During our coverage of the 2015 E3 Expo, I got some hands on time with the upcoming Need For Speed . My session was a 6 minute thrill ride where we were matched against other players in a battle for the top two spots. The winners would be invited to play in a champions round with other winners from the day for a chance to win copy of the game when it is released.
We were given two minutes in the shop to create our cars, and after adding spoilers, running boards, and a new paint job, I was ready for the streets.
As soon as I hit the gas, I knew this game was going to be different from other racing games when they say “Speed” they are not kidding. The fast paced action was intense as cars bumped and smashed for position as we raced around an urban nightscape awash in Neon and plenty of things to destroy.
I was able to drift successfully around some tight turns but honestly I crashed into more than my share of objects and other players. One player hit me so hard that in battling for position, we both ended up battling wall off the map and taking out all manner of objects with us.
I was able to craft a power spin by flooring it and holding the breaks which allowed me to get free enough to jump to the action. The detail level of the city was amazing from the EA signage to the yellow and red star which resembled a fast food locale, the game is very detailed.
Being able to drift into a construction site and cause all sorts of trouble is part of the fun, but of course gunning the engine and hearing the roar is not to be missed.
I finished middle of the pack which is not bad considering the group I was racing against, and while my time was too short for my liking, I loved what I saw of the game and look forward to seeing the completed game this fall.
