Shift 2: Unleashed

Need for Speed: Shift 2, NFS Shift 2

Released

Release Date: March 29, 2011

Racing, Cars, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Internet, LAN

A sequel to 2009's Need for Speed: Shift, the more realistic spin-off of the arcade racing series. Both games were developed by Slightly Mad Studios. Shift 2: Unleashed brings few changes to the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor. The game utilizes the same driving physics, combining simulation elements with the simplicity of arcade racing.

6.7

Steam

5.2

Users

Rate It!

Ratings

 Videos: 12 

Images: 81 

Gameplay
Technical aspects

Shift 2: Unleashed for PC, PS3 and etc. is a sequel to Need for Speed: Shift – a spin-off representing a realistic approach to racing. The sequel follows the mechanics introduced by its predecessor and extends the best aspects of it.

Gameplay

The second installment in the Shift sub series aims to show the players what it is like to be a driver of a racing car as well. Contrary to many other racing games, Shift 2: Unleashed for PC, PS3 and etc. offers the best possible experience when played from the cockpit view. This imitates the head movements of the driver in order for the player to experience different shakings and various visual effects created with the help of professional drivers. Camera work was improved – when a car enters a turn, the driver's head turns slightly as well for example.

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Motivated by the warm reception of Need for Speed: Shift, the creators decided to stick to the most important mechanics and the driving physics of the predecessor. Although each car has different specifics, the game does not require hours of practice before the player can achieve something. Thus the driving physics combine simplicity of arcade racing with simulation elements.

As usual, the game does not lack the fastest licensed cars and amazing tracks. This time, the player is given an opportunity to race at night as well, which delivers an interesting visual experience, thanks to the new lighting system. The player visits Shanghai filled with hundreds of neon lights or Belgian forests shrouded in darkness. All the available races are contained within the carrier mode. This delivers many hours of enjoyable gameplay.

Technical aspects

Shift 2: Unleashed for PC, PS3 and etc. offers improved graphics of both the cars and the environments. The creators decided to implement the Autolog system (Hot Pursuit) here as well. This introduces many social elements to the game. The player can view rankings, statistics and compare them with others. It also allows to publish one's own materials

Platforms:

PC Windows March 29, 2011

Xbox 360 March 29, 2011

PlayStation 3 March 29, 2011

Apple iOS August 4, 2011

Developer: Slightly Mad Studios

Publisher: Electronic Arts Inc.

Similar Games:

Project Motor Racing

Assetto Corsa

Forza Motorsport

Game Series

29GAMES

Need for Speed Game Series

One of the oldest and most popular racing game series in the history of the industry. Need for Speed is one of the most valuable brands in Electronic Arts' portfolio, with the US company's in-house development studios, such as EA Black Box, EA Gothenburg, and Criterion Games, usually responsible for its subsequent installments. The series started in 1994 with The Need for Speed, designed for fifth-generation consoles (3DO, PlayStation, Sega Saturn) and PC. The production was prepared by the team from EA Canada studio, created as a result of the acquisition of Distinctive Software (devs of Test Drive and Test Drive II).

Need for Speed Game Series

Features

News

Some Need for Speed Games Are Pulled From Digital Stores Today. Forever

Today, Need for Speed Carbon, Need for Speed Undercover, Need for Speed Shift, Need for Speed Shift 2: Unleashed, and Need for Speed The Run will be pulled from digital distribution. EA also plans to end online support for all of these games after the holidays.

video games

Jacob Blazewicz

May 31, 2021

Some Need for Speed Games Are Pulled From Digital Stores Today. Forever

Downloads

Top downloads for Shift 2: Unleashed Video Game:

All Downloads

System Requirements

System Requirements for Shift 2: Unleashed Video Game:

PC / Windows

Recommended System Requirements:
Core 2 Duo 2 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB (GeForce 8800GT or better), 7 GB HDD, Windows XP/Vista/7.

Add-Ons and DLCs

List of Game Add-Ons and DLCs for Video Game:

DLC Legends Pack June 30, 2011
DLC Speedhunters June 30, 2011

Ratings

Game Ratings for Shift 2: Unleashed Video Game.

67%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mixed (2,559)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Immersive Experience: Many users praised the game for providing an intense and immersive driving experience, often describing it as one of the best in the racing genre.
Graphics and Atmosphere: The game is noted for its beautiful graphics and atmospheric design, which enhance the overall racing experience.
Tuning and Upgrade System: Players appreciated the upgrade and tuning system for vehicles, which adds depth to car customization.
Replay Value: Some users mentioned a high replay value, suggesting that the game remains enjoyable even after multiple playthroughs.
Modding Community: The game is seen as a gem when modded, indicating a supportive community that enhances gameplay.

The main cons of the game

AI Issues: A significant number of reviews highlighted problems with the AI, which can be either excessively slow or frustratingly aggressive, leading to unrealistic racing scenarios.
Technical Problems: Users reported issues with game installation, including corrupted keys and the inability to save settings, rendering the game nearly unplayable for some.
Server Shutdown: The shutdown of online servers has limited the game's functionality, particularly affecting multiplayer features.
Control Issues: Some players expressed dissatisfaction with the controls, describing them as poor and contributing to a frustrating gameplay experience.
Performance Problems: Complaints about performance issues, including inadequate force feedback and poor anti-aliasing, were noted.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Photo Mode and Test Drive: Some users lamented the absence of features like photo mode and test drive, which were present in the previous installment and would have enhanced the gameplay experience.
Improved AI Behavior: There is a clear demand for better AI that behaves more realistically during races.
Better Customization Options: While the tuning system is praised, some users felt that overall car customization options were somewhat lacking.
Enhanced Technical Support: Users expressed frustration with the lack of customer service and support following the game's delisting, highlighting the need for better post-purchase support.

Summary

Overall, while Shift 2 Unleashed has its merits, including an engaging driving experience and strong modding potential, it suffers from significant technical issues, AI problems, and missing features that detract from its overall enjoyment.

Summary generated on: October 28, 2025

5.2

USERS Score

Average score from votes.

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