Need for Speed: Shift

File:Nfs-shift-promo.jpg

Aimed at a hardcore gamer-style audience, Shift reverts to the sports car racing simulation style of its 2007 predecessor, Need for Speed: ProStreet. Although the gameplay of these two titles are similar, Shift recreates car handling much more realistically than its predecessor, and does not contain a story. Upon starting the career mode, the player performs two laps around the Brands Hatch circuit to determine their skill. Once completed, the player is welcomed to the NFS Live World Series, and must earn stars in races to earn money, and unlock new races and tiers.

G-force plays an important role in the game, as it affects both the player and the AI opponents. The in-car view also returns, making its first appearance in a Need for Speed game since Porsche Unleashed. The in-car view is highly detailed, and it is possible to see the driver changing gears and moving his head to get a better view of the mirror. The crashes affect the player's visuals. While crashing, there is a temporary blur on screen. The sound aspects have detailed car crash sound, as well as a sharp gasp of breath from the driver before a collision.

There are 60+ cars which are divided into 4 tiers. Tier 1 refers to entry-level sports and luxury cars like the Audi TT and Infiniti G35, tier 2 refers to mid-level performance cars like the BMW M3, tier 3 refers to supercars like the Lamborghini Gallardo, and tier 4 refers to hypercars like the Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Zonda R. The car customisation options include cosmetics as well as performance mods and is more in depth than previous titles, affecting aspects such as alignment, aerodynamics, tyres, brakes, differential, and gears.{{cite web |url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/Need-for-Speed-Shift/news/NFS-Shift-Will-Feature-NitroDrift-Events-13999.html |title=NFS: Shift Will Feature Nitro/Drift Events News |publisher=Total Video Games |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419174412/http://www.totalvideogames.com/Need-for-Speed-Shift/news/NFS-Shift-Will-Feature-NitroDrift-Events-13999.html |archive-date=April 19, 2009}} Nitrous is also an option for tuning, but different from previous Need for Speed titles as it is simulated more realistically. There are body kits which affect the aerodynamics and weight reduction. There are visual customisation options like rims, vinyls and paints.

There are 19 tracks in total including real world circuits such as Brands Hatch, Nürburgring Nordschleife, Road America, Spa, Silverstone, Willow Springs, Donington Park, Autopolis, and Laguna Seca.{{cite web |title=Car & Track list from EA |url=http://news.ea.com/news/ea/20090529005108/en |publisher=Electronic Arts |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207141333/http://news.ea.com/news/ea/20090529005108/en |archive-date=December 7, 2010}}

The PlayStation Portable version of the game offers local, ad hoc multiplayer, with no online multiplayer support.

File:NFS Shift girl at Igromir 2009 (4081173981).jpg 2009|alt=|left]]

The game spent two years in development.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/need-for-speed-shift/1100-6205554/ |title=Need for Speed: Shift|publisher=GameSpot |access-date=March 5, 2009 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104122555/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/need-for-speed-shift/1100-6205554/ |url-status=live|date=March 4, 2009|first=Luke|last=Anderson}} The game was unveiled as part of a three-game announcement that included Need for Speed: Nitro and Need for Speed: World.

The soundtrack of Shift remains similar to that of Need for Speed: ProStreet, featuring a scored soundtrack rather than a general track list{{cite web |url=http://www.pocket-lint.com/reviews/review.phtml/3946/need-for-speed-shift-ea.phtml |title=NFS: Shift's first look review @ Pocket-lint.com |date=April 2009 |access-date=August 12, 2009 |archive-date=August 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809032608/http://www.pocket-lint.com/reviews/review.phtml/3946/need-for-speed-shift-ea.phtml |url-status=live }} as is seen in previous titles such as Need for Speed: Most Wanted, and Need for Speed: Carbon.{{cite web |title= NFS: Shift's soundtrack @ Gamesport.com |url= http://www.gamespot.com/news/blogs/sidebar/909182374/27033763/kanye-mstrkrft-headline-nfs-shift-soundtrack.html |publisher= GameSpot |access-date= September 21, 2009 |archive-date= September 15, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090915215355/http://www.gamespot.com/news/blogs/sidebar/909182374/27033763/kanye-mstrkrft-headline-nfs-shift-soundtrack.html |url-status= live }}

