What NFS should be doing: an intense arcade racer, not a Simulator that fails on every level. Well done NFS!
This game is visually beautiful, diverse and massively entertaining. In my opinion the flaws in this game aren't even noticible. It offers a great levelling system where subsections unlock new cars, it has a free roam mode for when you feel that you just need to take a load off. The option of working for SCPD is a plus as well.
Needless to say Need for Speed has returned in all it's former glory, back is the arcade racer that's thrilling and fun, high speed "unrealistic" cornering and wrecking of other cars using strips, EM pulses and heli's are just way too much fun. It may not be as great as the Underground series or Most Wanted, which in my opinion was the best Need for Speed could ever offer, but it sure rank's right up there with them.
Great Job Criterion, you've managed to capture the essence of the Need for Speed franchise That Electronic Arts lost a long way back.