Need for Speed: High Stakes

Game review

Need for Speed: High Stakes is a highly regarded installment in the iconic Need for Speed series. One of the most notable additions in High Stakes is the career mode, a feature that added depth and progression to the game. In this mode, players could participate in a series of races, earning money to buy new cars and upgrade existing ones. This added a strategic element to the game, as players had to manage their resources carefully and make decisions about how to develop their car collection.

Another groundbreaking feature was the introduction of damage models to the vehicles. For the first time in the series, cars would show realistic damage when involved in collisions. This not only added a visual element of realism but also impacted gameplay, as damage could affect a car's performance. Players had to balance the need for speed with the risk of damaging their car, adding a new layer of strategy to the races.

The game's AI was another point of improvement, offering a more challenging and realistic racing experience. Opponents in High Stakes behaved more strategically and could adapt to the player's actions, making each race unpredictable and competitive.

However, High Stakes was not without its criticisms. Some players found the career mode progression to be slow, requiring a considerable investment of time to unlock new cars and tracks. Additionally, while the damage model added realism, it also made the game more challenging, which could be a source of frustration for some players.

The game remains a fan favorite, remembered for pushing the boundaries of what was possible in racing games at the time and laying the groundwork for future advancements in the series.