed, and it is possible to see the driver changing gears and moving his head to get a better view of the mirror. The crashes affect the player's visuals. While crashing, there is a temporary blur on screen. The sound aspects have detailed car crash sound, as well as a sharp gasp of breath from the driver before a collision. [7]

There are 60+ cars which are divided into 4 tiers. Tier 1 refers to entry-level sports and luxury cars like the Audi TT and Infiniti G35, tier 2 refers to mid-level performance cars like the BMW M3, tier 3 refers to supercars like the Lamborghini Gallardo, and tier 4 refers to hypercars like the Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Zonda R. The car customisation options include cosmetics as well as performance mods and is more in depth than previous titles, affecting aspects such as alignment, aerodynamics, tyres, brakes, differential, and gears. [8] Nitrous is also an option for tuning, but different from previous Need for Speed titles as it is simulated more realistically. [8] There are body kits which affect the aerodynamics and weight reduction. There are visual customisation options like rims, vinyls and paints.

There are 19 tracks in total including real world circuits such as Brands Hatch, Nürburgring Nordschleife, Road America, Spa, Silverstone, Willow Springs, Donington Park, Autopolis, and Laguna Seca. [9]

The PlayStation Portable version of the game offers local, ad hoc multiplayer, with no online multiplayer support.

Development and release

Promotion at IgroMir 2009 NFS Shift girl at Igromir 2009 (4081173981).jpg
Promotion at IgroMir 2009

The game spent two years in development. [7] The game was unveiled as part of a three-game announcement that included Need for Speed: Nitro and Need for Speed: World . [7]

The soundtrack of Shift remains similar to that of Need for Speed: ProStreet, featuring a scored soundtrack rather than a general track list [10] as is seen in previous titles such as Need for Speed: Most Wanted , and Need for Speed: Carbon . [11]

In addition to the standard edition, a "Special Edition" of the game was released exclusive to Europe. The Special Edition features numerous bonuses over the standard edition, including exclusive packaging, a poster of the game, and an unlockable car and race which are redeemable online. [12] Shift was released as a bundle with the PlayStation 3 Slim 250GB to promote the game in Europe. [13]

Patches and downloadable content

EA released patches with new features in addition to bug fixes. Patch 1.01 added LAN (Local Area Network) play and mouse support, providing full menu navigation to the game, to the PC version. Patch 1.02 added 5 cars (Toyota Supra Mk IV, 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T, 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, 1967 Corvette and 1967 Shelby GT-500) and a new online "Team Racing" game mode, where a Blue team of racers runs against a Red Team. In addition, the 1.02 patch fixed several performance issues (especially with ATI video cards), improved gameplay, and increased the maximum number of players online from 8 to 12. [14]

In February 2010, EA released Ferrari DLC pack for Xbox 360 that contains 10 Ferraris, also extends the Shift's career mode with 46 new Ferrari specific challenges designed for the Ferrari cars to participate in including hot laps, eliminators, endurance races and a world tour. Completing the perfect Ferrari package are an additional 125 gamerpoints as a reward for undertaking various challenges. Available on Xbox 360 for 800 Microsoft Points [15] the Ferraris available include the 575 Superamerica, F430 Scuderia Spider 16M, California, 599 GTB Fiorano, F430 Spider, 430 Scuderia, F430 GTC, F430 Challenge, F50 GT & Ferrari FXX. An Exotic Racing Pack was also released for PS3 and Xbox 360 which features cars like the McLaren MP4-12C, the BMW M1, the Gumpert Apollo, the Acura NSX, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, the Maserati GranTurismo S and the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss.

Reception

The console versions of Need for Speed: Shift received "generally favorable" reviews, while the PlayStation Portable version received "mixed or average" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. [17] [19] [16] [18]

IGN awarded it an Editor's Choice award and scored it a 9/10, citing among other things the exceptional quality of its driving experience and sound design. [22] Official Xbox Magazine awarded Shift with a 9/10, praising its driver's view and the variety and depth presented in its career mode, as well as its multiplayer component which positively impacted single-player progression. [23] Eurogamer gave it a 7/10, also noting that it could be a good competitor to other simulation racing games such as Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport . [21]

During the 13th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Need for Speed: Shift for "Racing Game of the Year". [27]

Need for Speed: Shift sold 309,000 units in the United States in September 2009. [28]

