There’s no doubt that the Need for Speed brand doesn’t really mean what it used to a decade back. With lacklustre games that haven’t been able to take the genre forward, the brand needs that one big push, that will make it relevant to the millennial gamer. The battle is equally tough on mobile as well with games like Asphalt, Real Racing and CSR racing already setting high standards in their respective sub-genres.
Need for Speed: No Limits does manage to create a new breed of mobile racing. One of the first things you’ll notice about the game is that the races are bite-sized. You’ll be completing most races in under 50 seconds. While that seems a bit short, especially in the initial levels, races do get more intense as the AI progresses along with you. It starts by being a pushover, but it does progressively get more challenging.
The racing itself feels good, with responsive touch controls to steer the car, boost using NOS, and to drift. It’s a little scarce, but that’s true for most mobile racers any way. Inspired minigames like revving the car in the green space of the tacho for the perfect start, or to drive dangerously for faster NOS refill are all here to spice up the racing a bit. True to NFS’ legacy, No limits does offer police chases, but they’re pretty much glorified, obstacle-based racing challenges. The police are not that big a hindrance in No Limits.
The good part is that it doesn’t cost you anything to keep playing for long enough before you decide whether you’re in for the long haul or not. Need for Speed: No Limits is definitely on the shallower side, but it is entertaining enough to have you keep you coming back for more.
THE VERDICT
It’s the game that will keep you entertained in short burst – the pickup and race experience that has been dominated by CSR on the mobile platform. But if you’re looking for a console racing experience, then there are better options out there.
