Need for Speed: Pro Street

Pros

• Customizable cars
• Multiple tracks
• Sanctioned racing mode

Cons

• Poor networking support
• Lacks hot pursuit mode

Need for Speed: ProStreet is a racing game that puts players in the driver's seat of some of the most jaw-dropping exotic cars on the planet. Unlike most Need for Speed games, it focuses exclusively on legitimate sanctioned races that take place on actual closed tracks. That gives it a very different feel. It also makes it a perfect option for those who plan on organizing leagues for competitive virtual races, though it doesn't have the police pursuit modes that classic NfS titles did.

In that respect, ProStreet would have benefited from a network play feature. As it stands, though, it's among the better choices for those who enjoy hotseat multiplayer games. An avid online community has sprung up around it as well, which helps to alleviate this problem to some degree.

Challenge a few of your friends to take turns racing and see who gets the best times on any of the game's tracks. You'll be guaranteed to enjoy a competitive night of racing that might even get you to focus more on the best way to pick lines when driving virtual vehicles. Like many serious racing simulators, this version of Need for Speed rewards drives who stick to a specific line and find the best way around curves without bumping into anything.

While some might find the course design repetitive, there's more than enough in the way of customization to keep even the most jaded gamers interested in the product. Players can configure their cars in several different ways, so it's easy to custom tailor your ride to your personal driving style.

That helps to dramatically improve the replay value even for those who've played other titles in the NfS series.

Pros

• Customizable cars
• Multiple tracks
• Sanctioned racing mode

Cons

• Poor networking support
• Lacks hot pursuit mode