Plot: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is a 2010 racing video game in the Need for Speed series developed by British games developer Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows and iOS. The Wii version was developed by Exient Entertainment. Hot Pursuit is the 16th title in the franchise and was released in November 2010. The game was released on via digital download on 15 December 2010. Hot Pursuit’s gameplay is set in the fictional Seacrest County, an open world in which players can compete in several types of races. Players can also compete online (except in the wii version), which includes additional game modes as “Hot Pursuit”, “Interceptor” and “Race” The game feature a new social interaction system called “Autolog”, which is a network that connects friends for head-to-head races and compares player stats for competition. The game also features paid downloadable content in the form of new cars, new race and pursuit events, and new trophies/achievements.
Impressions: It’s tough to try to predict the experiences that lie in store when playing a new Need for Speed game as the franchise has evolved over the years, and rarely maintains characteristics of it’s predecessors when a new entry is introduced. This new Need for Speed is seems to follow that trend but does manage to incorporate a few tasteful gameplay mechanics that have been used in previous entries in new and exciting ways. The first thing to get out the way is that there’s Criterion games handled development duties on this game, and brought a lot of the intensity and fun that’s been associated with their Burnout franchise to this game, but that’s just the start.
The game will immediately feel really familiar to Burnout fans, which is not at all a bad thing, as the UI, graphics, and handling all seem really familiar to elements from each of the best entries in their other racing franchise. The most obvious addition to this entry is with the licensed vehicles replacing the imitations used in their other franchise. You’ll find all the usual suspects when it comes to fast cars, but you’ll also find some unusually welcome exotic cars to change things.
The graphics are on par with what we’ve seen in the Burnout franchise with cars being realistically rendered with an “arcade” layer on top. The cars take damage now which Criterion game excels at demolishing cars during car-on-car impact during the course of the race. There will be a few times you’ll swear you’re playing Burnout and then get pulled back into reality as there’s a noticeable limit to how much damage a car will take which diminishes the level of believability to the game you’re playing.
The gameplay modes are a interesting mix of familiar and new. Cops versus Robbers is not new to the franchise as there have been several “Hot Pursuit” entries to the franchise in the past, with this one bringing it’s own twists to the mechanic. There are virtually 2 career modes in one with this game as you participate in events with a career as a police officer for the SCPD and also have other events where you are an outlaw being pursued. I like the swapping and interchanging of roles throughout the game, but one thing that I was pretty annoyed with was the fact that you have to unlock vehicles several times in order to use them in all the different events. You can unlock a Ford GT as an officer, but have to unlock again if you want to use in your events as an outlaw. Not too annoying, but it’s underwhelming when you beat a particularly difficult event and are awarded with a familiar looking vehicle.
The handling is where things really shine as each car handles differently. Finesse is demanded when barreling down a highway at 200+ MPH and needing to commit to a hairpin turn without decelerating to the point that you begin falling behind in the race. You’re Aston Martin will not handle like your Lamborghini and learning/mastering the different of driving styles will leave skid marks on your patience and tap dance on your nerves, but somehow elicit a smile and wave of euphoria when you find that right car for the right race and win. There’s very little to compare to the feeling you receive when mustering enough effort and determination to overcome a particularly difficult event in the game, which is actually quite often as you progress further in the career mode.
The music is a decidedly high tempo, loud, mostly rock/pop music affair and helps keep the momentum and excitement during a particularly high adrenaline dash toward the finish line. I wasn’t too much of a fan when I was paying attention, usually when navigating the menu’s, but I also wasn’t distracted during a race. It’s nothing to write home about, but it does the job of keeping the adrenaline pumping.
I’ve been a long time fan of Criterions’ racing efforts with this game matching the quality and excitement of their previous racers, but not quite meeting the mayhem I wanted to see in this game. After playing for a few hrs I repeatedly referred to this game as “Burnout” whenever questioned what I was playing or wanted to play, which I guess is true. I like this Need for Speed a lot, and enjoyed a lot of the emphasis put on little gameplay elements in order to enhance the enjoyment of the game but it’s not truly the game i want to play. I want to play Burnout and this game is a strong reminder of what I hope to see soon.
Overall I enjoyed the game a lot, and strongly recommend to racing fans with a word of caution/advice: If you buy the game used be aware that there’s a $10 fee to purchase an “online pass” to enjoy the game and participate in online events with friends. You’ve been warned.
