Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

Hot Pursuit 2010 tries to be a remake or "reboot" of what was already seen in the classic NFS era such as NFS3, High Stakes or Hot Pursuit 2, however, it shows that they only understood its basic concepts from a surface level . It's just that you only have to play the game for an hour to realize that something is wrong with it. First, let's talk about handling. Oh my god, they screwed up the handling of the series. Remember all the angry fans of brake to drift in modern NFS? Well, this is the first to introduce it. The problem with the brake to drift never for me had to do with the challenge or anything like that, but god... it's so stiff and awkard to drift, plus all the cars are similar in stats that in the end it doesn't make sense. While I had no problem if they reutilized the handling of games like MW or Carbon, for a game so based on the classic NFS (or at least what the developers intended) one would expect a more similar handling, a more free and lightweighty like NFS3 or High Stakes. One in which there is complete control over the car and it feels super tight to drive, with an interior view, with customization of tracks, free races, real information about the cars, an accessible and beautiful simulator in other words. None of that is present here or present in a very minor way. I think what people fails to see about the NFS franchise is that it was never meant to be arcadey to begin with it. The first NFS games included Hot Pursuit were basically Gran Turismo on the open road in a nutshell, but nowadays is more like generic mobile game on the couch. This is what happens when you give a developer like Criterion (who are responsible for the Burnout series) the opportunity to make NFS games. I think NFS Hot Pursuit 2 was also responsible for this but even that game tried more. Instead of trying to make a game that really respects what the classic NFS did and try to improve it, Criterion just wanted to replace it with their vision. Starting with this game now the series doesnt differentiate in any way with the Asphalt series.

The graphics? Yeah....they're not that good. On one hand, the car models are impressive for the time, but the environments have low textures, at least on PS3. In fact I think there are times when Hot Pursuit 2 on PS2 still looks better, and the music is super forgettable. Do you remember the super epic techno and rock songs by Rom Di Prisco? All that goes to the garbage, with generic themes. The gameplay itself doesn't work either, there are only sprint races or time trials, nothing more, no tournaments, no circuits, no split screen, nothing, and in each race you are given a number of "weapons", but these are fixed per track. Along that I don't even remember the names of the track and this makes each race feel more like a mission. There is also an open world mode in the game, but this has to be the most USELESS open world in the history of video games, I will not lie if I say that many games of the PS1 era have a more interactive open world, and on top of that the game doesn't lend itself to this, since as I said nothing can be customized, neither weather or anything and without an interior view or the ability to see the map or spawn wherever you want, it simply ends up being nonsense!

As I said, Criterion seemed to want to make an NFS up to the classics, but it's as if they had only read in community forums the good things they had without having tried them, in addition to having that excessive vision of wanting to replace it with their style. . Don't get me wrong, it's WAY better than MW 2012 for the simple fact that... well... the brake to drift works better here, the car is more resistant and therefore the crash cam is not as annoying and... The car progression system is not broken as hell, but the truth is that it is a super disappointment, and things like loading times and constant interruptions in the race only take away the little desire that one has to play. People can say what they want about the classic NFS, but that doesn't change the fact that 1998 Hot Pursuit is fundamentally better to play.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is a fantastic continuation of the legendary racing franchise that stays true to the spirit of the previous installments while offering exciting new elements. From the very start, the game immerses the player in a world of dynamic races and high-speed chases that keep you hooked from the first minute. It's clear that the developers worked hard to make the game appealing to a wide audience: both experienced racing fans and newcomers will find something to enjoy here.

One of the most pleasant surprises is the vast selection of cars. In Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, you can choose your favorite cars for both racing and playing as a police officer. This wide variety of vehicles offers plenty of options, allowing each player to find the perfect car that suits their driving style. What's even better is that not only the racers but also the police have access to powerful, modern cars, making the chases even more thrilling and intense.

The career mode is another highlight worth mentioning. It offers an exciting mix of races from both sides of the law, and what's great is that you can progress through both careers in parallel. This allows players to enjoy the game from different perspectives and experience fresh thrills with each stage. Playing as a police officer provides a unique experience within the series, as you have access to a range of tools to catch criminals, from deploying spike strips to calling in helicopters. This adds more adrenaline and variety to the game, making every race both exciting and unpredictable.

Another major advantage of the game is its perfect balance between arcade style and realism. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit doesn't try to be a driving simulator, but it also doesn't stray too far into arcade territory. The car handling is simple enough for newcomers to pick up quickly, yet challenging enough to remain engaging for seasoned players. This harmonious mix makes the game accessible to a wide range of players, allowing everyone to find enjoyment, whether it's from high-speed races or skillfully avoiding capture.

Moreover, the game is visually stunning. The graphics are highly appealing, from the realistic car models to the beautifully designed environments and tracks. The races take place both day and night, adding variety to the gameplay and allowing players to enjoy different weather conditions and lighting effects. The sound design is equally impressive, with the roar of engines, police sirens, and the sound of speed adding to the immersive experience.

