Surviving the streets in Need For Speed

Become the best there is behind the wheel in Need For Speed: ProStreet and Need For Speed: Most Wanted 5.1.0 on PSP.

The Need For Speed series of games are synonymous with fast paced, breakneck races that throw you right into the heat of a street battle behind the wheel, opposing cars hot on your tail as you try and make it across the finish line in that coveted first place position.

As with any racing game the goal is simple: win, and here are a number of things to remember before revving engine and taking to the streets, the first of which is whether or not you're going to drive manual transmission or automatic.

If you are a seasoned racing game player then manual transmission is the best option to choose from, but also requires you think a lot more during competitions as you constantly shift up and down a gear when cornering, speeding up and slowing down. For players who prefer to master their car and the tracks (of which there are a huge selection in the Need For Speed series on PSP) at first, automatic transmission remains the best choice.

Cop or criminal?

During races you have to watch out for your opponent who wants to beat you to the prize, as well as other, arguably more dangerous, obstacles in your way: cops. To escape their road wrath you'll have to move fast, dodge traffic and stay one step ahead of them at all times. To make sure they don't catch up with you at all is essential so you need to keep upgrading and modifying your car the more money you gain and the more kit you unlock through winning races. For those with who like the turn the tables, taking on the role of the cop opens up a whole new world of takedown possibilities as you hunt the most wanted street racers out there.

Tuning your car is an integral part of the Need For Speed process. Here you can adjust traction control, gear ratios, add spoilers, NOS (Nitrous Oxide) or any other number of parts to enhance your car on the track and on the streets. Of course, one of the most important decisions you make as a racer in Need For Speed is the type of car that you choose to race. Be them exotic cars, muscle, tuners or special vehicles, whatever you choose to get behind the wheel of you'll need to master it quickly if you are to survive the streets in Need For Speed.

Wrecked

When you spend so much money in-game on kitting out your car the last thing you're going to want to do is wreck it, so when blazing down neon soaked streets or the dusty desert roads of Nevada you need to keep your eyes on the road. One false move could put a hefty dent in your bank balance if you have smashed up your ride in a race for first place. This is where essential skills such as handbraking and drifting come into play. If you can lock these down early on in your career, you should be simply unstoppable behind the wheel of a souped-up car.

It's a fast and furious world out there on the streets of Need For Speed; just remember these essential survival tips and you will be ruling the blacktop, speedways and streets in no time.

Visit PlayStation Store now for full throttle racing action in Need For Speed: ProStreet and Need For Speed: Most Wanted 5.1.0 on PSP.