Mobile adaptations

Two mobile iterations of Need for Speed: Shift were released between 2009 and 2010. One iteration bearing Out Run -style arcade racing gameplay was released for Java ME-compatible devices in 2009. [29] [30] Developed by IronMonkey Studios, another adaptation for iOS featuring gameplay more akin to the console versions was released on December 18, 2009, to "universal acclaim" based on six reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. [31] [20] The game was also made available for BlackBerry OS via the BlackBerry Storm 2 9550 under the title Need for Speed: Shift 3D in the United States, Canada, and Japan on March 19, 2010. [32] This version was released for the Bada OS-based Samsung Wave alongside the launch of the device on May 24, 2010. [33] Additionally, a port for Android compatible devices was released on June 4, 2010. [34] Shift was released as a launch title for the Symbian-based Nokia N8 in Europe on October 15, 2010. [35] [36] A version for the MeeGo-compatible Nokia N9 came preloaded with the device alongside its launch on September 27, 2011. [37] [38]

Notes

  1. ↑ Additional work by EA Black Box. IronMonkey Studios developed the mobile version and EA Bright Light developed the PSP version. [1]

Related Research Articles

Need for Speed (NFS) is a racing game franchise published by Electronic Arts and currently developed by Criterion Games. The series generally centers around illegal street racing, and tasks players to complete various types of races while evading the local law enforcement in police pursuits. Need for Speed is one of EA's oldest franchises not published under their EA Sports brand.

<i>Need for Speed: Underground</i> 2003 racing video game

Need for Speed: Underground is a 2003 racing video game and the seventh installment in the Need for Speed series following Hot Pursuit 2 (2002). It was developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. Three different versions of the game were produced: one for consoles and Microsoft Windows, and another for the Game Boy Advance. An arcade version developed by Global VR and co-published by Konami came out two years later.

<i>Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2</i> 2002 video game

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 is a 2002 racing video game, the sixth installment in the Need for Speed series following Porsche Unleashed (2000) and the direct sequel to Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit (1998). It was developed by EA Black Box for the PlayStation 2, and a distinctly different version by EA Seattle for GameCube, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 features cars from various high-performance and exotic car manufacturers. Players can compete in races using these cars, or opt to play as a police officer and pursue speeders.

<i>Need for Speed: Carbon</i> 2006 racing video game

Need for Speed: Carbon is a 2006 racing video game and the tenth installment in the Need for Speed series. Developed by EA Black Box, Rovio Mobile and published by Electronic Arts, it was released on October 31, 2006, for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, GameCube, Windows, and Mac OS X, and on November 19, 2006 as a launch title for the Wii and in 2008 for arcade cabinets. A portable version, Need for Speed: Carbon – Own the City, was released for the PlayStation Portable, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS. and Zeebo, While it featured similar gameplay to the console version, the portable versions included new or modified gameplay elements, a different setting and storyline, and a different selection of teammates.

Project Gotham Racing (PGR) is a series of racing video games published by Microsoft Studios, with four main titles all of which were developed by Bizarre Creations. It is the spiritual successor to Bizarre Creations' previous game Metropolis Street Racer, released by Sega for the Dreamcast in 2000. The PGR series was released on the Xbox and Xbox 360, with spin-offs appearing on mobile phones.

<i>Need for Speed: ProStreet</i> 2007 racing video game

Need for Speed: ProStreet is a 2007 racing video game developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. It is the eleventh installment in the Need for Speed series and a follow-up to Need for Speed: Carbon (2006). Unlike its immediate predecessors, which focused on the contemporary illegal street racing scene, ProStreet focuses on legal circuit races that take place on closed tracks. The game blends elements of both sim and arcade racing games, requiring players to customize and tune cars for various race modes. Most races take place in real-world locations such as the Portland International Raceway, Mondello Park, and Autopolis.

<i>Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli</i> 2008 racing video game

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is a racing game developed by Eutechnyx and published by System 3, based on the Ferrari Challenge, a single-marque motorsport championship. The game features 14 playable tracks and Ferrari's own Fiorano test track, a vinyl editor and online play for all versions except the PS2. The Nintendo DS version, developed by Firebrand Games, features wireless multiplayer and the Wii version utilizes Wii Remote steering and support for the Wii Wheel. The game primarily features the driving and racing of the Ferrari F430 Challenge, along with a series of Ferrari road and racing cars that can be unlocked.

<i>Race Driver: Grid</i> 2008 racing video game

Race Driver: Grid known outside of Europe as Grid is a 2008 racing video game developed and published by Codemasters for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, arcade, Java ME and OS X. It is the first game in the Grid series.