The racing mechanics in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit are also well thought out. Besides the usual races, players will face dramatic chases with the police, where every mistake can lead to an arrest. This feature adds tension and challenge to the gameplay. Players must not only be fast but also strategic, using different tactics to either evade capture or catch their opponent. As the game progresses, this gameplay element only intensifies, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The game also impresses with its social features. The ability to compete with friends and other players in online mode adds even more excitement. You can compare your achievements, challenge each other's scores, and this makes every race even more thrilling.

Overall, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is a great return to the roots of the series, with new elements that make the game feel fresh and engaging. The wide selection of cars, well-designed racing mechanics, stunning graphics, and captivating career mode make this game a real find for arcade racing fans. Whether you're new to the series or a seasoned player, this game will undoubtedly give you hours of thrilling races and fun.

"Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit" (2010) turned out to be the game I didn't just want - I truly needed. Finally, I got to feel that nostalgic spark from the legendary series that I hadn't felt in years. I waited five long years (since the release of "Most Wanted") to get back behind the wheel of a virtual street racer and relive the adrenaline of those "good old days". Not just play - "feel". "Carbon" and "Undercover" couldn't deliver that thrill. But "Hot Pursuit"? Absolutely. It's got everything you want: breakneck speed, screeching tires, sirens on your tail - the full package.

There's not much of a storyline here, but what you get is a phenomenal campaign: you can play either as a street racer outrunning the law or as a cop dishing out justice at full throttle. And let me tell you - that is insanely fun. Smashing into a racer at 200 km/h with a cinematic takedown is just pure bliss. It feels like a blockbuster movie - just without the popcorn, because your hands are glued to the keyboard.

The gameplay impresses with its arsenal of tools: there's turbo boost, EMP blasts, spike strips for those chasing from behind, and even roadblocks and helicopters. It's like a full-blown action toolkit for speed freaks and tech lovers alike. Some tools are exclusive to cops, others to racers, but the beauty is - everyone has toys to play with. And your opponents? They've got the same gadgets, so expect dirty tricks, flashy maneuvers, and adrenaline-pumping showdowns on equal terms.

The car selection is massive. You start out with modest vehicles, but before long you're tearing through the highways in high-end dream machines - it's like building your own fantasy car dealership. With each race, the cops get meaner, the cars get faster, and the chases more dramatic. And that's how it should be. The same goes for playing as the police - every new racer is tougher, sneakier, and harder to take down.

Controls are classic, nothing overly experimental. Cars handle just the way you'd expect - they drift, accelerate, hug the corners, and push to their limits when it counts. It's familiar, responsive, and super satisfying. The graphics? A real treat - beautiful cars, bright and detailed tracks, and atmospheric environments. The scenery changes, time of day shifts, and whether it's day or night, the visuals are impressive and immersive.

And the music! The soundtrack pumps you up and pushes the pace of the race. Without those high-energy tracks, the game wouldn't hit nearly as hard - but with them, it's spot-on.

"Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit" (2010) isn't just another entry in the franchise - it's a glorious return to form, done smartly and with soul. Personally, I felt the same rush I got from the best of the classic titles. If you're craving speed, chases, adrenaline, and cinematic turns under blaring sirens - this is it. A really solid game that still looks great and plays even better.

8 out of 10.

Developed by Criterion, the same team behind Burnout Paradise, you can definitely feel a lot of Burnout DNA in this Need for Speed entry. Sadly, since it's published by EA, do not expect to get the full game, you'll have to plonk down a further £45 on the PSN for that privilege. And since the game is now almost 8 years old you can expect online play to be dead. Trust me, this is one Platinum trophy that you won't be winning.

As either Cop or Criminal Racer you take to the roads in the fictional Seacrest County and all of its varied wilderness on various missions including simple time trials, races, duels, takedown missions, utterly infuriating rapid responses, interceptors and, obviously, hot pursuits in which you must obliterate all other rivals. The game can frequently be very exciting and is very addictive but it is bogged down by lengthy crash cut-scenes, long load times, an overload of visual information bombardment between missions, and cars that handle simply terribly. The aforementioned rapid response missions are a nightmare as for every strike on any object the counter will add 2 seconds to your already tight time limit. Once you slam into the guard rail you'll never get control of your car back and you'll just be slamming from side to side across the road. You'll never beat the mission.

Also, unlike Burnout Paradise, the XBM option is not available, meaning you cannot play your own tunes during the game and must stick to the licenced soundtrack. It's decent, but it's nowhere near as innovating and visionary as the soundtrack to Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed. Though, overall, it's a much better game than Need for Speed: The Run.

I managed to unlock just 37% of the trophies. Any higher would require online play and purchase of the DLC. It gave me a few days of fun, but I'll never go back to this.

A Very good game for 2010 the port they made last year was not even different at all just crossplay 2010 need for speed is one of the best need for speed games of all time