NFS: Hot Pursuit Review By SlashDog

[slashdog]

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Sweet HayZeus this game is more addictive than a Ribwich topped with meth ! Been only playing the singleplayer part so far and it has much more depth to it than the demo showed.

Graphically it looks fantastic.The developers at DICE have put their special touches on it such as blowing snow when racing through the mountains and rain splattering off the roads as you drive through a thunderstorm at night while in pursuit of speeders.Touches of weather from Rallysport on the original Xbox and BF:BC2 can be seen hinted at throughout the visuals.

Sound has nice aspects such as the ability to make the sirens yelp and engines revving when gears are shifted.As usual EA's "music" choices can thankfully be shut off so you can listen to your own music.

The game changer for this game is the A.I. I find myself both cussing and appreciating it at the same time, when it does something so clever as to give the impression that you are playing against a person not A.I. . For example, in one pursuit event as a cop I am given the task of chasing a suspect through a busy freeway at night. As I get close to taking the suspect down he does a U-turn and I have to purse him back through traffic. After the event is over i did not get fast enough time for the gold medal, so I start it back up.This time the suspect takes a side ramp and we go to a completely different area than last time. Several times cars would make 90 degree turns to take side roads different from the first playthrough of the event.

Playing as a racer gives that sensation of a rabbit being chased by a pack of hungry wolves.Drive like a banshee, using all countermeasures such as EMP jamming and spike strips to shake the cops, weaving in and out of traffic whatever it takes to get to the finish line.Cackle like a manic as you see the other racers get busted.

Plenty of unlocks in the game in the form of cars,gadgets, and events coming from the various levels of rewards from each event.Cars handle with varied characteristics according to their model.Some racers are light and better for drifting around corners, some cop cars are heavier making them better for ramming suspects. Gadgets such as spike strip,EMP blast and jammer, road blocks, and helicopters with spike strips replace combat racing takedowns but are just as satisfying.

One new aspect that has grown on me is the Autolog.Each time you go into career mode, notifications alert you if people on your friends list have beaten your time in an event.Pull the right trigger and you go right to that event to beat them.Even a cheevo for regaining the top time.Add in a wall to post your pics taken in game and comments like the bookFace or jitter the kids use these days, you end up with something sure to appeal to the ADD HD WTF ATHF AC/DC generation and the competitive nature in us.

There are several multiplayer modes such as Interception where you versus a buddy in a private room of free roam play cop versus suspect. I plan to give them a try as soon as more friends pick this game up or I can take a break from busting the young hoodlums who speed on my lawn !  

Respect my authoritaaaay !!!