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The eradication of the free roam mode is the most marked difference between NFS ProStreet and its predecessors. Drivers are this time confined to the track and are expected to behave like professionals. Improved features like clutch-cut and a less-touchy handbrake will help NFS Carbon drivers make the switch, but a noticeable slip in frame-rate in the unassisted 'King' driving mode reminds even Sunday drivers that the game is far from a simulation. Competition is comprised of organised race days which including top speed tracks, grip races, drifting and drag races. Players are tasked with autosculpting unique cars for different racing styles to maintain an advantage over the competition. Drifting has been tweaked to incorporate diligent clutch control and force players to work harder to earn points. Drag races include a pre-race burnout, wheelies, and plenty of smoke, while quick gear shifts and overheating engines push the difficulty towards the more technical end of the spectrum.

In terms of story, the Street King figureheads remain, ready to be dethroned by the player's up-start character and there are an abundance of competitions in which the player can earn their cash. However, anyone the least bit disinterested will be bored to tedium by the repetition between race days. Plus major financial set-backs due to buying the wrong car or splurging needlessly on parts my irritate some players. The peculiar race-day vibe will quickly become an irritation for anyone who cares little for theatrics. An incessant nasal voice continually hollers phrases like “remember to keep racing off the streets” and “hey, yo, like, yo” over the carnival PA to remind NFS Carbon drivers of their sins.

The online element is well integrated into the game this time around, more so than in the earlier NFS games. Player achievements are displayed on an online leaderboard as you progress through the game and win multiplayer races, while a blueprint sharing scoreboard ranks the best engineers according to how many players race with their design (which may earn you a sweet achievement). The official Xbox 360 Steering Wheel drives in perfect symbiosis with ProStreet's meandering tracks and its more responsive, less-touchy cars. Unlike Carbon, there is no need to sit over the wheel, fighting through wiggling tracks and traffic at ridiculous speeds. Here the focus is on tight gear shifts, clutch-catches and picking lines.

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