Product reviews by 'banzaigtv'

I have recently purchased a new PC and wanted to purchase a few games for it. I am new to current-generation PC gaming after retiring my old PC and wanted to pick out a game that takes full advantage of Windows 7 and my PCs hardware. Being a NFS fan back in my PlayStation 2 days, I decided to buy this game knowing that it would have potential. This is the limited edition version of the game. Installing the game and setting it up was quick and easy being that it is Windows 7 compatible. Then I was amazed upon how the game displayed incredible graphics and smooth frame rates, even with the graphics settings maxed out and in 1080p resolution. Its likely given the fact that my PC features an Intel Core i7-950 quad-core processor, 12 GB DDR3 RAM, and an ATI Radeon HD 6770 graphics card, so this game should set the initial benchmark in performance expectations for my future games.

The career race modes include street racing and cop missions. The street races with cops are a blast since there are lots of chaos and mayhem on the roads, especially when you gleefully watch one of your opponents get hit by a spike strip. The ability to execute pursuit tactics as a racer is a nice addition to the game; you can give the cops a taste of their own poison. The cop missions pit you against a single fugitive or a gang of criminals. This mode is especially challenging since you have to keep your eye on your damage meter to avoid being knocked out. The most intense moments occur in this mode since you must use all your adrenaline-fueled skills to unleash fury on your suspects and escape damage by their own attacks at the same time, especially when you are in a raging thunderstorm. There are lots of cars to choose from, including some special-edition versions of exotics and the ultra-expensive speed demons like the Lamborghini Reventon. Online play lets you race against other players around the world and put up personal achievements. Unlike NFS Most Wanted, though, you cannot pimp out your rides and single-player modes do not feature freeroam pursuits, but the multitude of challenges and gameplay intensity effectively make up for those shortfalls. The PC version unfortunately lacks the DLC found on console versions, but hopefully that will be changed soon. The tracks are presented very well with beautiful landscapes, different times of day, and various weather effects.

With excellent graphics, great sound, smooth controls with realistic car handling along with superior support for the XBOX 360 controller for Windows, and a high fun factor, this is easily one of my best games. Though it still does not leave NFS Most Wanted in the dust, it is still an incredible value and well worth picking up.

Pros: Excellent graphics, lots of cars, brilliant weather effects, use of weapons

Cons: No freeroam pursuits, lack of car customization, no DLC (as of yet)