"Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed", it's hard to imagine, was released as early as 2000. In my opinion, this is an attempt by EA studio to take a step towards realism, but, unfortunately, the game turned out to be controversial and probably even weak. All attention is focused on Porsche cars, which limits the variety and makes the game monotonous compared to other games in the series. Although the collection of cars covers different generations, starting with classic models of the 1950s and ending with modern ones at the time of the car's release, the fascination with only one brand quickly gets boring.
The gameplay does not arouse much interest, despite attempts to introduce innovations: simulator elements have been added, which is reflected in the behavior of cars on the road. In theory, this should have increased the feeling of realism, but in reality it only increased the feeling of clumsiness. The races seem too monotonous, and the tracks are not remembered enough. The career mode also does not save the situation - it adds an element of progress, but its implementation is rather superficial, without any fascinating details or memorable tasks.
An additional disadvantage of "Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed" is simplified tuning, which has almost no effect on the game. There is almost no choice to customize the car for yourself: you can only replace the basic elements that have little effect on the control. The progress of the game is also predictable, and as you progress along the track, something new or difficult is rarely added, which makes each race look like the previous one.
Even the graphics, despite the efforts, look mediocre for 2000. The detail of the trails is minimal, and the variety of environments is almost nonexistent. Unlike dynamic racing, which has always been the strength of the series, there is clearly a lack of energy here.
These flaws highlight the problem of the game: in an attempt to get closer to the simulation, the developers moved away from what made the series unique and exciting.
As a result, the game looks like a failed experiment in an attempt to make something unique, but instead loses the drive and entertainment that were inherent in other parts of "Need for Speed". I'm not impressed.
4 out of 10.
