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Preview: Need for Speed: Most Wanted console multiplayer; iPad and Vita builds

Need For Speed: Most Wanted is arguably one of my favourite titles in the franchise. It’s a game I’ve finished numerous times since it was originally released and a title I still reminisce about from time to time. Last week I was given the opportunity to attend a preview event for Criterion Games’s upcoming release, the new Need For Speed: Most Wanted. The section of the game on offer consisted of multiple rounds of multiplayer, where each was made up of five events – speedtrap, team race, drift, longest jump and free-for-all racing. In addition to checking out the console version of the game, I was also fortunate enough to get my hands on the iOS and PS Vita versions too.

The first thing which has to be mentioned about this game, and the one thing which probably blew me away the most, was the sheer attention to detail. Despite the fact we were playing an early build of the game, it was impressive to see those small things Criterion had focused on for Most Wanted. For example, seeing streams of smoke seeping from the vents on the streets or the splashback of water as waves hit the shores and wharfs. When driving you’d notice a hand actually shift gears within the car and if you’d taken damage, you’ll see the engine showing underneath your crumpled bonnet (looked particularly awesome on the Aston Martin when the engine was showing through the bonnet grills). Another neat feature is your tires blowing-out if you hold a burnout for too long. None of these features will really change the gameplay, but they all come together to make Most Wanted that little more ‘complete’.

The next thing worth mentioning are the physics. Simply put, they seem to be a blend of Hot Pursuit and The Run. While you’ll be able to slide into corners with the use of the handbrake (although don’t be too liberal with it or you’ll spin out), its no-where near as drift-happy as the cars were in Hot Pursuit. In addition, the weight of the cars makes the handling seem similar to the original Most Wanted where you had that sense of tire-spin if you pushed too hard on the throttle off the line. The difference in the performance of the various classes of cars was also noticeable. For example, the Camaro seemed to have poor acceleration in contrast to the Porsche 911.

As mentioned earlier, online multiplayer consisted of five different events – two races, one drift, longest jump competition and a speedtrap. While the goal was to place first in each event, speed points (which is what you earn for doing anything in the game and counts towards your global ‘Most Wanted’ ranking) were also rewarded during and outside of the different events for taking down your opponents. This gives those players who mightn’t win the races a chance to still be in the running and really puts everyone on a level playing ground (especially when car choice might favour some over others for the different types of events). Most Wanted has also done away with the lobby system so no longer do you need to stare at boring menus as your friends join in – with free-roam to explore and other racers to take down, multiplayer looks like it’s going to be more intense than ever! Another thing I liked was drivers had to line-up at the start of a race to initiate it, which gives off that illegal street-race vibe. My only complaint was the game didn’t tell you which direction you had to face and this could give some a head-start over others when the event begins. That said though, this was early code so it’s not to say this won’t be rectified come the final build.

In addition to the console build of Most Wanted I also had the chance to check out the game on both the iPad and PS Vita. Starting with the former, the game had a much more Hot Pursuit feel to it when it came to the physics, where it was much easier to power-slide around corners and bends. Graphically the game looked fantastic and is more impressive than what we saw from retail games on the Xbox/PS2!  The racing also seemed just as intense as the console version as you not only need to focus on winning the race, but also deal with police who are chasing you down and creating obstacles such as road-blocks to stop you. The PS Vita version is similar to the console version with free-roam, races and pursuits but I must be honest and say I wasn’t really a fan. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t quite like the controls/feel of the handheld itself, but I just felt the game didn’t suit such a small screen and at the time didn’t feel as impressive (as far as gameplay or graphics was concerned), to either the console or iOS versions. Perhaps PS Vita owners will think otherwise but it just didn’t win me over.

I’ve played a few games this year at preview events and the best way to describe Need For Speed: Most Wanted is ‘promising’. Now, this might sound a little under-whelming but what I’d like to emphasise is by ‘promising’, what I mean is Most Wanted has the potential to be a truly epic game. Just from the trailers we’ve seen so far and the small amount of time I’ve had with this game, it looks like Criterion may have hit the nail on the head with what a modern racing game should be about and contain. The game might not feature a storyline or visual customisation like some fans of the original Most Wanted may have liked, but the game more than makes up for it with its massive and varied open world, impressive car list, great physics and a combination of race modes and activities that should keep players interested and engaged, either when playing alone or with friends. With a little over a month to go, I’m excited for this game and I’m confident what Criterion has in store for us will be amazing.


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About the author

Nicholas Simonovski

Events and Racing Editor at Stevivor.com. Proud RX8 owner, Strange Music fan and Joe Rogan follower. Living life one cheat meal at a time.