Parents' Guide to

Need for Speed: Shift

By Chad Sapieha, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Illegal street racing series remade as legit racing sim.

Game PSP , PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360 2009
Need for Speed: Shift Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

age 6+
love it

This title has:

Too much sex

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (11 ):

Need for Speed: Shift's real-world tracks are diverse and beautifully realized, and its licensed cars look and sound just like their real-world counterparts. They handle splendidly, too. Players can choose whether to make the cars feel realistic or arcade-like by altering a huge variety of modifiers, from electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems to tire grip and steering sensitivity -- and this is before even entering the upgrade or tuning modules.

But the most satisfying part of the game is its rewards system, which sees players earning performance badges, winning money, and gaining in driver levels after almost every race. Indeed, progression is so swift and noticeable throughout the game that it can be difficult to keep from playing "just one more race" to earn enough cash for your next car or upgrade. It's not quite as polished or epic as other racing simulators -- its collection of licensed cars is relatively low, and car damage appears more realistic in other games -- but Need for Speed: Shift is still a strong and welcome newcomer to a genre with only a few serious contenders.

Online interaction: This game supports open voice chat, which means that players could potentially run into others online who express language and ideas unsuitable for children.

Game Details

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