Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed

Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed in the fifth an final game in the need for Speed series released on the original playstation (if you don't count the US releases of V-Rally). The game was released in the year of 2000 and also goes by the names of NFS: Porsche 2000 in the EU and NFS: Porsche in Asia. "Unlike other NFS titles, Porsche Unleashed centres on racing Porsche sports cars, with models ranging from 1950 to 2000. Unlike the previous four Need for Speed games, Porsche Unleashed was not released in Japan." The game bares little resemblence to the PC game released the following month after the ps1 release.

After watching the intro, I open up the longplay showing the Porsche History video that is unlocked right from the start. From here I then play through the Factory Driver mode which is a series of skill tests which you progress through to unlock some super cars for Single Race mode. Thankfully there are considerably fewer tests than in the PC version.

I then play through evolution mode starting the Classic era. This is where the main bulk of the game is played. Each era has 3 tournaments (3 classes) which are raced in order to gain money. the money is then spent on buying faster cars for the fasdter classes. Completing the Tournaments then unlocks the next era. But not so fast. Before moving to the other eras, I also complete the weekend races and Race track events. More money is earned here as well as unlocking additional trophies. The cars get more expensive and the races more difficult as we progress through each era. Money is also tight and I need to sell previously used cars in order to progress in a timely fashion.

It was evident playing through class 1 in the golden era that the cheaper cars are not going to cut it if you want to win. I have to block the whole time to get through the race and it took me a few attempts to get it right. So for the Modern era I try to use the fastest and cost effective cars to get through the events. Selling the cars after gets a good return anyway. After completing the three era modes, I show of a single race in the Chase mode. This is a poor mans hot persuit as you outrun a single cop. The tracks are interesting as all routes are open so you have a tiny amount of free roam option to make your escape. It is a shame that none of the modes have traffic enabled as it would have added a little something to the game. You currently just see the odd car in the Factory driver mode as an obstacle to avoid.

The game engine seems to be lacking compared to the previous couple of games. It's in low res mode and not a whole lot of light sourcing. A glow from the rear lights is about it. no headlights/beams. No Headcam view, although you do get a bumper cam. In bumper cam mode the frame rate almost doubles and is significantly smoother. It feels odd to play though as the physics model for the cars is more noticeable in this mode and feels os the camera slides and bounces around. I dont use the mode often in the video. The game seems to have a bug displaying the total money on the menu screen so it always looks significantly less than what you actually have. There are some weather effects in the game, but it more like an overlay as they have no visual effect on your car. The game has a varied sound track which differs in style between the 3 era's in evolution mode.

Completing the game seems a little anti climactic. You get the final video, but no automatic credit role. after completing the modern tournament there is a bonus you can collect at any time (one time). The amount differs depending on your game completion rating. I get it at after 100% completion and the amount received is possibly more than you can spend and at this point of no real use unless you want to buy every car for ...reasons.

00:00:00 Intro
00:03:11 Porsche History Video
00:05:45 Factory Driver Assignment 1: Simple Slalom
00:07:49 Factory Driver Assignment 2: S Curve Test
00:09:50 Factory Driver Assignment 3: Alpine Slalom
00:11:39 Factory Driver Assignment 4: Test Track
00:13:38 Factory Driver Assignment 5: Customer Demo
00:15:35 Factory Driver Assignment 6: Car Delivery
00:18:18 Factory Driver Assignment 7: Traction Test
00:19:59 Factory Driver Assignment 8: Beat the Time
00:22:20 Factory Driver Assignment 9: Test Course
00:24:50 Factory Driver Assignment 10: Time Trials
00:26:41 Factory Driver Assignment 11: Lighthouse Run
00:29:17 Factory Driver Assignment 12: Final Showdown

00:31:53 Classic Era:
00:35:39 Class 3 Tournament
00:53:22 Class 2 Tournament
01:09:17 Class 1 Tournament
01:24:51 Weekend Races: 396 Trophy
01:33:17 Weekend Races: 914 Trophy
01:42:55 Circuit Racing: 550 Spyder Cup

01:49:00 Golden Era
01:51:51 Class 3 Tournament
02:19:14 Class 2 Tournament
02:48:25 Class 1 Tournament
03:15:50 Weekend Races: 928 Trophy
03:22:52 Weekend Races: 924 Trophy
03:31:10 Weekend Races: 944 Trophy
03:37:55 Circuit Racing 917 Cup
03:44:17 Weekend Races: 959 Trophy

Part2:
00:00:00 Modern Era
00:05:05 Class 3 Tournament
00:37:19 Class 2 Tournament
01:10:18 Class 1 Tournament
01:43:13 Weekend Races: 911(993) Trophy
01:48:32 Weekend Races: Boxster Trophy
01:55:27 Weekend Races: 911(996) Trophy
02:03:50 Weekend Races: 968 Trophy
02:12:47 Circuit Racing GT3 Trophy
02:20:13 Circuit Racing GT2 Trophy
02:27:20 Circuit Racing GT1 Trophy
02:35:53 Single Race: Chase Mode
02:39:03 Credits