Need For Speed Review: Pump Your Brakes
Game Reviewed: Need For Speed
Release Date: November 3rd, 2015
Developer: Ghost Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: [Reviewed: Xbox One], PlayStation 4, PC (2016)
Genre: Racing
Rated: T for Teen
Sometimes you have to feel the need, the need for speed. Cliche indeed but it’s worth saying when Electronic Arts brings us a couple of toys to play with on the open road. Need For Speed is back, but with so much competition out there we wonder can it take over and finish first.
Ghost Games have taken what made Need For Speed’s core elements successful in attempt to fully revitalize the franchise. Older installments of the series 
would position you in races with individuals in an attempt to not only win but drive away with their pink slip. Need For Speed (2015) introduces you to a new crew that helps you find your footing within the underground community by giving you wheels, races and challenges along the way.
What’s makes this installment worth calling a step forward is the return of full customization. No longer are you subjected to only having the choice of altering decals and paint jobs; finally you’re allowed back under the hood to make the adjustments that adheres to your liking.
Handling your vehicle isn’t much of a problem as Ghost Games maintained it’s arcade feel with controls and overall mechanics. Handling the competition however proves to be at times a struggle. Even when in the lead with a clear distance from other drivers, the AI manages to not only catch up to you but take your position.
While Need For Speed is an open world with a plethora of side missions and a rather short campaign, a handful of red flags raise for the same reasons.
Need for Speed is online only, meaning all 79 challenges that makes up the story mode does not has the capability of being played offline. It doesn’t make sense especially with most players online requiring no interaction to progress. It further ruins the story as you’re unable to pause at any time, ramming you into barricades, even at complete stops causing unexpected police chases.
The only other annoyance that tends to be over-excessive are the number of phone calls from the crew. The calls are how the additional missions are 
opened, but at times you may receive two to three calls back to back, one being a group call with the same person you just talked to.
Need for Speed have daily challenges lined up as well that you can accomplish by completing objectives. Visually, the game looks amazing as you embrace the environment; however it’s confusing and a bit dissatisfying that the entire game takes place at night. And just when you’ve reached an area that hints to the break of dawn, it shifts right back into the darkness.
Ghost Games took the franchise in the right direction but seemed to have hit a few road blocks in the process. Gamers will find it hard to overlook an offline campaign being implemented as online only, a rigged AI that consistently manages to snatch the lead unexpectedly and forced, non-stop gameplay by eliminating the ability to pause when needed.
The Scores
Gameplay: 3/5
Visuals: 4.5/5
Audio: 3.5/5
Controls: 4/5
Replay Value: 2.5/5
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