You do not have the option for manual transmission. NO CANDY PAINT :( Automatic transmission. You can't even choose color, decals, rims, etc. It's like Criterion couldn't decide if they wanted to make this a sim or arcade and left it limbo. Otherwise the only thing this game has in common with NFS Most Wanted the original is cops.
So again if your new to the series or coming from needing a Burn-Out sequel then this might float your boat. The multiplayer is fantastic but when it comes down to it, it's not a NFS Most Wanted sequel, it's a watered-down Burn-out sequel. Need for Speed 2012 - Not really a sequel to Need for Speed Most Wanted. You could get different body kits and greatly change the look of your car (which in turn lowered your wanted level). Money got you new rides or greatly needed upgrades. Really cool feeling of "working up the ranks" - Fear. Opponents that mattered in single player. Chance to gain a pink slip and take your opponents car. Did I say single player? Boss races that had feeling. Not as much as you would like (is there ever?) but still a great selection of decals and/or body kits. Strengths of Need for Speed (original) - Single player (cheesy) but still cool story about working up your ranks.
But again that is just my opinion and you know what opinions are in common with. They released a PS2 version at the same time. It had everything but multiplayer because of the age it was released. For me Need for Speed Most Wanted (the original) was for me the pinnacle of the NFS Series. This game is a better pill to swallow if you lean towards liking the Burn-out games, less if coming from a Need for Speed gameplay point of This game is a better pill to swallow if you lean towards liking the Burn-out games, less if coming from a Need for Speed gameplay point of view. Overall, this game is stellar, and is worth buying for both the online aspects, and the single-player aspects aside. Third person, and first-person with just the road and no view this time around with the front view of your cars bumper. The game falls short though in a lackluster storyline, there is no real depth, and this time around there's only two views when driving. Whether, or not you're an experienced racer gamer, this game is meant for everyone and does well with its gorgeous scenery, the off-road ramps, and the games gameplay over all. The game this time around isn't more so a racing game for the casual racing game, but more so a game for anyone who wants to pick up a game for short too long bursts of gameplay. NFS: Most Wanted feels similar to Burnout, and has some Split Second multiplayer for those who are die-hard racing fans.
Reason being, is that firstly this game does right with making the multiplayer as wacky as possible, with mods such as "Takedown", "Highest-Jump", and "Racing", with other various mods. Coupled, with the high-speed adrenaline styled multiplayer. The game's single player may be short if all you do is chase after the "top-10" but, the real play value and the variety of areas to drive around is what gives this game literally limitless longevity. The game's single player may be short if all NFS: Most Wanted is a superb game that blends fun, and high octane action together seamlessly. NFS: Most Wanted is a superb game that blends fun, and high octane action together seamlessly.