Thoughts: NFS ProStreet

Yes, I’m talking about the first of multiple black sheep in the Need for Speed family. Put down your torches and pitchforks, NFS fans; I’m by no means saying it’s one of the best games in the series. These are just thoughts/ramblings on the game based on my personal experiences playing it.

To get it out of the way, I personally don’t consider this to be a “true” NFS game; I instead see it as a standalone title whose development team was made largely of NFS devs. I think this viewpoint makes it easier to look past the NFS branding.

I actually prefer the PS2 version to the Xbox 360 version. Yes, the one with worse graphics, some vehicles and event types missing, and multiple less impressive cutscenes. But the handling physics are easier, you can use a cheat code-related loophole to skip tons of anti-fun grinding, and certain Race Days have AI opponents that are much less infuriating (looking at you, Challenge: Ebisu).

Gameplay? Not Game of the Year material, but definitely not bad enough to warrant any Worst of the Year “awards.” The handling physics are a bit tricky, but that makes it all the more satisfying when you find a car that’s just how you like it and string together a record-breaking run with it.

My personal favorites as of this writing: Nissan 240SX, Toyota Corolla, Infiniti G35, Ford Mustang, Nissan 350Z, Nissan Silvia, Nissan Skyline, Chevrolet Camaro and Lamborghini Murciélago.

Years ago when I first got this game, I had a Camaro set up for Drag. All Stage 4 parts, tuned to its max: 755 horsepower. The thing was an absolute monster; it would steamroll every AI opponent I raced it against (including the Drag and Showdown Kings), hit 250 mph in the 1/2 Mile, and pull wheelies 1,000+ feet long with engine power alone. I always got at least 75% Grip Bonus in Staging and nailed a perfect launch and shifts.

And I did it all with button acceleration/braking controls. I’ve since adapted to using analog stick controls. I purchased another one yesterday and am building it into a Version 2.0 of that original beast, with different looks and better Aero.

I considered running a Plymouth ‘Cuda instead, but that car turned out to be an absolute bastard to drive.

Yesterday, I set a personal best Drift record: >7,000 points. I bring this up because I did it on Touge Course/Drift Course G at Ebisu, the hardest Drift course in the game, in my opinion. I quickly came to loathe the course in the X360 version because it’s so freaking narrow, with virtually zero runoff and hills on both sides of the road that can easily flip you over. But on the PS2 version, I had swept every other event in the Race Day I encountered it in, so for shits and giggles, I took a practice run on it with my 350Z. One thing led to another, and I broke every track record at that ‘Day. I also had a surprising amount of fun on Drift Course G. The car you drive really can make all the difference.

Ugh, the React Team Sessions Challenge: Ebisu Race Day gave me a massive headache on the X360. >_< All three of the Speed events are very unfairly rigged against you. On the PS2? You’ll have to use some defensive driving, but it’s manageable. Not nearly as easy as if I had been allowed to run my Silvia, but manageable.

And speaking of Speed, the Speed King. This is his car. Really. It’s a joke compared to what you have to beat in order to challenge him in the first place. According to a cutscene, it tops out at around 220 mph; in actual practice, it’s more like 140-150 mph. The devs probably couldn’t have picked a worse car for the guy to drive. Looks good, though.

Many (read: almost all) of the AI drivers don’t live up to their hype. Joe Tackett is allegedly the biggest threat you’ll encounter in early Drag events, but in practice, he’s routinely one of the slowest drivers you face. Even in late-game events. But to be fair, that really happens with every driver if you build a good car right and drive it smart. Indeed, Carlos Galliano didn’t know what hit him when I brought my 800-hp Skyline to the first Nitrocide Race Day.

The 240SX. You start Career with one with a Grip setup. Fit it with a slew of Stage 1 parts, a Stage 2 part or two, and improved Aero. Mine only has ~230 horsepower, and it demolishes every opponent in the first third or so of the game. No matter how flashy you make the paint job, it’s going to perpetually be a sleeper.

It’s weird how so many of the AWD cars are wobbly at low speeds when given Grip Blueprints. Just a quirk of the physics engine, I suppose. It unfortunately ruins some otherwise great cars. But at least the PS2 port is kinder to the Ford Escort. In the X360, even with Stage 3 Suspension, Brakes and Tires and everything else stock, the car stops like the brakes are barely functioning.

Say what you will about ProStreet, it still has a staple Need for Speed feature: a great soundtrack. Some personal favorites of mine are Almost Easy, Brake Pipe and Hose, Escape, More and Restless.

“I love the smell of burning tires in the morning; smells like a VIC-TOR-Y!”