NFS: Pro Street is better than Carbon. Not saying much of course, but this game has been a refreshing change.
Before you judge my review, keep in mind I have played Need For Speeds since the very start, HOWEVER, in this review I will be only referring to the past 4-5 iterations.
Need For Speed : Pro Street, is exactly what its name would lead you to believe it's about. Its about professional street racing. My first impression of Pro Street was made when it was first announced and first videos were released. I thought, "Umm okay? just another need for speed, just doing something weird"
That was all I heard about, talked about, or saw of NFSPS until the demo became available on the live marketplace. I passively downloaded it and forgot about it, only to come across it while at a friends house. I started up a race, it appeared as though the graphics had definately been improved and now that the game is featured, once again, during the daytime, you can actually see the detail and appreciate it.
I played a speed race, which consisted of me driving at blistering speeds through a desert on a twisty road. The things I noticed ( which also apply to the retail game ) are as follows : 1) Burnout physics improved, smoke graphics and effects look damn sexy 2) sound effects got better and only get better with increased volume ( do not blow our your ears kids ) 3) nfs was fun again!!!
If you aren't able to tell by now, I absolutely HATED NFS:Carbon, I tried to love it, I tried to play it, and though there are a few things I liked, it wasn't that great of a game, NFS:UG2 and MW were tens of times better.
Added in NFSPS, is a huge thing I have been begging for since UG1. Real crash damage, and real crash physics. During another race through a desert, i happened to lose control of my vehicle while accelerating too hard and hit head first into a pole. My car FLIPPED in slow motion as I stared with my mouth open. As I flipped in slow motion, pieces of my car were flying, and a friend of mine noticed a billboard ad for PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE in the background of my collision ( Hilariously Ironic ) And though people complain about advertising, there really is no problem with it, as long as it's in context. ( No ads for Viagra in a WW2 game and so on )
Car customization has been steeply increased and though I wish this game had the name brand bodykits that Juiced 2 HIN was kind enough to add
( Veilside bodykits are always a sexy addition to any car ) The fact that you could autosculpt the features of the given bodykits and the parts are still name brand, so I was able to look over this small detail.
Drifting is here again, but much more believable, fun, and challenging. So far NFSPS has had some of the best drift physics I have seen in a game so far, I recommend you give it a try.
The biggest problem with this game is the announcer, he sounds much like the one from EA's SKATE, and I hated him too, far too loud, far too repetitive, and too wannabe gangster for my liking, ( I hate being called MY BOY RYAN COOPER, ) But luckily, the developers were kind enough to include a volume control for our loudmouthed friend, so I am able to play in ambience and fun.
I have yet to play multiplayer yet, but will post about it once i do.
I recommend this game to everyone who likes racing games, this game is damn fun, but don't listen to me, don't listen to anyone, go out and buy or rent this game, and make up your own mind.
Cheers.