First Impressions: Need for Speed ProStreet

BY Jeremy Steeves // November 7, 2007

The Need for Speed series takes a new turn.

onsidering how long Need for Speed games have been around, one would come to expect the core of the series to stay consistent with each new release. Incredible speeds, dangerous maneuvers, and the complete disregard for braking, except perhaps to feather the handbrake while power-sliding into 180-degree turn, all identify with this arcade-style racer. It would seem strange, then, that with Electronic Art's new release into the market, Need for Speed ProStreet, the elements which have shaped the franchise seem to have taken a backseat to a more simulation style of racing.

Auto-sculpting your ride, your way.On the outside it may appear ambitious, jumping into a genre already dominated by games such as Forza and Project Gotham Racing. But after just a little while with ProStreet, it's clear that EA is onto something.

This is a more of a divergence from Need for Speed ancestry than a true sequel. Though previous titles such as Carbon offered street-racing fans a satisfactory experience, ProStreet moves towards creating a larger sense of believability rather then relying solely on the Hollywood-constructed scripts that we've seen in the past. Mix this well-produced backdrop with a more realistic physics engine and a more accurate driving system, and you've got something worth playing — street-racing fan or not.

Though the physical racing is a large component of what determines a racing title's success, it isn't everything. Similar to Forza, ProStreet will offer the ability to fully customize your ride. A large aesthetic modification palette will allow users to tweak and tinker all day long.

Real-time damage has
never looked so pretty. Decisions such as sacrificing speed for handling or style for aerodynamics, add to the sense of realism that users have been begging for. EA hasn't released details on the specific licenses they've obtained, but have stated that there will be "thousands of aftermarket parts" available — enough to please most enthusiasts.

Need for Speed ProStreet has the potential to not only appeal to long-term fans, but to all who enjoy console racers. When this title hits shelves later this month, many Forza and Project Gotham Racing fans may not even notice, but those who do, may find themselves contemplating a new addition to their racing library.