// VC dot com

NFS:Pro Street PC demo has just released few days ago (2rd Nov). The demo setup size is quite small compare to Crysis demo. It is only nearly to 800MB. It’s quite upset me due to the file size.

Anyway, this demo has too few in the gameplay. It only has two types of races, Speed Challenge and Grip Race. Nothing more. Where’s the drift match? Darn.

In Speed Challenge, the event is hosted by “Nitrocide” in Nevada highway. Quite a weird team name. The player cannot choose any cars, other than the preset given car, BMW M3. There will be 8 cars race, completing the speed challenge. For first timer, be sure don’t acelerate too much and let go the gas petal when turning the corner. The car handling is similar like simulation type of games, such as Playstation GT series. For my first try, it is really a disaster.

In Grip Race, the event is hosted by “reACT Team Sessions” in A 54 Interloop. Same thing as well, player cannot choose cars. Player will use GTR PROTO in this match. Sweetass car. If I’m not mistaken, grip race is never implemented in NFS history. This is the very first time. Grip race is all about driving in the best line and having a consistent speed throughout the race. It is quite easy for the demo because it shows the best line. Player just has to drive along the line. Even the king mode, it also has the best line shown

For graphics, it is quite impressive, but still not really up to my taste If comparing DiRT, in my opinion, I think DiRT wins the graphics. DiRT is rally game and highly implemented in Shader Model 3 or SM3, whereas NFSPS is implemented in SM2 and 3. I’ve wondered why. My machine is PentiumD 2.66Ghz, 768MB DDR RAM and 6800XT 128MB DDR. It runs lag like hell by default in 800×600 resolution with every setting low. My machine can run Crysis quite smoothly in 1024×768 resolution. According to LYN NFSPS thread, a few numbers of forumers also have the same experience. After overclocking my GPU (boost core and memory clock via RivaTuner), I manage to get a good fps. Currently I’m running in 1024×768 resolution with medium setting, except world details and shadow.

Overall, I would only say that it is a great experience in the gameplay. Speed Challenge is really a challenging race, but the AI still quite lame as the previous series. Hoping the others type of races will not upset me. I just hope the final game is optimum for a low-end machine like mine. This is just a demo after all.