While the latest NFS installment, Shift, emphasized a realistic driving sim on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360; NFS: Nitro is taking a completely different direction on the Wii with stylized visuals, over-the-top racing and a more friendly and accessible racing experience. But can it live up to the Need For Speed name and deliver something to gloat about for Wii owners?
Nitro boasts a Career mode which allows players to compete in events from a number of different exotic locales from around the world. Game modes such as Team Races, Elimination and Drift events are available, and completing these races unlocks new tracks and cars. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many cars to unlock, but all the favourites and big names are there such as the Ford GT and latest Lamborghinis.
Nitro is officially the first NFS title designed specifically for the Wii, and the controls and gameplay definitely highlight this. The racing is directed towards a more arcade feel with quick speeds, long drifting turns and nitro at your disposal. The Wii-mote works well as a control option, as the Wii-mote controls accelerating, and a tap of the B button will throw your car into a drift while using the nun-chuck for handling. Nitro (which is gained by drifting and drafting behind opponents) is also activated by shaking the Wii-mote, which adds an incredible sense of speed and frantic pace to the game.
The inclusion of police in the races is a big plus for Nitro. Cops will chase you down during races and try stop you from finishing, with traps, roadblocks and other preventative maneuvers. The longer they chase you, the more pressure they put on you, so it all adds to the excitement and intensity of the race.
Nitro is a very good looking game, not just for a Wii title, but in general. The colours are vivid, levels are fantastic and the awesomely disproportionate cars look amazing. There is some definite charm to Nitro, and some nice little touches, such as the “Own It” mechanic, which causes the leading player’s vinyl to be painted and strewn across the buildings and surroundings as they race to victory, this adds some style and visually unique elements to the game.
Need for Speed: Nitro is a phenomenally good racing game. It’s has all the bells and whistles that make great arcade racing fun, and it’s highlighted even more by being on the Wii. It could’ve benefited from a few more tracks, but Nitro is a title that should be taken notice of, otherwise it’ll speed right past you.
[starreviewmulti id=2 tpl=20]
