Need for Speed: Nitro (2009)

by Christopher June 21, 2022

written by Christopher June 21, 2022 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2009
Genres: Arcade, Racing
Platforms: Wii
Developers: EA Montreal
Publishers: Electronic Arts

Need for Speed: Nitro: Revving Up the Wii and Nintendo DS

Released in 2009, Need for Speed: Nitro is the fourteenth installment in the popular racing video game franchise Need for Speed. Published by Electronic Arts, it is the only game in the series to date that was not released for PC. Instead, it was developed exclusively for the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms.

Development and Release

Need for Speed: Nitro was developed by EA Montreal, a studio with prior experience developing Nintendo titles. However, the DS version was developed separately by Firebrand Games’ Florida studio. It was announced in January 2009 as part of a three-game announcement that also included Need for Speed: Shift and Need for Speed: World.

Gameplay

Need for Speed: Nitro features a variety of racing modes and challenges, including:

Circuit Races: Standard races where players compete to finish first.
Sprint Races: Short, straight-line races.
Drift Races: Races where players earn points by drifting their cars around corners.
Drag Races: Races where players compete to be the first to cross the finish line in a quarter-mile drag race.
Time Trials: Races against the clock.
Eliminator: A mode where the last-place car is eliminated each lap.

The game also features a variety of customization options, allowing players to tune their cars’ performance and appearance.

Wii Version

The Wii version of Need for Speed: Nitro takes advantage of the Wii Remote’s motion controls, allowing players to steer their cars by tilting the remote. The game also supports the Wii Wheel accessory for a more immersive racing experience.

Nintendo DS Version

The Nintendo DS version of Need for Speed: Nitro was developed separately from the Wii version by Firebrand Games. It features similar gameplay, but with some notable differences. For example, the DS version does not support motion controls and instead uses the traditional D-pad and buttons for steering.

Reception

Need for Speed: Nitro received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s fun and accessible gameplay, while others criticized its lack of innovation and repetitive tracks. The Wii version of the game received slightly higher scores than the DS version.

Legacy

Need for Speed: Nitro was not as critically or commercially successful as some other games in the Need for Speed franchise. However, it did provide a solid racing experience for Wii and Nintendo DS owners. An improved version of the DS edition of the game, Need for Speed: Nitro-X, was released for DSiWare in November 2010.

Conclusion

Need for Speed: Nitro is a fun and accessible racing game that provides a solid experience for Wii and Nintendo DS owners. While it may not be the most innovative or groundbreaking game in the Need for Speed franchise, it still offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping racing action.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.