PG 1 | PG 2
From luke warm to blistering hot
Progressing through the game unlocks new rides and races for both sides. This also means the speed gets quicker and therefor the action more intense. 'Hot Pursuit' might seem a little tame in the beginning, however a few hours in things really start to pick up and 'Hot Pursuit' lives up to its name of “Hot.”
As you beat challenges more spots are unlocked on the map. However, at anytime you can still go back and re-try any of the earlier events, and given the new community feature called autolog this is something you will likely do again-and-again. Before I get to the autolog (which is up next) to be more specific on challenges you have the normal bust and escape, cops-and-robbers deal, but you also have timed races, performance events, normal races and a few more “normal” race types in varying difficulty. For originality the structure and modes are kept simple... and you know after all the gimmick racers earlier in the year, simple is nice.
Face-log, umm, I mean autolog
Now for Autolog. Autolog is a new social type feature that was quoted as being the “facebook” app for 'Hot Pursuit.' How it borrows from facebook is the concept of the wall and checking out what your friends are doing. You can easily post and check your friends records on the autolog, and open type of ordeal to bring out more friendly competition. Obviously, 'Hot Pursuit' also includes a multiplayer section that is simply “more of the same” just online. One strange aspect that I have to mention is the missing leaderboards. I admire the step to make a friend/community style connection within the game, but its missing a global feel.
The sights and sound of Seacrest
'Hot Pursuit' puts you on the fictional roads of 'Seacrest County,' which is drivable in both an open-world layout or a mission-by-mission basis. 'Seacrest County' is huge! 4 times larger than 'Burnout Paradise' according to the developer. In road miles, that equals over 100 miles (or 160km.) In these 100+ miles Seacrest boasts some wonderful locations to wiz by including an awe inspiring sea side run, driving though heavily forested areas and just the normal snake bending roads you would envision from Criterion. Everything is curvaceously designed showcasing the skill Criteron has on fine tuning their racing landscapes. Better yet, it is all balanced and feels natural. Aside from the level-design (or should i say road-work) 'Hot Pursuit' is stunning without a single stutter even at Bugatti Veyron speeds. Simply awesome.
The audio is also above expectations with some high-octane engines busting out of the speakers, sounding great in 5.1 surround. The police chatter adds a lot to the atmosphere making chases even more engaging. The music, well that's subjective, but it would say its creditable with a selection of electronica style tracks to a more rock-based rooting. The only real negative is that the balance seems off initially, so some tweaking might be in order to get the perfect sound for you.
'Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit' is one of the best “pure arcade racers” I have played in a while. Refreshing and damn fast, 'Hot Pursuit' will fill anyone’s need for speed. The formula might be a little simple, but it works, especially in shorter 1-2hr sittings. Add in some amazing visuals and the new Autolog feature and you have a winner. Criterion comes sliding through another finish line in the number one spot. Racing fans, this is a must have.
|
|
-
Lots of rides
-
This sucker is fast!
-
Ppure arcade-styled racing
-
Cops-and-robbers dynamic works
-
Faithful remake of the original
-
Excellent production, loving the crashes
|
|
|
| Quote: "'Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit' is one of the best “pure arcade racers” I have played in a while. Refreshing and damn fast, 'Hot Pursuit' will fill anyone’s need for speed." |
Reviewed by DowntownJimmy | 11.30.10 |
|
Similar Games: NFS: Most Wanted 2012 (7.6) | Blur (8.8) | Burnout: Paradise (9.1)
|
