Need For Speed: The Run video game review

Price: £39.99

Contact: www.needforspeed.com

The 3,000-mile race is split into nine legs, each with stages. You start off in 250th and last place, and have to meet targets to progress, such as overtaking 10 rivals or hitting checkpoints on time. The backgrounds and cars look stunning and the racing sounds, such as tyre squeal and exhaust roar, are superb.

However, crash more than four times on a stage and you can’t go back to the last checkpoint – you have to start from the beginning.

We also don’t like how you swap cars. Pulling into a petrol station takes time, and can lead to you failing the objective. Annoyingly, you then have to retry in your original car. You shouldn’t be penalised for wanting to drive the game’s other great cars.

We don’t like the out-of-car action, either. It’s just button-bashing to avoid being captured.

There’s no split-screen mode, so if you want to race friends, you can only do it online. Plus, the game feels scripted, but with plot holes – why you’re a wanted man is never explained.

Verdict

Rating: ★★★
What is it?
Latest instalment in the Need For Speed franchise revolves around a race from San Francisco to New York.
Problems?
Feels scripted, no split-screen multiplayer.
Why buy?
Challenging, great graphics, realistic sound, accurate handling.