In addition to the standard edition, a "Special Edition" of the game was released exclusive to Europe. The Special Edition features numerous bonuses over the standard edition, including exclusive packaging, a poster of the game, and an unlockable car and race which are redeemable online.{{cite web |title=Need for Speed: Shift Special Edition @ GAME.co.uk |url=http://www.game.co.uk/Xbox360/Racing/~r342610/ |access-date=August 12, 2009 |archive-date=September 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901051743/http://www.game.co.uk/Xbox360/Racing/~r342610/ |url-status=live }} Shift was released as a bundle with the PlayStation 3 Slim 250GB to promote the game in Europe.{{Cite web |title=Need for Speed: Shift |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/needforspeedshift/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224060811/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/needforspeedshift/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=February 24, 2010 |access-date=October 11, 2010 |website=GameSpot}}

EA released patches with new features in addition to bug fixes. Patch 1.01 added LAN (Local Area Network) play and mouse support, providing full menu navigation to the game, to the PC version. Patch 1.02 added 5 cars (Toyota Supra Mk IV, 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T, 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, 1967 Corvette and 1967 Shelby GT-500) and a new online "Team Racing" game mode, where a Blue team of racers runs against a Red Team. In addition, the 1.02 patch fixed several performance issues (especially with ATI video cards), improved gameplay, and increased the maximum number of players online from 8 to 12.{{cite web |url=http://needforspeed.com/web/nfs/downloads |title=NFS official Website Patches & Downloads Page |date=October 19, 2016 |access-date=December 9, 2009 |archive-date=January 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102005923/http://needforspeed.com/web/nfs/downloads |url-status=live }}

In February 2010, EA released Ferrari DLC pack for Xbox 360 that contains 10 Ferraris, also extends the Shift{{'}}s career mode with 46 new Ferrari specific challenges designed for the Ferrari cars to participate in including hot laps, eliminators, endurance races and a world tour. Completing the perfect Ferrari package are an additional 125 gamerpoints as a reward for undertaking various challenges. Available on Xbox 360 for 800 Microsoft Points{{cite web |url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/22116/Need-for-Speed-Shift-Ferrari-DLC-Trailer/ |title=Need for Speed: Shift Ferrari DLC Trailer - Xbox |publisher=News.teamxbox.com |date=February 16, 2010 |access-date=April 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320084528/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/22116/Need-for-Speed-Shift-Ferrari-DLC-Trailer/ |archive-date=March 20, 2012}} the Ferraris available include the 575 Superamerica, F430 Scuderia Spider 16M, California, 599 GTB Fiorano, F430 Spider, 430 Scuderia, F430 GTC, F430 Challenge, F50 GT & Ferrari FXX. An Exotic Racing Pack was also released for PS3 and Xbox 360 which features cars like the McLaren MP4-12C, the BMW M1, the Gumpert Apollo, the Acura NSX, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, the Maserati GranTurismo S and the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss.

{{Video game reviews

| MC = PC: 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-shift/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Need for Speed: Shift for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=March 13, 2012 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231122081123/https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-shift/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}
PS3: 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-shift/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Need for Speed: Shift for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=March 13, 2012 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231122081135/https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-shift/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |url-status=live }}
PSP: 69/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-shift/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=Need for Speed: Shift for PSP Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=March 13, 2012 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231122081138/https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-shift/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |url-status=live }}
X360: 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-shift/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Need for Speed: Shift for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=March 13, 2012 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231122081156/https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-shift/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |url-status=live }}
iOS: 94/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/need-for-speed-shift/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Need for Speed Shift for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=November 13, 2018}}

| EuroG = 7/10{{cite news |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/need-for-speed-shift-review?page=3 |title=Need for Speed: Shift Review |newspaper=Eurogamer.net |date=September 15, 2009 |publisher=Eurogamer |access-date=September 15, 2009 |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927230238/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/need-for-speed-shift-review?page=3 |url-status=live }}

| IGN = 9/10{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/102/1023568p1.html |title=Need for Speed: Shift Review |date=September 10, 2009 |publisher=IGN |access-date=September 11, 2009 |archive-date=March 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308072652/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/102/1023568p1.html |url-status=live }}

| OXM = 9/10{{cite web |url=http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/m-r/need-speed-shift |title=Need for Speed: Shift Review |date=June 21, 2023 |publisher=Official Xbox Magazine |access-date=September 12, 2009 |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415121256/http://www.oxmonline.com/need-speed-shift |url-status=live }}

| Play = 81%Play magazine review, issue 184, Imagine Publishing

| TA = iOS: 5/5{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2009/12/14/need-for-speed-shift-in-depth-hands-on-preview-with-video/ |title='Need For Speed: Shift' In Depth Hands-On Preview with Video |last=Hodapp |first=Eli |date=December 14, 2009 |website=TouchArcade |access-date=November 13, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807220048/https://toucharcade.com/2009/12/14/need-for-speed-shift-in-depth-hands-on-preview-with-video/ |url-status=live }}

| XPlay = 5/5{{cite web |url=http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=63454985 |title=X-Play: Need For Speed Shift Review |publisher=Vids.myspace.com |access-date=April 30, 2012}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

}}

The console versions of Need for Speed: Shift received "generally favorable" reviews, while the PlayStation Portable version received "mixed or average" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.

