NFS Carbon: Embracing the Factions

My old roommate was a car-nut, and with each new racing game that embraced the tuner craze, his disposition soured and his blood pressure rose. He was a muscle car enthusiast through and through and couldn't bring himself to race in cars he deemed unworthy.

Muscle vs. Tuner.

He would love the new Need for Speed™ Carbon though, as it focuses on three warring car factions: The Muscle maniacs, the Exotics enthusiasts, and the Tuner types. Finally, a racing game that offers a taste of everything, with the opportunity to actively annihilate the faction you respect the least.

Taking Sides
When you first begin the game, you see that different areas of the map are controlled by these different factions. Choose which one you want to side with and work together with your A.I. controlled teammates to take back the streets and prove your faction is the best.

Familiar Face
For those familiar with Need for Speed Most Wanted on Xbox 360™, you'll find the presentation and controls very familiar. The same heavy control physics is here, the use of real actors with a cel-shaded filter is still present, and the graphics offer a similar look: One that embraces both the gritty environment and the sleek cars.

Just a relaxing evening drive.

However, you'll find a substantial facelift in the details, as each car you rub and wall you scrape leaves behind gorgeously detailed damage, and the blur effects elicit a more evocative sense of speed.

Autosculpting
This new feature is getting all the publicity, and for good reason. Take any car into Autosculpt mode and you'll be able to change anything including the rim style, spoiler, hood, bumpers, exhaust tip, and more. Unlike other games, however, the focus isn't so much on adding parts, but on sculpting the ones that are already there. This can include changing the depth of your rims, extending the skirt, adding hood scoops, or changing the angle of the spoiler.

On each part you can choose to alter various zones, which each highlight a different aspect of the part. The rims alone have nine zones. This interface is easy to understand and intuitive to use. Customization options also extend to radically unique paintjobs and decals allowing you to truly make your car your own.

Creeping on up.

Racing Styles
Need for Speed Carbonboasts three unique race types, each with a different exhilarating experience. Here's how they break down:

Circuit Race: This is your classic lap race with a twist. Instead of the full burden of victory falling to you, it falls to your whole team. Provided you or a teammate cross the finish line first, you're golden. What's more, you can tap the Y button to call on your teammate to knock an opponent out ahead of you or block an enemy racer behind you.

Drift Race: It's just you, a twisting track and your drifting skills in this race mode. Navigate the track, connecting the turns with prolonged drifts, racking up massive points. Throughout the race you'll see the point totals of your opponents at each check point, giving you an idea of what you're up against.

Canyon Race: To take over an opponent's turf, you have to beat one of their drivers in a canyon duel. These races take place in two parts: First, you chase your opponent around the winding canyon roads. The closer you stay, the more points you get. Then you trade, and your opponent takes away your points by staying as close to you as he can. One wrong turn, however, and you will plunge to your death from the treacherous cliffs. If you pass your opponent and can't drop behind him again in ten seconds, you automatically lose, so control is essential.

Need for Speed Carbonis both familiar to fans of the franchise and fresh in its new game modes and presentation. If you're looking for an arcade racer with style and speed, look no further than Carbon.

Article by Ryan Treit