Shift 2: Unleashed
A sequel to 2009's Need for Speed: Shift, the more realistic spin-off of the arcade racing series. Both games were developed by Slightly Mad Studios. Shift 2: Unleashed brings few changes to the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor.
developer: Slightly Mad Studios publisher: Electronic Arts Inc. Official website
Shift 2: Unleashed for PC, PS3 and etc. is a sequel to Need for Speed: Shift – a spin-off representing a realistic approach to racing. The sequel follows the mechanics introduced by its predecessor and extends the best aspects of it.
Gameplay
The second installment in the Shift sub series aims to show the players what it is like to be a driver of a racing car as well. Contrary to many other racing games, Shift 2: Unleashed for PC, PS3 and etc. offers the best possible experience when played from the cockpit view. This imitates the head movements of the driver in order for the player to experience different shakings and various visual effects created with the help of professional drivers. Camera work was improved – when a car enters a turn, the driver's head turns slightly as well for example.
Motivated by the warm reception of Need for Speed: Shift, the creators decided to stick to the most important mechanics and the driving physics of the predecessor. Although each car has different specifics, the game does not require hours of practice before the player can achieve something. Thus the driving physics combine simplicity of arcade racing with simulation elements.
As usual, the game does not lack the fastest licensed cars and amazing tracks. This time, the player is given an opportunity to race at night as well, which delivers an interesting visual experience, thanks to the new lighting system. The player visits Shanghai filled with hundreds of neon lights or Belgian forests shrouded in darkness. All the available races are contained within the carrier mode. This delivers many hours of enjoyable gameplay.
Technical aspects
Shift 2: Unleashed for PC, PS3 and etc. offers improved graphics of both the cars and the environments. The creators decided to implement the Autolog system (Hot Pursuit) here as well. This introduces many social elements to the game. The player can view rankings, statistics and compare them with others. It also allows to publish one's own materials
Last updated on 10 March 2016
Game mode: single / multiplayer Multiplayer mode: Internet Player counter: 1-12
Media type: 1 DVD
User score: 7.5 / 10 based on 3328 votes.
Pre-release expectations: 7.5 / 10 based on 2554 votes.
PEGI rating Shift 2: Unleashed
Shift 2: Unleashed System requirements
PC / Windows
- Recommended:
- Core 2 Duo 2 GHz
- 2 GB RAM
- graphic card 512 MB (GeForce 8800GT or better)
- 7 GB HDD
- Windows XP/Vista/7