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New Blood #10: Need For Speed Carbon
(Own The City)
 Aaron Gray
Racing like a madman on the streets can be exhilarating and at the same time safe, only if you do it on the latest PlayStation Portable game Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City.
Still reeling from the previous PSP’s Need for Speed game? Either way (good or bad experience), the latest installment is here to stay. The new incarnation improves upon what the predecessor lacked: city-roaming and story-driven plot (pun intended).
The cars and environment look much cleaner and sharper now too, which gives Carbon a polished feel to it. Even the audio sounded crispier, both for the music and sound effects. Some may think these are just the wrapping on a candy bar, but it is important for a racing game to have a good-looking wrapper. Why’d you think many were repelled by Most Wanted 5-1-0? ;)
First, let me fill you in on the story:
After the accident and the mysterious death involving Lucky 7’s racing crew leader, other crews began taking over various districts of the city. And you’re drawn in to this not just because you were with him in the same car during the accident – the dead guy was your brother. So it’s up to you to take these areas back in order to find out what happened that caused his mysterious death.
To regain lost districts and cities your brother had controlled, you have to fight – or more accurately: race – your way to the finish line in first place in these areas. Once you had captured the attention of the boss controlling the area you’re in, you’ll be able to challenge him/her. You will regain the city once you win this boss fight/race, and clues will be revealed regarding your brother.
Carbon gives you the opportunity to put pedal to the metal as the streets are wide and easy to navigate, though occasionally bumping into obstacles and other cars can’t be helped unless you’re a drift master. Brakes are not required in this game, but using them once in a while in certain situations can save you a few precious seconds to stay ahead.
But you won’t be driving this one out alone: your loyal crews will be accompanying you in their own tuned-up cars ala wingmen in “Ace Combat 5” and “NASCAR’06” on the PS2. This new addition is unique to the Need for Speed series, hence it is quite fun to play with at the beginning. The commands are simple yet useful at times: the Assassin will use dirty tricks to get your opponents out of the way; the Brawler smashes your opponents off the curb; and the Drafter gets ahead of your car to allow you to use his/her draft to increase your speed. At other times when their ‘services’ are not required, they’d be following close behind you, ready for action when called for.
And the best thing about the PSP’s Carbon: it gives you Free Roam. This aspect was sorely missed from Most Wanted 5-1-0, and it’s a relief Carbon has this feature. Free Roam allows you to drive around the city at your leisure when you’re not engaged in any competitive race. This way, you will get a better feel of the roads and the shortcuts available.
Carbon has another ace up its sleeve: you can play the game via Ad Hoc with another friend in your PSP’s vicinity, or, have a truly online racing competition. That’s right, let it sink in! Infrastructure Mode is available for Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City, which is a welcome bonus. A quick race with another human opponent is just but a WiFi hotspot away!
Although the Infrastructure Mode racing is limited to circuits and sprints, the action gets hot once you have other human opponents to race with, as opposed to racing (and winning) the match with boring ol’ AI rivals. At least you don’t have to wonder anymore whether or not your skills match up to worldwide requirement.
Overview
If you’re looking for some racing action and can’t wait any longer for the ‘legendary’ Gran Turismo 4 to arrive on the PSP, get Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City. The game surpassed my expectations and I came away impressed – the first time ever since I started playing games from Electronic Arts (with the exception for Command & Conquer, of course). The Free Roam mode, the wingmen concept and Infrastructure Mode will promise you a blazing trail of fun!
Aaron would be happy if he could give road bullies a taste of their own medicine like he did in PSP's Need for Speed Carbon. Support his cause at
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