Ambitious game, but not so immersive.
Looking good enough. Like Most Wanted, but with night-time racing feeling. Sometimes too dark and sometimes too bright. The environment effects sometimes reminding me of Tokyo Xtreme Drift on PS2, with glowing lights and more effects.
[2] Sound & Music
Both are good. Engine roaring and tire squealing is represented in a good manner. Electronic songs and a little piece of rock seems to be ultimate combination for this game, give you some 'thrill' experience. But you can only listen to your music when you're cruising; when you in race the action music will be heard of. Sounds boring after a while, and I will choose the option to turn off the music.
[3] Gameplay
Drag gone, replaced by Drift event. I especially hate this driving mode, because the Drift itself is too easy. That's right, too easy. There is simply no challenge in this mode (except Canyon Drift). You can win easily (this is also apply in other modes because I completed this game in just 5-6 hours). The addition of Canyon Duel is nice.
Second, I see that the cars added a little more. That's nice, but I've seen further and most of these added cars isn't have customization option (you must modified this game first). Most of these cars is anticipated cars, so...I hate that.
Third, a new modification system, Autosculpt. This addition is good. But the amount of parts given to us is just too small. I think this system have some potential, but EA don't bring that to a maximum level.
Fourth, the map itself seems too connected, differ from Most Wanted. It's just like all environment sucked in the middle.
Fifth, the story and gameplay is too short. Just like a movie. EA don't remember this is a game and gamer should be pleased a more longer by adding flavor to give longer gameplay.
Sixth, races are too easy. AI just like robotics that doesn't bother you want to race or not (except to that Crew Race Challenges that occured sometimes when you're cruising around the city).
Seventh, many of the map portion is halved. San Juan district and Canyon area isn't accessible. If those districts are accessible, I would be sure to play this game longer because challenges in the Canyon.
Eighth, the police chases is to easy after the map give some portion to heat level in each area.
Ninth, Race Wars isn't too 'wars' at all.
Tenth, A new crew system. Nice addition. The crew is good in doing the job what he/she should done to us.
It all seems ambitious, but it flaws more. Nice concept, but the gameplay is a little bad. (Just like in Juiced 2 but Juiced 2 is a real sucks.)
[4] Lasting Appeal
You will only come back to play online because in online you get two mode races : Pursuit Tag and Pursuit Race. It's more fun than Race Wars.
Rating :
* Gameplay & Features : (Level 1) 7,5 of 10
Good but not great. Pursuit Tag and Pursuit Race should be included in single player too.
* Graphic : (Good) 8 of 10
Nice improvement from Most Wanted.
* Sound & Music : (Level 1) 7,5 of 10
The action music when you race is repetitive and boring, the less are good.
* Lasting Appeal : (Insufficient) 6 of 10
Repetitive and lacking 'feel' of speeding.
Total Score : (Level 1) 7,5 of 10 (not overall)
The original is 7,25, but people still playing this because its online play and its 'Need for Speed' title.