I was looking forward to this game for couple reasons. I really enjoyed Need For Speed Most Wanted, but was disappointed with Carbon and Pro Street. I hoped Shift would redeem the series. Also, based on the videos and previews, it looked like the game would change its focus in a direction more akin to Project Gotham, arguably, my favorite racing franchise.

When I popped the disc in the tray, the first thing I noticed was that the presentation was a slick as any NFS game was. However, the design choices in the beginning are a little questionable. When you hit the main menu, your only choices are Options and Start a New Career. When you start, you're committed to one test lap, one race and a car selection. Can't back out at all. I would like to have tooled around in a time trial or something to get acclimated to the controls, or take a quick glance around the menus to check out the game's other game modes or features. No, they just throw you right in with no indication as to how the control scheme is laid out.

Definitely left me a little skittish.

When I finished the first real race against AI opponents, the game opens up a little bit. I can select a car and tune it. However, the only way you can race is in the career races. Time trials need to be unlocked by earning stars in career races. Interesting, but a bit restrictive to the point where it feels like a chore rather than exciting motivation to continue.