Need for Speed: The Run Review

From the Bay to Empire City.

On the first day of Christmas, my homie gave to me…one copy of Need for Speed: The Run. That was it, Christmas over at my house, no need for more. For 17 years, NFS has driven around the block and come back. So after numerous versions of Need for Speed, what's new this time around? Actually a lot! The Run is here to give you a run for your money.

The premise: A race from San Francisco to New York. Beat over 200 other drivers and the prize is yours. It’s one of the most clever and put-together editions of the NFS franchise. There’s an endless selection of cars to choose from and the scenery is pure badass, Undertaker “dead man walking” badass.

The story begins in dramatic fashion instantly. It’s much like watching some modern gangster movie. Protagonist Jack Rourke is hounded by the mob and left to die at a junkyard in Oakland? My man Jack is from the Bay?! Of course, this means he’s with the business, side-showing, hitting doughnuts, and ghost riding the whip. The race doesn’t start in Oakland, but it is nice to see my hometown in the East Bay getting some love.

Starting in the busy streets of downtown San Francisco, Rourke must escape the police, get out of the city, and pass some drivers along the way. It's non-stop action right from the jump. Hey look, it’s the Bay Bridge! Check it out, a BART train! Weaving in and out of traffic is intense and will keep you on the edge of your seat. EA Black Box did a tremendous, almost flawless, job with the impact engine and graphics design.

There has been a particular gripe by other critics that the race gets stagnant and boring at times, especially between Las Vegas and Chicago. But that’s what The Run and, needless to say, the United States is about. Sorry, Midwest, it’s not boring in middle U.S., but it is open and at times very empty. The scenery is still gorgeous and the race remains in full motion. Still, what could you realistically want in the middle of Missouri? Tickets to a Chiefs game? It is too much to say that not appreciating the half of the America landscape is unpatriotic?

Story mode, eponymously named The Run, does get unexciting at times, not in the case of racing cars but when it comes to watching certain cut-scenes as Jack progresses through the race. “Meet your rival such and such. His main motivation for the race is to take Jack out… permanently." Talk about cheesy. Sure, it's dramatic and it's supposed to keep you interested in Jack's personal struggle, but the idea of getting out of the car isn't a good one. It's meant to some fresh air, away from vehicular chaos. But as a player, it makes me feel disconnected and uninterested.

There’s more to Need for Speed: The Run than just Rourke’s coast-to-coast antics. Fans of past NFS titles will remember Challenge Series. Completing race objectives and earing top spots will lead to gaining XP points and unlocking cars, new icons, and much more. AutoLog is available, so you can check out your friend’s best times and compare races online.

If you’re Mr. (or Ms.) Speed Racer and have beaten The Run and gotten gold in all events for Challenge Series, you can take your talents online. This is a game mode that can be played for hours, even days. Racing through some of the finest streets and highways of America, you can play against your buddies or the online community and much like challenge series, you gain XP points and unlockables. It's addictive, hard to put down, and actually the best part of Need for Speed. You just want to get that first place standing.

It would be nice, though, if there were more customization options. At least allow the detailing of cars, more than just a few choices of paint colors. Can I get the non-snowflake Porsche 911, please? The biggest refreshment would be to customize Jack Rourke himself. Tony Hawk’s: Underground had the right idea—simply have a change in styles, clothes, looks, etc. It would add a subtle touch of individual personality to it all. And there’s no free race? Why can't a buddy and I just race against each other locally?

Forget the story and silly “get out of the car” nonsense. If you focus on the pure details of the cars and racing itself, Need for Speed: The Run stands head and shoulders above past installments as well as other racing simulations. For all intent and purposes, this is one hell of a game. If there’s one game on this year’s checklist for Santa, The Run is not be a bad way to go.

Review based on Xbox 360 version. Review copy provided by publisher.