In my opinion Need for Speed games have always been about fun. The thrill of a cop chase or a final NOS boost across the finish line rarely fails to deliver a hardy amount of satisfaction and enjoyment. Perhaps it’s the rubber-band AI that keeps me on the edge of my seat, or the customization that can occupy me for hours. Although one thing is for sure, NFS seems to have aged a whole lot recently, and developed a nasty case of arthritis and schizophrenia.  

In 2002 I welcomed the shiny new NFS: Hot pursuit 2 into my life, although delivering a somewhat satisfactory experience I certainly wasn’t complaining. That same year saw the release of the hit street racing, car tuning popular movie The Fast and the Furious. EA having just released their sixth NFS game possibly made the greatest decision ever. They put 1 and 1 together by applying the popular elements of the movie and shoving them straight into their next game, NFS: The Fast and the Furious Underground. This wise move ascended the NFS franchise into what I like to refer to as the Golden Age of modern NFS gaming (2003 – 2005). 

(continue reading…)

For those that have been playing Burnout Paradise for the last year or so, all the announcements on the addition of cost to additional content has probably been a bit of a hampering. Well, Criterion has just announced that they still have one last massive update to provide that includes a bevy of new dealies.

On the Same day they’re releasing the Party Pack, they’re making available an update, which includes an in-game website and an in-game store. Pretty cool, huh?! No? Well, they’ve also updated the visuals, game modes, and “the entire vehicle dynamics system.”

Kinda’ cool? Still just feeling lukewarm, huh?

Well, how about a RESTART FEATURE, FUCK YEAH!

For anyone who’s ever played the game, a failed event due to a random chance or fluke can be quite frustrating. That frustration is only escalated when you have to drive all the way back to the other side of the map just to try the event again. Well, feel the alleviation, my friends! No longer do you have to steer through the drive of shame!

I’m particularly excited, as I’ve just recently begun the game anew as discussed in our first podcast.

Of course, in addition to all the goodies, they’ve included a new, short, video podcast that shows off their first paid content, which actually alleviates some of my fears of purchasing products with cash money.

Click to see some rad cars.

It’s been said before, but why can’t all developers be like Criterion?