Heat is on for latest Need For Speed instalment
FOR a series that is currently running twenty-five years strong, it almost seems unbelievable that the developers haven’t figured out how to recapture the glory days. Nevertheless, 2019’s instalment in the venerable Need For Speed series feels a far more authentic experience than what has become the apparent status quo.
Need for Speed Heat unashamedly takes most of its cues from some of the series’ most fondly remembered titles, making for a game that is definitely closer to what most would agree as being the ‘roots’ of the franchise. However, is Need For Speed Heat able to stand on its own two feet, or are the glory days of the past just propping it up?
The answer, unfortunately would tend towards the latter. Thankfully, however, Heat is a total departure from the very disappointing Payback. The odd lottery-based performance upgrade system and weird body modification system have both been scrapped in favour of a system that feels like it was designed by someone with an ounce of sanity. Do you want a new hood for your car? Buy one. This is not a part of the game that ever needs to be modified.
Heat’s unique selling point is that there are essentially two distinct game experiences on offer. What makes this really interesting is that you can switch between these experiences on a whim. Daytime Palm City is defined by sanctioned street racing on marked courses for cash payouts, while the nighttime equivalent is an illicit ordeal, drenched in rain, with the cops constantly gnashing at your tail. With the day/night cycle in games and reality often being as automatic and breathing, it took some getting used to this manual shifting.
Elsewhere, Heat’s selection of cars is very impressive, if not a touch disappointing that the majority already featured in Payback. Ferrari have climbed back on board the Need For Speed bandwagon, though it is admittedly weird seeing the luxurious Italian supercar brand in a video game about street racing.
The handling in Heat has been tweaked drastically, feeling as floaty as ever but no less fun for it. Nobody who buys Need for Speed is expecting anything more serious than the most arcade handling imaginable and Heat is certainly no exception. The masters of imparting a sense of speed in a game have done it again.
Heat is a good Need For Speed title but albeit one with very few truly memorable characteristics. A recommendation for hardcore fans of the series, everyone else should steer clear.