Yet another title from my list of shame, the 'new' Need for Speed: Most Wanted.  As the second NFS title by Criterion Games (of Burnout fame) is quite a change from NFS: Hot Pursuit... and if you've played Burnout Paradise you might be forgiven for mistaking Most Wanted as a re-skinned remake.  There are similarities, and it's not surprising given they have the same developer, but Most Wanted is a decent enough version to warrant inclusion.  It isn't, however, clean cut (as you can imagine).

*Please purchase the second paragraph DLC before proceeding*

...

...

*Thank you*

Firstly I want to talk about the things this game has got right... and that has to include the cars.  Quite a large part of the game really and each car I was able to drive certainly felt 'right'.  Distinct handling and a real weight to them, this is definitely one of Criterion's strong points... as is the environment.  As, essentially, a free-roaming game, the city feels like it could exist with varied buildings and roads with ever changing traffic.  The inclusion of speed cameras, gates and billboards to smash and shortcuts to discover has been brought over from Burnout Paradise but they fit well within this game and offer an incentive to exploring the world.  New cars to drive can also be found all around the map at "jack points" to be discovered and driven... should you own the correct DLC.

*Please purchase the rant DLC before proceeding*

...

...

*Thank you*

Which brings me on to one of my main issues with the game... DLC.  It's everywhere and it's highly intrusive.  Sure there are plenty of cars to drive in the stock game, but the most desirable ones are all part of DLC packs that, and this is the important part, are already in the game.  Even if you never connect to the game to the internet and update, there are still a number of DLC-only cars.  If you ever want an example of DLC done horribly wrong (of which there are plenty)... this is one of them.  I've got no real issue with DLC that adds real value to the original game... take a look at Dishono(u)red, for example, with their DLC telling a different story where you play one of the other key characters from the original game.  Yes, it'll use some assets from the original game, but you're paying for something EXTRA, not simply unlocking something in a game you've already paid a large amount of money for!  If the game was free, I could understand it... but it's not.

My other main issue with the game is one I have with a number of racing games... the enemy AI isn't subject to the same rules as you are.  They drive over spike strips with no ill consequences; you steer them into a wall and 5 seconds later they're flying past you at twice their normal speed.  You can even watch as they bounce off cars and scenery during one of your crash cams and just keep driving... unlike you when you accidently clip a curb.  I appreciate that there are some things you need to cheat a little on to give the impression of challenging AI, but when it's done like this it really does spoil the experience.

*Please purchase the conclusion DLC before proceeding*

...

...

*Thank you*

I enjoy the NFS games and I LOVE the Burnout series... and despite it's failings, this game still proves to be enjoyable.  However, if you're in the market for a single-player, fun, racer, pick up a cheap copy of Burnout Paradise (currently in the Humble Bundle for PC gamers) and if you're more interested in the multiplayer (but still looking for a NFS game) then pick up NFS: Hot Pursuit.  While you'll sacrifice the open world, the races are far more rounded and rewarding (in my opinion).

About Us

Welcome to Chaotic Good where we do our best to give you balanced and honest reviews, news and opinions of video, tabletop and RPG games, old and new.

We don't do this for fame or fortune, we do this because we have a passion for all sorts of gaming and like to share! Hopefully, somebody, somewhere, will find our content helpful or entertaining...

If you see anything you're unhappy about or have any questions about the site or the authors, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Thanks for visiting!

~ Naiboss