IGN awarded it an Editor's Choice award and scored it a 9/10, citing among other things the exceptional quality of its driving experience and sound design. Official Xbox Magazine awarded Shift with a 9/10, praising its driver's view and the variety and depth presented in its career mode, as well as its multiplayer component which positively impacted single-player progression. Eurogamer gave it a 7/10, also noting that it could be a good competitor to other simulation racing games such as Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport.

During the 13th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Need for Speed: Shift for "Racing Game of the Year".{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2010&idGameAwardType=120 |title=2010 Awards Category Details Racing Game of the Year |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=20 November 2023 |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620124137/https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2010&idGameAwardType=120 |url-status=live }}

Need for Speed: Shift sold 309,000 units in the United States in September 2009.{{cite web|last1=Thorsen|first1=Tor|title=Need for Speed series sells 100M, Shift moves 309K|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/need-for-speed-series-sells-100m-shift-moves-309k/1100-6237491/|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=August 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326055855/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/need-for-speed-series-sells-100m-shift-moves-309k/1100-6237491|archive-date=March 26, 2014|date=October 21, 2009|url-status=live}}

Two mobile iterations of Need for Speed: Shift were released between 2009 and 2010. One iteration bearing Out Run-style arcade racing gameplay was released for Java ME-compatible devices in 2009.{{Cite web |title=NEED FOR SPEED SHIFT 2D |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=9SEO1LWvMoQ |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=YouTube}}{{Cite web |title=Need for Speed Shift [Cellphone] |url=https://www.ign.com/games/need-for-speed-shift-cellphone |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}} Developed by IronMonkey Studios, another adaptation for iOS featuring gameplay more akin to the console versions was released on December 18, 2009, to "universal acclaim" based on six reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.{{Cite web |last=Cabral |first=Matt |date=December 28, 2009 |title=Need For Speed: SHIFT Micro-Review: Changing Gears |url=https://kotaku.com/need-for-speed-shift-micro-review-changing-gears-5433276 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=Kotaku |language=en}} The game was also made available for BlackBerry OS via the BlackBerry Storm 2 9550 under the title Need for Speed: Shift 3D in the United States, Canada, and Japan on March 19, 2010.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Mark |date=2010-03-19 |title=Need for Speed Shift 3D now on BlackBerry Storm 2 |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/need-for-speed-shift/need-for-speed-shift-3d-now-on-blackberry-storm-2/ |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=Pocket Gamer |language=en}} This version was released for the Bada OS-based Samsung Wave alongside the launch of the device on May 24, 2010.{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Chris |date=May 24, 2010 |title=Samsung Wave S8500 gets European launch |url=https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-wave-s8500-gets-european-launch-2486626 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=Slash Gear}} Additionally, a port for Android compatible devices was released on June 4, 2010.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Mark |date=May 17, 2010 |title=Need for Speed drifting onto Android June 4th |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/need-for-speed-shift/need-for-speed-drifting-onto-android-june-4th/ |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=Pocket Gamer |language=en}} Shift was released as a launch title for the Symbian-based Nokia N8 in Europe on October 15, 2010.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Will |date=2010-09-19 |title=Hands on with Gameloft and EA launch games for the Nokia N8 |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/features/hands-on-with-gameloft-and-ea-launch-games-for-the-nokia-n8/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Pocket Gamer |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Savov |first=Vlad |date=2010-10-06 |title=Nokia N8 going on general sale in Europe October 22nd, available online October 15th |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-10-06-nokia-n8-going-on-general-sale-october-22-available-online-octo.html |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}} A version for the MeeGo-compatible Nokia N9 came preloaded with the device alongside its launch on September 27, 2011.{{Cite web |last=McCracken |first=Harry |date=2011-09-27 |title=Nokia Ships the N9, a Phone Without Apps |url=https://technologizer.com/2011/09/27/nokia-ships-the-n9-a-phone-without-apps/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Technologizer by Harry McCracken |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Savov |first=Vlad |date=2011-10-20 |title=Nokia N9 review |url=https://www.theverge.com/2011/10/22/2506376/nokia-n9-review |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=The Verge |language=en}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.ea.com/games/need-for-speed/need-for-speed-shift}}
• {{moby game|/need-for-speed-shift}}
• {{moby game|/need-for-speed-shift_|Need for Speed: Shift (PlayStation Portable)}}

{{Need for Speed series}}

{{Slightly Mad Studios}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Need For Speed: Shift}}

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