15 years ago today, we drove the last Need for Speed that tried to be a simulation, so much so that it moved away from the name Need for Speed.
Back in 2009, Electronic Arts decided to change direction for what was then Need for Speed. With the first NFS Shift, they charted the path towards the so-called we love him approach that combined simulation and arcade racing, and this path was further strengthened by the sequel from 2011. It is interesting, however, that SHIFT 2 Unleashed dropped the mention of Need for Speed from its name, distancing itself from the arcade franchise from which it originated. Admittedly, the name used Unleashed just like in the case of NFS Porsche Unleashed from 2000.
Again, the focus of this ride was the first-person view, and the novelty in Shift 2 was helmet camera. The same one shook and blurred during fast driving, and the atmosphere was special during night races with reduced visibility. The game was announced through footage of car crashes during racing and boasted advanced physics of vehicle behavior when running off the track or colliding with other drivers.
In terms of content, Shift 2 brought much more than the previous game. He had 145 different vehicles and 36 tracksa career mode with licensed FIA GT3 and GT1 competitions. The soundtrack continued the spirit of the former GTR series with the return of Stephen Baystead, and the music was composed by other well-known composers such as Ramin Djawadi and Mick Gordon.
Shift 2 had 145 different vehicles and 36 tracks, and a career mode with licensed FIA GT3 and GT1 competitions.
Shift 2 received very good reviews upon its release, and Electronic Arts were optimistic in thinking that they had a franchise that would compete with Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport. However, sales were obviously not good enough and this was the last Shift, and the last simulation title related to the Need for Speed franchise. The developers of Slightly Mad Studios later made a successful comeback with the Project CARS series, became part of Codemasters, then returned to the jaws of Electronic Arts and were finally closed.
Shift 2 Unleashed was available until 2021, and today it can no longer be found in digital sales.