<i>NASCAR 09</i> 2008 racing video game

NASCAR 09 is the twelfth simulation installment in the EA Sports NASCAR series and the sequel to 2007 game NASCAR 08. It is developed by EA Tiburon and released on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in June 2008, and for mobile phones in September of the same year. Jeff Gordon is the cover athlete for NASCAR 09 for the first time since NASCAR 06: Total Team Control. Through the career mode, "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup", Gordon leads a mentoring program, a new feature offered in NASCAR 09.

<i>Need for Speed: Undercover</i> 2008 racing video game

Need for Speed: Undercover is a 2008 racing video game, and is the twelfth installment in the Need for Speed series following Need for Speed: ProStreet (2007). Developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts, it was released on November 18, 2008, for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, and then on a number of mobile phone platforms in 2009.

<i>Need for Speed: Nitro</i> 2009 video game

Need for Speed: Nitro is a racing video game and the fourteenth title in the Need for Speed series. It was published by Electronic Arts for the Nintendo Wii and DS platforms. The Wii version was developed by EA Montreal, who have previous experience with Nintendo consoles, while the DS version was developed separately by Firebrand Games' Florida studio.

<i>Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit</i> (2010 video game) 2010 racing video game

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is a 2010 racing video game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android, webOS, and Windows Phone. The Wii version was developed by Exient Entertainment. Hot Pursuit is the sixteenth Need for Speed title and was released in November 2010, with digital distribution versions released within December 2010. The game serves as a revival of the Hot Pursuit name first used in 1998's Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit.

<i>Shift 2: Unleashed</i> 2011 racing video game

Shift 2: Unleashed is a racing video game, the seventeenth installment of the Need for Speed series. It was developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Electronic Arts. The game serves as a direct sequel to Need for Speed: Shift and expands on many aspects that were introduced in the original. Shift 2: Unleashed was released worldwide during March and April 2011.

<i>Need for Speed: The Run</i> 2011 racing video game

Need for Speed: The Run is a 2011 racing video game developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. It is the eighteenth installment in the Need for Speed series and is Black Box's final entry in the series before the studio's closure in April 2013. Following an extensive marketing campaign, the game was released on November 15, 2011, for PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS and Wii.

<i>Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends</i> 2012 racing video game

Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends is a racing video game developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Rombax Games under license from Atari for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. The game is a departure from the semi-simulation open world sandbox-gaming style seen on Test Drive Unlimited and its sequel, and returns to closed circuit racing that was last used in Test Drive 6, and also resembling another racer called Le Mans 24 Hours, which was branded as a Test Drive title in the United States on some platforms.

<i>Need for Speed: Most Wanted</i> (2012 video game) 2012 open world racing video game

Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a 2012 racing game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts. Most Wanted is the nineteenth title in the Need for Speed series and was released worldwide for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, iOS and Android, beginning in North America in 2012. A Wii U version, under the title Need for Speed: Most Wanted U, was released in 2013. Like its predecessor, the 2010 Hot Pursuit title, the game is a revival of the original 2005 Most Wanted title.

<i>Need for Speed Rivals</i> 2013 racing video game developed by Ghost Games and Criterion Games

Need for Speed Rivals is a 2013 racing video game developed in collaboration between Ghost Games and Criterion Games, and published by Electronic Arts. It is the twentieth installment in the Need for Speed series, and the debut title for Ghost Games.

<i>Need for Speed</i> (2015 video game) 2015 racing video game

Need for Speed is a 2015 online racing video game developed by Ghost Games and published by Electronic Arts. The game was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in November 2015, while a Windows version released in March 2016. It is the twenty-second Need for Speed installment, and serves as a reboot of the franchise.

<i>Need for Speed Heat</i> 2019 racing video game developed by Ghost Games

Need for Speed Heat is a 2019 racing video game developed by Ghost Games and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. It is the twenty-fourth installment in the Need for Speed series and commemorates the series' 25th anniversary.

<i>Need for Speed Unbound</i> 2022 racing video game

Need for Speed Unbound is a 2022 racing video game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts. It was released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on December 2, 2022. Unbound is the twenty-fifth instalment in the Need for Speed series, and the successor to 2019's Heat. It is the first game in the series to be developed by Criterion since 2013's Rivals, and the studio's first as the main developer of the series since 2012's Need for Speed: Most Wanted.

