A great arcade racing game for the PSP .
The Good :
*Graphics look great on the PSP screen , vibrant colours and detailed vehicle models .
*Driving in the game is fun , Note NFS shift is not a driving stimulator .
*Each car has a EXP gauge (In the game they call it "Loyalty Gauge") . Filling it for a particular car unlocks customizing and performance parts for that car only , which encourages players to use the same car to get more parts for that car .
*Easy for beginners to pick up
*Custom livery allows player to use pictures in JPEG format in player's Memory Stick as vinyls for customizing cars
*Game allows music stored in Memory Stick to be played during races and in the menu , allowing races to be more enjoyable .
*Various racing modes
* Animated Menu is nice to look at
*Features expensive and high-performance cars (relating to the counterparts in the real world)
The Bad :
*Linear campaign and lack of freedom in obtaining new stuff make NFS Shift more of a Arcade Game , which may be good or bad , depending on you . (Unlocks for each car is lined up according to which will be unlocked first when Loyalty Gauge is filled) .
*Customizing options are very , very limited . Only visuals are customizable . Body Kits and performance upgrades are applied automatically as soon as they are unlocked through filling the Loyalty Gauge .
*Some events in Career mode can be very difficult
*Filling the Loyalty Gauge is tedious . 1 race with the car you desire to unlock parts for fills 1/10 of its loyalty gauge . Completing it once will unlock the first unlockable in the line for that car . To get to the end of the line (which usually bears desirable parts) , one have to race about 30 times with that car .
*No online play
If you are looking for a pick-up-and-play racing game , then this is DEFINITELY for you . But if you like to take time to personalize cars and make them ultra unique , no , this game is not for you .