Before I go and write down what the 3 versions I mentioned before are like, Let me just say that NFS: most wanted should definitely be the face for racing games everywhere. The graphics are amazing, the story is enjoyable, and the gameplay is fun and addicting.
Following the line of games from NFS: Underground, NFS: Underground 2, NFS most wanted and NFS: carbon, You've just left Bayview City to come to Rockport City to challenge the blacklist, the toughest racers around. Unfortunately, your first day in the City, you meet with RPD's toughest cop, Sergeant Cross. He keys your car, leaving to deal with a dangerous pursuit. in the days that follow, you win races to enter a blacklist race against Razor, one of the meanest street racers around. He secretly screws up your car, and wins the race, taking your car as a prize. after seeing him leave, the police arrive and haul you off to jail.
However, you are sprung out of the joint, because there's no proof you were involved with the street racing. You are picked up by Mia, who is willing to help you get your car back, in exchange to make side bets on your races to get rich. she supports you with safehouses, and a ride to the car shops for a brand new car. from here the game starts. it's up to you to defeat the whole blacklist and get back your car from Razor, who has used that car to go to the top.
GAMECUBE VERSION
The Gamecube version is probably the worst port of all. The graphics aren't as good, There's no online play and the Soundtrack is badly butchered, due to the size of Gamecube discs. However, the controls are pretty good and the Game doesn't freeze as often as the other versions.
PLAYSTATION 2 VERSION
The Playstation 2 version is probably the one i'd recommend, due to it's availability and improved graphics over the Gamecube. On top of that, the soundtrack is all there. Unfortunately, sometimes the controller can be a pain. I don't know if it's just my controller, but sometimes the X button fails (I noticed the same problem in NFS: Carbon) and it doesn't happen on just one controller. So the right joystick is a decent alternative for an accelerator. Another thing, some copies of the game freeze, so it's kind of frustrating when you make it to the end, and the game freezes. some copies do that, others don't.
XBOX 360 VERSION
In terms of graphics, this version blows the others way thanks to HD compatibility. In terms of soundtrack, you can have your own. just go to the Xbox 360's Music player, play your own music, and you're all set. The controls are also spot on, thanks to a good controller. the only 2 problems I have with this game, is that it freezes on occasion (but unlike some of the PS2 discs, you can get to the end of the game) and the real-time sun movement is really a pain, especially during a sunrise or a sunset. the sun gets in your eyes and you can't see where you're going.
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Bottom line, this game is a milestone in gaming (i'm not kidding) and I recommend you play it, no matter who you are.
10/10
