Thursday I was able to go and check out Need for Speed: Shift at BLVD in Manhattan. I’m not always one for racing games, but playing Shift and seeing the new areas that they’re taking this game into got me intrigued with the game. The most interesting part for me with Shift was the addition of a driver’s profile that will give you a unique persona based on your play style and skill. This will also affect how you unlock cars as well as career progression and online play. Meaning that if I want to play online matchmaking, I can play with drivers of the same skill level as myself who could also be more on the destructive side (what can I say, I like crashing through barrels).

It was really fun to listen about and experience the new crash mechanics that are in Shift. Slightly Mad Studios had professional racers come in to help work on the development of Shift and the new crash mechanics, which really throw you for a loop as your vision goes hazy and the camera shakes. Another aspect I enjoyed was the realistic cockpit view as well as a view that displayed all of your gages on the screen, as well as the rear view mirror.

Luckily I was able to meet up with one of our winners, KillerviriusB at the event and we got to test out the game together. He seemed to enjoy himself, and at one point we were both trying to see how much it took before we could fully destroy a car. Unfortunately as much as we beat up a car, flames did not sprout up. He said that “the turning was a bit difficult to adjust to, but the game had a really good sence of speed,” and that he really enjoyed the opportunity to come out and play the game!