Need for Speed: Shift

72%
Game Brain Score Based on 926 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • optimization
Need for Speed: Shift Game Cover
Need for Speed: Shift provides a much needed shift in the franchise and crosses the chequered flag in flying colors.
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Need for Speed: Shift is an authentic racing game that offers a realistic driving experience with precise physics and car models. It places you in the driver's seat, allowing you to feel the intensity of high-speed races, G-forces, and the impact of crashes. With a wide range of race tracks and a realistic physics-based driving model, this game delivers a true-to-life driving simulation.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

72%
Audience ScoreBased on 926 reviews
graphics81 positive mentions
optimization5 negative mentions
  • Great graphics and immersive cockpit view enhance the racing experience.
  • Variety of cars and customization options provide a fun and engaging gameplay.
  • Offers a good balance between arcade and simulation racing, making it accessible for casual players.
  • Handling and physics can feel unrealistic and frustrating, especially at higher speeds.
  • AI can be overly aggressive and unbalanced, leading to frustrating race experiences.
  • Technical issues such as crashes and unskippable cutscenes detract from the overall enjoyment.
  • graphics135 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their quality, with many users noting that they hold up well even by 2023 standards, showcasing impressive detail in car models and environments. While some players mention dated menus and issues with saving graphic settings, the overall visual experience is described as immersive and visually appealing, particularly in cockpit views. Despite some criticisms regarding the game's age and limited customization options, the graphics are considered a strong point, contributing to an enjoyable racing experience.

    • “The graphics are very good even by today's (2023) standards.”
    • “It's the perfect choice for anyone who loves high-speed racing, with gorgeous graphics and immersive gameplay that will keep you hooked for hours on end.”
    • “The graphics are amazing, especially inside the car!”
    • “Will not save or apply my graphics settings no matter how many times I restart the game like it asks.”
    • “Most graphics settings reset when the game is restarted (which is required for changing the settings) and alt+tabbing crashes the whole game, making it practically unplayable.”
    • “Graphics settings reset to default every time I load up the game.”
  • gameplay62 mentions

    The gameplay of the game is characterized by fast-paced racing mechanics and a variety of cars, appealing to fans of high-speed racing. While many players appreciate the graphics and immersive experience, there are mixed feelings about the driving mechanics, with some finding them clunky and difficult compared to other racing titles. Overall, the game offers a decent racing experience with opportunities for upgrades and cash earnings, though it may not meet the expectations of those seeking a more arcade-style approach.

    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and intense, with plenty of opportunities to earn cash and upgrade your ride.”
    • “It's the perfect choice for anyone who loves high-speed racing, with gorgeous graphics and immersive gameplay that will keep you hooked for hours on end.”
    • “The gameplay is awesome, especially with a physical steering wheel!”
    • “Terrible car driving mechanics!”
    • “Eventually I was able to get used to the game's mechanics, but I would often lose races due to clunky controls rather than player skill.”
    • “Overall the reason I don't recommend it is because the cons really affect the actual gameplay, especially the poor framerate, and I tried setting them down to minimal and it was still getting (minfps: 12 maxfps: 45 avgfps: 24) which was horrible.”
  • optimization33 mentions

    The optimization of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its solid performance and graphics, achieving 60 fps even on older hardware, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, crashes, and poor performance on modern systems. Many appreciate the extensive customization options and the ability to upgrade vehicles, but some express frustration over the lack of meaningful damage impact on performance and the random assignment of performance parts. Overall, while there are notable strengths in optimization, particularly in graphics, there are also persistent issues that detract from the experience for certain users.

    • “Most of the cars can be improved performance-wise and tuned to affect different aspects of the vehicle in your preferred way, from aerodynamics to brakes and gears.”
    • “The game is extremely well optimized!”
    • “Performance-wise, this game runs at a solid 60 fps in 1080p (and probably all the way up to 4k) at max settings on my i5 4460 and GTX 980 Ti rig, on Windows 10.”
    • “Optimization is horrible and the options and navigating is bad.”
    • “Mordern hardware has rendered this game unplayable for me due to the known issue of major stuttering during collisions.”
    • “This game is known for some issues related to performance, and problems with some hardware, or underperformance on some actual GPUs.”
  • story31 mentions

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many reviewers noting that it lacks a traditional narrative or sense of progression, often comparing it to simple endless runner games. While some players appreciate the focus on racing mechanics over a scripted storyline, others express disappointment at the lack of immersive storytelling, leading to a less engaging experience overall. Overall, the consensus is that the game prioritizes gameplay over narrative, which may not appeal to those seeking a rich story.

