Need for Speed - Most Wanted (Nintendo DS)

Need for Speed - Most Wanted (Nintendo DS)

Need For Speed first appeared on the radar as a supercar burnout showcase for the doomed 3DO console. Over the years, the owner of the franchise, the omnipresent Electronic Arts, has tried several different angles, but though NFS1 and 2 were popular, subsequent releases failed to set the world alight.

The mega-publisher finally found the formula it had been looking for with the release of Need for Speed: Underground. Riding on the back of the Fast & Furious-inspired explosion of car modification culture, the game gave people real licensed cars, plenty of parts to fit, and races to enter.

Many people like it so much that they even put up with the rather tedious stabs at urban culture referencing, attempted by the game's pale, and no doubt middle-aged Canadian producers. NFS: U2 picked up where it left off, and EA hasn't stopped improving its street racing and tuning game skills, it would seem.

The latest in the Need for Speed dynasty gets a name change and is now subtitled Most Wanted. As well as taking part in races and improving your car's performance in line with an ever-growing 'rep', they've re-introduced a theme from an earlier incarnation of the long-running series - police pursuit.

For that matter, fleeing the cops has been a recurring theme in video games over the years. EA has gone to town here, though, and you get to watch as your notoriety moves you up the police 'most wanted list, as the dogged coppers try more complicated ruses than ever in their attempts to snare you.

Like NFS: U2, you get a massive world to roam, plenty of real cars to choose from, and a wealth of tuning options. But this time, you might not just change your appearance for pimping - it might be so the watchful rozzers don't recognise you.

EA does try to push all the right buttons - some would argue a little too hard - but all the same, here's a respectable package to experiment with if that's what you're after.

"*Please presume that any DLC has already been used. Very Good Condition: An item that has been used, but is in very good condition. No damage to the jewel case or item cover, and no scratches, cracks, or holes. The cover art and liner notes are included. The box/case is included. Instructions may or may not be present, as not all games are released with instructions. Minimal wear on the exterior of the item. No skipping on the game, when played.”