Need For Speed: Most Wanted

EA has been serving us with the NFS series for many years now. In the process, they have added AND removed many "aspects" to the game. Some of which were good and some weren't.

The original NFS was a rather typical arcade racer. Except for 2 things, lots of supercars, and... COPS!

NFS3 Came up with a new concept, which is the ability to play as the COPS, release spike strips, the whole works. Not to mention the amount of great and scenic tracks included. Some of which were particularly eye-candyish like "Aqua".

Then NFS4 introduced a new concept, the "High Stakes" race, one where you either lose your car or win your opponent's (talk about stakes). It also included a full implementation of the car damage system, where you had to think about driving defensively (since it costs money to fix the damage, and it wasn't really optional since it can severely affect your car's handling, let alone that the lack of headlights in night races is a disaster). Needless to say, NFSHS is one of my fav NFS's of all time. Especially due to the extensive single player "tour" involved.

Be as it may, there was one main feature that truly created a "new generation" of NFS games, which was the ability to mod your ride beyond the usual level of paint and occasionally rims that is available in most racing games, which came with the NFSU sub-series. I used to think that the GT (Gran Turismo) series for the Sony PS(1 and 2) was untouchable when it came to racing games until NFSU came out.

NFSU2 took this concept to its most extreme level. It combined SUVs as well, and introduced the "open concept" idea in the city that you race in, along with discovering/unlocking car shops. Not to mention also the concept of "Outrun" races which can be engaged with random racers encountered in the city at well.

One thing was missing though, cops! So guess what, NFS is back, and cops as well! Not only that, they make for a very integral part of the game this time. EA has created a complete "system" if you will that governs your relationship with the cops and tied it very tightly with your progress in the game.

This is the basic premise for NFS: Most Wanted. However, it came with a price. The car modding system has been extremely nerfed. The most noticeable changes are:
1. No more multi-later vinyls
2. Body kits completely replaced individual bumpers/skirts etc.
3. Exhaust tips are now part of the body kits as well (i.e. no longer individually customizable)
4. Specialized shops no longer exist. Instead, they are replaced by one stop shops and no longer involved "unlocking".

I happen to be somewhat supportive of #2 and #4 (the amount of body part combinations possible in - say - NFSU2 was almost overwhelming). However, the removal of multi-layer vinyls extremely limits the way you can customize the look of your ride. Also it was nice to be able to select exhaust pipes to your liking.

Despite all that though, the game is very enjoyable and exciting. The cop chases are extremely entertaining and involve a very rewarding experience. The car assortment is very diverse and include some amazing supercars as well.

Highly Recommended!