Need for Speed: Shift [Platinum] - Boxed - PS3

In Need for Speed: SHIFT, the goal is to take part in the Need for Speed World Tour and become the ultimate champion. Unlike its predecessors, this instalment isn't about racing souped-up cars through an open city. Instead, the game is more akin to GRID, with races taking place on closed street circuits or even on famous racetracks such as the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

At the start of the game, the player drives both a test lap and a race. During this tutorial, the game assesses the player's skill and adjusts the realism settings accordingly, ranging from the usual arcade controls with plenty of driving aids to an almost realistic, simulation-like driving model. The main game then begins, in which the player must successfully collect stars to unlock the next tier and eventually gain access to the World Tour. Stars are earned by finishing on the podium at the end of a race or by completing certain objectives on the track. These range from simply reaching a certain number of points in the race to more demanding goals such as driving a clean lap. Points, in turn, are earned through the player's driving style, which is divided into two groups: precision and aggression. While the first group rewards clean sectors or driving the ideal line, aggression points are earned by ramming other cars or drifting through corners. Once the player has collected enough points (both categories are added together at the end of an event), they level up, unlocking new upgrades for their car, receiving a large cash bonus, or being invited to a special racing event. To motivate the player even further, tonnes of badges are waiting to be earned, some of which also correspond to the available achievements/trophies. Here too, actions such as 25 overtaking manoeuvres or three consecutive wins are required to earn a small badge. If the player keeps their streak going or has earned all the small badges in a category, they receive further badges ranging from bronze to epic.

Available events include regular races in various formats, a time attack mode, a car attack mode in which the player must either be five seconds ahead of their opponent or finish in first place to win, and drift events. The fleet includes many licensed cars, from ordinary mid-range and premium vehicles to powerful racing cars, all of which can be bought with money earned from race wins or levelling up. The car's appearance can also be customised by unlocking new vinyls. Extensive upgrade and tuning options are also available, allowing the player to change every detail of their car, right down to tyre pressure. More