Need for Speed Carbon

Electronic Arts has struck again with a new NFS title to match the high expectations.

THE BEGINNING

The game starts off from where most wanted ended, your return to the gray city of Palmount.

SURPRISE!

Guess who' se back. While entering the city, you are chased by Cross. If you've played most wanted, you'll know who he is. For the rest of you, he is the best driver in the RPD(Rockport Police Dept). Your BMW M3 GTR is wrecked in the chase and Cross rushes towards your ride.

HOLD YOUR BREATH!

Cross catches you but you are freed by a guy named Darius. He lets you choose you between three rides:

THE THREE CLASSES

You have to make a choice between three classes-Tuners, which have great handling but low speed, muscles, which are insanely powerful and shoot like a bullet. They slide like oil on banana skin. The third class is Exotics which are natural supercars. Rewards and unlockables are different for the three classes.

NOW WHAT?

You have to capture the city by completing races. Each race unlocks a certain performance or visual upgrade and you earn money (that's the best part...you can earn money!!!!). After completing certain races in an area, you are challenged by the boss of that area. The race is a three stage affair. First is a regular race in the city streets. The second one is a canyon duel. You have to follow the opponent on a canyon track. The closer you follow, the more points you earn. In the second part of the canyon duel, you lead and the other guy follows. Your points decrease as he comes closer. You have to reach the end before your points run out.

THE GRAPHICS

The good part is the lighting effects. Cars look slightly better than most wanted but the road reflections are worse. Maybe because of the night time environment. This game hogs resources more than what it is supposed to.

BOTTOM LINE

If you've just finished most wanted, and the expectations are high, you'll be disappointed. Most Wanted was far better. Another thing, its too short(I managed to finish this one in four days flat!). For those who want to try out an NFS title for the first time, this one's good.