Need for Speed: Carbon
Preview
A fast and furious new racer in a series that's become a mark of quality in the genre
by Howie Howard
previewed on PC
Car customization
The beautiful part about this game certainly can be noticed simply by watching the leading lady do her on screen thing. However, being that this is a racing game the real beauty lies in the various racing machines. As the player you will have full control over how your car will look in the game environs. EA has come up with a wonderful thing called Autosculpt. Autosculpt is the process, which will allow you to customize your car. Of course you will be limited to a real world look, so there won't be the possibility of modifying your car into some other world freakish looking thing. You will be able to smooth out the lines on your car much the same way a custom auto shop may meld the hood scoop or tighten the lines on the rear spoiler. If you think that your tires need to be a little lower profile and a bit wider then take it to the shop and give them a bit of a stretch this way or that until they look just right.
Performance on the road
As far as racing dynamics go EA certainly has accomplished what they have set out to do and that would be to produce one of the most realistic car performance models in the business. Each of the three different classes of race car does indeed feel like they handle different from the others when driven. As in any type of game it might take a few minutes to become accustomed to each cars handling abilities but don't take long learning how to drive because in this game the driver that takes his or her time will inevitably finish last. In fact, if you finish last or even get passed by a competitor and he stays in front of you for even 10 seconds then the race will be lost and you may even lose the pink slip to your beloved customized ride.
A race cannot be won by one man
There are many different types of racing games on the market today and they all provide the player with something different. NFS Carbon is unique in that it provides other in game characters that you can find in your travels through out the game world. These characters or NPC's can be lured in to signing on as part of your team or, as the game calls them, your crew. In fact it is necessary for you to have a competent team or cast of characters if you plan on winning your share of races.
The characters provide you with various forms of help as you battle and race your way through this game. They aren't mechanics or technical help; in fact this crews job is to help you on the street while you are racing. A few of the character skills that your teammates can have are classified as a Blocker, Drafter or Scout. Each member can have up to two of a possible six skills. One skill will be used on the track while the other will be available for use off the track. The Blocker for example will attempt to block other racers so that you may be able to gain the upper hand in a race. A Scout will look for a shortcut for you and then radio you its location. A Drafter will allow you to draft behind his car and then help you to shoot your way past an opponent in order to gain a victory in the old-fashioned come from behind mode!
In conclusion
After taking a look at this new racing game from EA I must say that I am as excited as a little child waiting to unwrap presents at Christmas time. Thankfully we will only have to wait until November to unwrap this gift but then we might want to turn around and provide the gift of racing to another computer racing fan. With that said... Ladies and Gentlemen... Start your engines and get ready for the race of your life. Will you win the pink slip to that great looking new 2006 Nissan 350Z or will you lose at the last second? I'll say that you will win even if you ultimately lose the race, because this game has it all and more, so how can you lose!
