bit-tech Shopping: Electronic Arts Need for Speed Carbon (XB360)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: Good graphics and sound, online multiplayer racing, diverse race tracks and cars to pick from

Weaknesses: Add-on content prohibitively expensive, more realistic games out there, not revolutionary

Summary: Need For Speed Carbon is another entry in the Need For Speed series. The game looks great and sounds great, as befits a next-gen console. There's numerous race tracks, races and cars to pick from, though some of the add-on content gets extremely expensive to buy it all. Most likely, this is "hidden" content on the disc that you're paying to unlock. There's online multiplayer racing, which adds to the replay value. There are some better options out there for more "realistic" racing, as well as the game not being as revolutionary as some of its counterparts. Overall, it's a very good NFS game, and race fans should look at it when it gets on the cheap.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Decent Graphics, Awesome gameplay

Weaknesses: can be hard at times

Summary: Need For Speed Carbon is a pretty impressive game. The overall car selection game is awesome, as are the graphics. Gameplay-wise it plays like any other Need For Speed game. Overall, if you enjoyed any of the other Need For Speed Games, you should try this one out.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 4 Months

Strengths: Awesome GraphicsControls

Weaknesses: Not enough Police Chases!!!

Summary: What I loved most about Need For Speed Most Wanted was the long fun police chases. They went away from those in Need for Speed Carbon. The graphics were updated and look awesome. But I must admit that I couldn't get into this game as much as I did NFS Most Wanted.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 9

Strengths: Amazing graphics that will wow you. Game play is fun and more realistic that the last Need for Speed game.

Weaknesses: Could be more realistic and less arcade style.

Summary: Very similar to the last Need for Speed game play. The list of cars is awesome. Mods are fun and very important. Graphics are still some of the best for a racing game. Could be challenging for those just starting to play racing games, but you will get used to it in no time. Just buy the game and find out how amazing it is. Two thumbs up!

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Year

Strengths: Great HD Graphics, Unique FMV's, Autosculpt feature, 8-player online races.

Weaknesses: No drag racing, Drift races, Crew feature sometimes more trouble then good, "boss" races are dull.

Summary: Need For Speed is back this year and is back to its old tricks with the "Underground" theme. There are a few new features this time around that include being able to have your own crew. The autosculpt features is nicely done. Players can morph the car to there liking. This time around there are even different car classes. The career mode is where you will spend the most time (unless you prefer the online races). You will start out as a nobody and capture different territories of the city and unlock numerous cars. You can then take the cars you unlocked and go race online! This is a must have racing game for fans of the previous Need For Speed Underground games or fans of arcade style racing games!