Platforms
- PCMar 29, 2011NAplayscoreNA0 Critics6.62.90K Players
- PlayStation 3Mar 29, 20118.0playscore8.113 Critics8.03.56K Players
- Xbox 360Mar 29, 20118.0playscore8.218 Critics8.036.8K Players
23 critic reviews · 5 community reviews across all platforms
Critic Reviews
- While Shift 2 is unlikely to woo the arcade crowd over to simulation racing, it’s remedied one of the genre’s biggest problems, a crushing obsession with technical realism over the actual realism of racing. Shift 2 has finally created a racing sim that gives car geeks like myself numbers to tweak, but puts the real focus where it belongs, on the visceral joy of actually racing the car.
Michael Grimm · Jun 24, 2012 Reviewed on PS3, X360Read full review - Despite its handling and audio issues, Shift 2 is an exciting, enjoyable racing experience. Though it’s not as realistic or polished as Polyphony’s Gran Turismo 5, its high-octane presentation and deep career mode offer unprecedented thrills.
Eric Blattberg · Apr 11, 2011 Reviewed on PS3Read full review - Shift 2 presented a real challenge to me as a reviewer. It looks and sounds great but falls short with overly sensitive controls that will have you struggling to keep your car on the track and sterile presentation value. Shift 2 doesn’t do enough to differentiate itself from its competition. The helmet cam has the potential to move the genre forward but is it enough to carry an entire game? Not in this case.
Shad Forsyth · Apr 10, 2011 Reviewed on X360Read full review - Shift 2 Unleashed is rare in that it gives you real cars in real locales, but also provides an intensity and excitement that other sim games can't offer. While the steering isn't as polished as it could be, you won't be thinking about that in the tense, white-knuckle, high-speed races that this game offers. Let loose for once: Shift 2 Unleashed is a hell of lot of fun.
Dale North · Apr 06, 2011 Reviewed on PS3Read full review - While the game has improved over the first Shift, fans of simulation racing may find that such new features as the helmet cam feel like gimmicks. They will also be disappointed by the sometimes unpredictable car behavior and the ridiculously aggressive AI. Shift 2: Unleashed is a good sequel that will serve as an enjoyable entry point to serious racing; however, more experienced racing game players should stick to Shift's more realistic rivals.
Joseph Barron · Apr 01, 2011 Reviewed on PS3, X360Read full review - With the release of Shift 2 Unleashed, the Need For Speed franchise now holds the distinction of representing the best of arcade-style and simulation racing on consoles. It's an evolution of the original -- not a revolution, but still markedly improved across the board -- and a worthy sequel, easy recommendation for those who enjoyed the first game and great entry point to "real" racing in general.
Randy Nelson · Mar 31, 2011 Reviewed on X360 - Shift 2 is technically very impressive, but like Hot Pursuit, it's the social features surrounding the game that define it as an experience. If you're a serious fan of the genre, know that Shift 2 does several things better than anything else on the market right now, which makes it an essential purchase.
Jamin Smith · Mar 29, 2011 Reviewed on PC, PS3, X360Read full review - Shift 2 Unleashed refines the strengths of the first game and extends their value indefinitely through the competitive environment of autolog. There aren't any breakthrough new features here, but this is a racer that will constantly push you to improve and make you sweat under the pressure.
Game Trailers · Mar 29, 2011 Reviewed on X360 - Shift 2 defines the franchise in a way that the first one didn’t. Although the cars can feel like they swivel on a center axis, the racing is pretty good, and the overall experience gets a boost from the graphics and the erratic nature of the AI racers. It doesn’t blow by the competition, but by improving its lap times, Shift 2 is on its way.
Matthew Kato · Mar 29, 2011 Reviewed on PS3, X360 - Shift 2 Unleashed's a violent and immersive racer that recreates the driving experience like no other game on the market. In doing so it builds well on the first Shift's foundations, benefitting from Slightly Mad Studios' more refined touch and the inclusion of Autolog, but its handling is still too loose and its steps forward too small for it to truly beat Gran Turismo and Forza – although it does enough to ensure that it's pulled ever closer.
Martin Robinson · Mar 29, 2011 Reviewed on PCRead full review
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Community Reviews
- Rated on PS3
- Rated on X360
- Rated on PC
- Rated on PC
- Rated on PC
About the game
Trailers & Screenshots:
Feel what the Driver's Battle is actually like in an unparalleled racing experience that captures the physicality and brutality of being behind the wheel going 200mph. Frighteningly authentic physics and degradation of tracks and cars, thrilling night racing, and an eye-watering sense of speed combined with the helmet camera puts you right in the heart in the action. Feel every scrape, bump, and burn out in an all-out fight to the finish line. Shift 2 Unleashed sets the bar for realistic racing and gives all the excitement and exhilaration of race day in a groundbreaking authentic experience.
Developer: Slightly Mad Studios