Need For Speed: Most Wanted

Comin’ straight outta the mean streets of Chertsey (via Vancouver), EA’s ace racer sets out to prove that great graphics can equal a great game…

Platform:
Xbox 360
Release Date:
2 December 2005
Publisher:
Electronic Arts
Genre:
Racing

Wannabe streetracers may be disappointed to learn that the 360 version of Most Wanted is, gameplay-wise, identical to its current-generation cousin. Then again any bad feelings will soon evaporate after a couple of minutes playing, nay, experiencing this game in glorious high definition.

The whole environment – buildings, trees, the lovely Josie Maran (see screenshots!) – has been finely detailed and very effectively lit. Check out the shadows, lens flare and reflections in the cars… Oh yes, the cars… The background details/effects are awesome but pale in comparison to these lavishly-realised monsters, which are every bit as chromed and lovely as their real-life counterparts. Indeed, it’s a shame to wreck them with the lack of due care and attention that’s necessary to make progress in this game.

Yep. Porsches, Lamborghinis, Beamers etc. you’ve gotta risk ‘em all in your quest to make the top of the local fuzz’s ‘blacklist’ of the 15 most badass drivers. This is achieved by beating other contenders in a series of high-octane races, enhancing your ‘rep’ by evading police attention (which ain’t always easy when they send helicopters after you) and generally driving like the sort of antisocial loon they make local news items about. Play comes in a variety of modes to suit players seeking a lasting challenge and those after a quick blast. Multiple players are amply catered for too, with Xbox Live supporting four player games online.

In keeping with the adrenaline-infused theme, NFS360 features a soundtrack of appropriately banging choons featuring such notable artists as ‘Avenged Sevenfold’ and ‘CellDweller feat. Styles of Beyond’ (no, me neither). Anyway the neat point here is that the soundtrack generates dynamically to suit the action - things really start pumping with the cops in hot pursuit. Reports of a Des O’Connor Pipe-and-Slippers edition appear to be exaggerated.

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SCREENSHOTS

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REVIEWS

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The looks may be the first thing to grab you about Need for Speed, but Most Wanted is not exactly mediocre and the superb visuals, combined with a bit of genuine Hollywood know-how really do enhance what is already a great title. It’s a fine, fun and fast-moving demonstration of the 360’s power. Definitely one to look out for.