References

  1. ↑ "Need for Speed Shift Puts Racers in Control with All New Player Profile". IGN . June 15, 2009. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  2. 1 2 "Need for Speed Shift Races to Stores September 15 with Adrenaline-Pumping Global Soundtrack". IGN . September 10, 2009. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  3. ↑ Purchese, Robert (September 17, 2009). "PAL New Releases Roundup - 17/09/09". Eurogamer . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  4. ↑ Chiappini, Dan (September 21, 2009). "AU Shippin' Out September 21-25: Halo 3: ODST". GameSpot . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  5. ↑ Brendan Sinclair (August 3, 2010). "Crysis 2 delayed, Need for Speed Shift 2 announced". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 27, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  6. ↑ Max_Joker (May 31, 2021). "Sun is setting on some older NFS titles - it's not you, it's us". r/needforspeed. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  7. 1 2 3 Anderson, Luke (March 4, 2009). "Need for Speed: Shift". GameSpot. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2009.
  8. 1 2 "NFS: Shift Will Feature Nitro/Drift Events News". Total Video Games. Archived from the original on April 19, 2009.
  9. ↑ "Car & Track list from EA". Electronic Arts. Archived from the original on December 7, 2010.
  10. ↑ "NFS: Shift's first look review @ Pocket-lint.com". April 2009. Archived from the original on August 9, 2009. Retrieved August 12, 2009.
  11. ↑ "NFS: Shift's soundtrack @ Gamesport.com". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved September 21, 2009.
  12. ↑ "Need for Speed: Shift Special Edition @ GAME.co.uk". Archived from the original on September 1, 2009. Retrieved August 12, 2009.
  13. ↑ "Need for Speed: Shift". GameSpot . Archived from the original on February 24, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2010.
  14. ↑ "NFS official Website Patches & Downloads Page". October 19, 2016. Archived from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2009.
  15. ↑ "Need for Speed: Shift Ferrari DLC Trailer - Xbox". News.teamxbox.com. February 16, 2010. Archived from the original on March 20, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  16. 1 2 "Need for Speed: Shift for PC Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
  17. 1 2 "Need for Speed: Shift for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
  18. 1 2 "Need for Speed: Shift for PSP Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
  19. 1 2 "Need for Speed: Shift for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
  20. 1 2 "Need for Speed Shift for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  21. 1 2 "Need for Speed: Shift Review". Eurogamer.net. Eurogamer. September 15, 2009. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2009.
  22. 1 2 "Need for Speed: Shift Review". IGN. September 10, 2009. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2009.
  23. 1 2 "Need for Speed: Shift Review". Official Xbox Magazine. June 21, 2023. Archived from the original on April 15, 2012. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
  24. ↑ Play magazine review, issue 184, Imagine Publishing
  25. ↑ Hodapp, Eli (December 14, 2009). "'Need For Speed: Shift' In Depth Hands-On Preview with Video". TouchArcade . Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  26. ↑ "X-Play: Need For Speed Shift Review". Vids.myspace.com. Retrieved April 30, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
  27. ↑ "2010 Awards Category Details Racing Game of the Year". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on June 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  28. ↑ Thorsen, Tor (October 21, 2009). "Need for Speed series sells 100M, Shift moves 309K". GameSpot . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  29. ↑ "NEED FOR SPEED SHIFT 2D". YouTube . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  30. ↑ "Need for Speed Shift[Cellphone]". IGN . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  31. ↑ Cabral, Matt (December 28, 2009). "Need For Speed: SHIFT Micro-Review: Changing Gears". Kotaku . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  32. ↑ Brown, Mark (March 19, 2010). "Need for Speed Shift 3D now on BlackBerry Storm 2". Pocket Gamer . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  33. ↑ Davies, Chris (May 24, 2010). "Samsung Wave S8500 gets European launch". Slash Gear. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  34. ↑ Brown, Mark (May 17, 2010). "Need for Speed drifting onto Android June 4th". Pocket Gamer . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  35. ↑ Wilson, Will (September 19, 2010). "Hands on with Gameloft and EA launch games for the Nokia N8". Pocket Gamer . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  36. ↑ Savov, Vlad (October 6, 2010). "Nokia N8 going on general sale in Europe October 22nd, available online October 15th". Engadget . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  37. ↑ McCracken, Harry (September 27, 2011). "Nokia Ships the N9, a Phone Without Apps". Technologizer by Harry McCracken. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  38. ↑ Savov, Vlad (October 20, 2011). "Nokia N9 review". The Verge. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.