    • “A very fun racer with a cool story mode and progression system.”
    • “There is plenty to do in the story mode; I have yet to try multiplayer.”
    • “Shift does not contain an actual storyline, but the career is very addicting and challenging!”
    • “This game has no story.”
    • “There isn't really a story, which sucks, but I kind of made one up in my head as I played.”
    • “Theirs no grown up on the wrong side of the tracks, or aspiring young rookie based story here; it's just subwalls of different tiers, making the overall experience less immersive and less personal.”
  • music29 mentions

    The music aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the sound design and the immersive experience created by the absence of music during races, while others criticize the limited and repetitive soundtrack. Many players appreciate the electronic tracks during drift events, but there are complaints about the overall quality and variety of the music, with some describing it as underwhelming or even unpleasant. Overall, the game's approach to music seems to prioritize realism over a robust soundtrack, leading to a divided reception among players.

    • “Still has the best soundtracks and music that is sorely missing in today's modern racers.”
    • “Turning on some phonk music will definitely help you to beat your opponents.”
    • “On drift events you can listen to a good chunk of electronic music that will put you in the right mood.”
    • “To give you better immersion and increase tension, your usual racing music is turned off on almost all events, besides drift ones.”
    • “I do miss the soundtrack EA has always delivered with each game.”
    • “This game sadly, just like Project Cars, has very little music, sometimes almost none.”
  • stability9 mentions

    The game's stability is generally inconsistent, with some players experiencing significant bugs and glitches, particularly in career mode, while others report smooth performance after hardware upgrades. The lack of official support means that many game-breaking issues remain unresolved, leading to frustration among users. Overall, while some find it playable, the presence of persistent bugs and the absence of multiplayer functionality detracts from the experience.

    • “When I first downloaded the game, I only had 4GB, but after upgrading to 16GB, the game runs great.”
    • “I have no lags, no glitches.”
    • “Unfortunately, since there isn't any more official support for this game, none of the game-breaking glitches will be addressed.”
    • “The downs are that it's a bit old, it's a bit buggy sometimes, and there is no multiplayer since it has been dead for several years.”
    • “But career mode is too buggy for me.”
  • humor7 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by its amusing physics engine, which leads to both intentional and unintentional comedic moments, such as the ability to understeer and oversteer simultaneously. Players find joy in the game's funny glitches and the creative freedom to paint their cars in humorous designs, contributing to an overall lighthearted and enjoyable racing experience.

    • “As another review comment said, "this game figured out how to understeer and oversteer at the same time," which is funny and true.”
    • “- Physics engine: lacks reality, but really hilarious.”
    • “The coolest part though is your ability to paint your car in some funny ways.”
  • grinding6 mentions

    The grinding aspect of NFS Shift is described as a mixed experience, with some players finding it tedious and frustrating, particularly due to the slow progression and repetitive tasks. While dedicated racing fans may appreciate the skill-honing opportunities, many reviewers feel that the grind detracts from overall enjoyment, especially when compounded by technical issues and unengaging content.

    • “What all this leads to is that after a few hours, NFS Shift starts to just swing back and forth between being frustratingly hard and tediously boring.”
    • “The drift races are not much fun at all and actually rather tedious to complete.”
    • “Sure, you get the standard selection of paints, vinyls, and rims, but it's all put in a way that seems slow, tedious, restricted (in some cases), and ultimately not very fun, especially when they give you a bunch of preset liveries for each car which look much better than what can be done by yourself.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    Users have mixed opinions on replayability, with some highlighting that the game is "infinitely replayable," while others rate it low at 2/5, suggesting that it may lack engaging content for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus indicates that while some players find it highly replayable, others do not see enough value to return to the game frequently.

    • “Infinitely replayable.”
    • “Infinitely replayable.”
    • “Infinitely replayable.”
    • “Replayability: 2/5”
    • “The game lacks enough variety to keep me coming back for more.”
    • “Once you finish the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while some players appreciate the wholesome career mode, others find it lacking in excitement and depth compared to traditional titles, leading to a sense of boredom. Additionally, the unrealistic physics can detract from immersion, making the experience feel less engaging.

  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere is heavily focused on creating a sense of being a professional racer, but many users feel that the excessive dialogue detracts from the experience, making it less immersive.

    • “The endless dialogue attempts to create an atmosphere of being a pro racer, but it just feels forced and unrealistic.”
    • “The atmosphere is lacking; it fails to immerse you in the racing world as intended.”
    • “Despite the effort to build an engaging atmosphere, it ultimately falls flat and feels disconnected from the gameplay.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

Buy Need for Speed: Shift

Play time

28hMedian play time
24hAverage play time
13hMain story
30hCompletionist
20-40hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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